Jazz for aficionados


Jazz for aficionados

I'm going to review records in my collection, and you'll be able to decide if they're worthy of your collection. These records are what I consider "must haves" for any jazz aficionado, and would be found in their collections. I wont review any record that's not on CD, nor will I review any record if the CD is markedly inferior. Fortunately, I only found 1 case where the CD was markedly inferior to the record.

Our first album is "Moanin" by Art Blakey and The Jazz Messengers. We have Lee Morgan , trumpet; Benney Golson, tenor sax; Bobby Timmons, piano; Jymie merrit, bass; Art Blakey, drums.

The title tune "Moanin" is by Bobby Timmons, it conveys the emotion of the title like no other tune I've ever heard, even better than any words could ever convey. This music pictures a person whose down to his last nickel, and all he can do is "moan".

"Along Came Betty" is a tune by Benny Golson, it reminds me of a Betty I once knew. She was gorgeous with a jazzy personality, and she moved smooth and easy, just like this tune. Somebody find me a time machine! Maybe you knew a Betty.

While the rest of the music is just fine, those are my favorite tunes. Why don't you share your, "must have" jazz albums with us.

Enjoy the music.
orpheus10
Today's Playlist:

Keith Jarrett -- AT THE DEER HEAD INN
with/Peacock and Motian

The Inn is in his hometown of Allentown,PA and site of his first Jazz gig. This is 30 years later.
Not his usual quasi-classical recital type thing. Just Jazz. Great tunes and playing. The crowd adds to the ambiance.

Jarrett hums along as he plays, but it is not obtrusive at all. I think it's a positive. It's amazing how no matter how far out his solos get, the melody is still there. I love that. "Basin Street Blues" was my favorite.

Rachelle Ferrell -- FIRST INSTRUMENT

AWESOME!! Another 'discovery' that has been on my shelf forever. This is one you have to hear. The usual adjectives don't do it justice.

Good tune selection and outstanding support. Not a weak track or filler in sight.

On the last tune, 'Autumn Leaves', she is joined by Wayne Shorter, Michel Petrucciani and Stanely Clarke. On CD it was spellbinding, so I looked for a possible youtube of the performance. Here it is.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u34fj0fdFDM

The CDs share two tunes. "Bye Bye Blackbird" and "You don't know what Love is". Comparing the two performances / interpretations just demostrates the unlimited potential of Jazz Improvisation.

Cheers
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I saw Monty Alexander about 30 years ago at the Vine Street Bar & Grill in Hollywood. Up until that time, I had never heard of him. It was a great show. Today while listening to Pandora, this swinging piano came on...I went over to my stereo to see who it was. It was Monty Alexander playing 'Call Me Irresponsible' from his Echoes of Jilly's album. I had forgotten how good this cat is.
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Listened to these today, along with The Oscar Peterson Trio "LIVE AT THE BLUE NOTE".

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uiHS8Hf7Tb4

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ELno08Zg42g

Agree with the comments about Monty Alexander. I have Monty Alexander's "MY AMERICA".

Cheers

Cheers
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Whoa! A blast from the past! While going through my cd's I came across 'Flute Souffle' by Bobby Jaspar and Herbie Mann. Oh man, I haven't listened to this cd in almost 20 years. I've got to put it back in the rotation. I'd forgotten how good this cd is.
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Nice record! I listened to a couple of things from it on Youtube. It's a new to me as is Bobby Jaspar who I had heard about but never heard any of his recordings; nice tenor player. I have never been a huge Herbie Mann fan but this could change that. Thanks for sharing. If you like jazz flute this is a classic: "Flute Talk" with Sam Most and Joe Farrell (my favorite jazz flute player). On this cut they play alto flutes.

http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=lybF3333Abo