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
Sometimes neutral is all that the art aspires to be.  

****our take on the music is determined by us, and not the music.****

Exactly right.  And exactly the point that I've been making for over three years.  "Our take" on the music is usually a reflection of ourselves.  But our own individual take on the music is not the final arbiter of the music's ultimate value; after all we are clearly not clones of each other.  Perfect example: I can't for the life of me understand how the Jesse Cook clip can be felt to be anywhere near as "spectacular" (to use your definition) as any of the recent piano trio recordings.  I wish I could say I was "neutral" to it. To my sensibilities it is bland, derivative and (almost) totally pointless music.  Obviously, not to all.  But, that's just me and goes to your point.  
***** Sometimes neutral is all that the art aspires to be.******

Then, what would be the point of 'neutral' art?  Wrong again!!

Cheers
No, Rok, I am not wrong "again".  Art is many things and sometimes it is greater than some individuals' ability and capacity to understand it.  Even the "Great Unwashed" can't escape the inevitable result of not washing.

Frogman, not only am I into that clip, but Jesse Cook's music in general. What I don't understand about your statement is the fact that you have been most positive about Cuban music, and the title of that tune was "Havana"; it had the feel of Havana. I can picture a young Cuban girl, or couple dancing to that music in Havana.

You have raved about the Spanish influence of music in Cuba, but yet you find Jesse Cook bland, when he is presently the worlds leading exponent of the Spanish guitar, that totally befuddles me; that's a contradiction if there ever was one.

Are you saying the music of Cuba is pointless and bland.



Enjoy the music.


O-10, there is no contradiction.  

****Are you saying the music of Cuba is pointless and bland.****

I would hope that you are not serious with that question, because, surely, you must know that the answer is no.  I am glad you like Jesse a Cook and his music.  I find it to be pleasant enough; but, formulaic, highly produced  and, in spite of all the different influences, not a good representation of any of one them and not an interesting "fusion" (World Music) result.  Your question suggests that simply having the influences of Spanish music makes it good music; clearly not the case.  No need for argument.  You like it; I dont.  I look for something else in this type of music.