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
FYI, I am posting, as I always have, from my iPad.  It seems to me that, in this day and age, there should be enough compatibility built into computers and other devices to not have issues with Apple/YouTube.  Having said that, if anyone knows of something I can do at my end if, in fact, my iPad is generating some issue, let me know.
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I wrote my previous comments re Aaron Parks (not "Alan"; sorry) after listening to just two cuts.  Listened to the rest of the record last night.  I find Parks' music interesting and,  as Ghosthouse says, there is plenty of drama of a particular kind; subtle, quiet simmering and a little brooding.  I do find a similarity to Metheny's music, but without the unabashed "up" and "sun is rising" vibe of Metheny. Don't know anything about Parks' background, but he clearly studied Classical piano and I would bet he is a fan of the Minimalist composers.  The kind of jazz that, while an extension of, does not scream "I come out of the blues".  One of the stars of the show is Eric Harland on drums.  I like the role of the drums in this music; more than time keeper with a "duo" role with the piano.  I stil feel that there is a balance issue due to how the drums were recorded; up close vs the piano's slightly distant sound.  Thanks.  


Ghosthouse, I use the word "drama" to express excitement; something is happening that makes you want to move, you can feel the music. Sonny Clark seems to always have this element in his music, it is in constant motion, and often causes you to visualize something.


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


In this tune, titled "Search For The New Land" I can visualize someone using their hand for a visor, on a ship, searching for the new land. Modern dancers, choreographers, could really do a thing to this number.


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



Enjoy the music.
O - thanks for the links.  Seems like we are coming at "drama" with different expectations.  I listened to the Sonny Clark.  The playing is great - John C. just can't help himself being Coltrane ! can he??  :-) and there is something about trombone that just works so well in a jazz setting... thank you Curtis Fuller but that particular piece didn't hook me.  Much prefer the Lee Morgan "Search....".  It has a moody quality to it and draws me in.  Pretty certain you have mentioned this recording before.  Is the LM/SFTNL dramatic to me?  Yeah, maybe, I think so...more than the Sonny Clark but I still feel like I'm stretching to hear what you hear w/r to "drama".  That's not a shot at your examples.  How we hear is at least partly (maybe a big "partly")  dependent on our histories.  I gotta keep listening and when I find something that hits the spot, drama-wise I'll share.

Frogman - I found your comments about Invisible Cinema spot on.  We are hearing similar things in that recording (even to the extent I thought there was something not quite right about how the bass part was in the first and second tracks...maybe it's the drums that were bugging me!).  Gratified you spent time checking it out.  Aaron Parks was a "child phenom" and just coming into his own now.  Some helpful interviews and bio info on the web  Funny on your ECM comment.  Cinema was a Blue Note recording but his (latest?) Arborescence is on ECM.  Especially loved your point contrasting Metheny.  All in all, well articulated as were your  comments about Pasqua/Antisocial Club.

For me, both these recordings are getting a lot of listening time AND the artists have led me to other new music they are associated with.  Thank you both for your time, energy and helpful comments.