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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
orpheus10 OP
8,668 posts
 

Rok, I just received Ahmads album with Othello on steel drums; it was recorded in 98, and I saw them in Chicago in the early 80's, and I was hoping to duplicate that experience. Although this CD doesn't even come close to that night in Chicago, it's OK; but I don't want a CD that's just OK, all of those OK CD's are going on the market.

You must take into consideration that both men were approximately 20 years younger, and they were on fire in Chicago. As we get older we lose whatever we had when we were younger, and musicians are no different; that's why Ahmad's best work is behind him, but I'm sure he's still very entertaining on a live set.

Mary Lou Williams is the only artist I can think of who seemed to retain every thing all the way up to the end.



Enjoy the music.
rok2id's avatar
rok2id
7,859 posts
 
The Jamal CD 'Nature The Essence Part 3' was recorded in 1997/98.

I suggest you trust the guys that review Jazz for a living.  Find one with similar taste as your own and buy what they say is 'must have'.  At least that will give you a place to look on you-tube.

Scott Yanow is my review guru.   Just make sure you understand that they will praise certain recordings in all Jazz styles.   So, when he says a certain CD by Ornette Coleman is a 'must have', I just smile and turn the page.

A band has to be pretty awful not to sound good 'live'.  In many cases it's not the music, but the atmosphere / women,  that cloud the memories.   They don't sound as good as you remember, because they probably never did.

Cheers

Listening to McCoy Tyner tonight.  SAMA LAYUCA and 4 X 4.

Cheers
jafant's avatar
jafant
20,535 posts
 
Al DiMeola
orpheus10 OP
8,668 posts
 

I bought that record "Sama Layuca" about the time it came out, and proceeded to play it to death.

I have observed a regrettable fact; when your favorite sideman is the leader on a record, it doesn't come out as well as you would expect; even when he has top personnel with him.

"Benny Golson and the Philadelphians" with Lee Morgan, Ray Bryant, Percy Heath on Bass, and Philly Joe Jones on drums; has to be a good record; right? But it's just OK.

If Blakey had led the same group of men, it would have been out of sight. My point is; you got leaders and followers, when they switch positions, things just don't work out as well.

Another example is Pepper Adams, the great baritone sax man, who was dynamite with Mingus or Donald Byrd; doesn't come off as well when he's the leader. Don't know why not, such is life.


Enjoy the music.
markmendenhall
234 posts
 
Jazz Samba 

Verve 1962

Stan Getz and Charlie Byrd

Wouldn't be surprised if Jerry and Bob weren't influenced by this recording.  Cooler than the other side of the pillow on a hot night.  

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