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
"None of us can comprehend how important a jazz musicians music is to him; everything else is secondary."

"I think Eric sounds best as sideman; that’s because a concentrated dose of Eric is more than I can handle."

To the above: WELL SAID.

Dolphy’s dedication to his craft came out so clearly in that documentary. I admire his almost "monastic" commitment.

Spent some time today with his "Out to Lunch"; also a release called, "In the Blues". Dolphy front and center on both and I confess not getting through all of them. BUT, I feel like there is something "there" for me and if I listen long enough I just might "get it". So do a little at a time. Go back repeatedly. Hopefully something starts to stick and things begin to unfold. I love the tone of his bass clarinet. What a great, under-utilized instrument for jazz. Prefer it over sax (baritone sax a distant second) but for me as a complete novice, his flute playing is more accessible.

Somehow Dolphy reminds me of Stravinsky/Schoenberg/Webern...very angular compositions; "post-romantic" if be-bop can be considered "romantic".  I’ll defer to the truly educated "musicologists", of course.

You are welcome on the documentary. Very pleased someone else benefited from it.






Speaking of the "bass Clarinet", bought this album "Kalenia" by Oran Etkin that has two of my favorite instruments; bass clarinet, and balaphon, a West African instrument.

This CD is so unusual that it takes more than one listen to get into it, but it's well worth it. Here's Oran Etkin;


      https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rocYxIkcA4s


Enjoy the music.

I've noticed that Eric sounds best as a sideman to me. There are a number of musicians I liked very much on other records led by someone else. On baritone sax there is Pepper Adams with Donald Byrd, and also with Mingus, who was absolutely fantastic; but I don't have the same opinion of albums where he led.

That is also true for Eric; I liked him with Mingus, and he also has blown some brilliant solos with other musicians such as Oliver Nelson on "Blues And The Abstract Truth". He blows alto, and flute on "Stolen Moments", one of the most beautiful tunes in all of jazz.  Eric's flute solo puts this tune over the top.


  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RbaGDDbpcQ4


It was so unfortunate and tragic, what happened in Germany, just when all was going to come together for Eric Dolphy.



Enjoy the music.