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

Rok, you hit upon my favorite tune by my favorite male vocalist, his songs come to life; sometimes they're like slices of my life, and at other times they bring back memories. One of his funniest tunes was "Street Hustlers Blues"; that corner he sang about, was even the same when I passed it after driving to "Chi Town" in my brand new "Duece".

Milt Jackson is one of the few artists who are so select that I can count them on one hand, and still have fingers left; they're the ones I can't find a bad LP or CD by in my collection. He takes on more different colors than a chameleon; that's why so many people like to record with him, he makes whoever he records with sound better.

While I like that "ethereal" sound of the MJQ, this is the first time I realized that's what it was. That ethereal sound is the reason they've been chosen for many movie soundtracks.

Lately, I'm enjoying my collection a lot more; especially after being forced to listen to the current crop of jazz musicians for days on end, on FM radio; it sure feels good being back to normal.

Enjoy the music.
O-10:
****when I passed it after driving to "Chi Town" in my brand new "Duece".*****

Are you speaking of the iconic "Duece and a Quarter? :)

In the CDP today:

Ellington / Basie -- FIRST TIME! THE COUNT MEETS THE DUKE

The Orchestras of Duke Ellington and Count Basie playing together. That's all an aficionado needs to know.

Maynard Ferguson -- CONQUISTADOR
Everyone says it 'commerical'. I say, what does that mean, and, so what? Love it. Any would be trumpet player would. The only recording I have ever thought, from a distance, was a live band. And from Sony speakers sold in the PX.

THE GOSPEL AT COLONUS
Great Gospel singing. the Five Blind Boys are awesome.

Playing For Change
great songs and fascinating rhythms. A brilliant concept.

Fairfield Four -- STANDING IN THE SAFETY ZONE
The best recorded sound ever? Great Gospel singing.

Lari Siffre -- SO STRONG
Great songs with meaning. No weak tracks.

Cheers
Thanks for the clips, Acman3. What a loss, and what a beautiful player he was! One of my very favorites with a very individualistic approach to the role of the bass player. The clip with Gary Foster was a revelation for me; thanks for that. Foster has always been one of my favorite West Coast alto players and I had never heard him on tenor. Great on tenor as well and to say that he has listened to a lot of Stan Getz would be an understatement; striking similarity.

Regards.