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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
 

"The Jazz Classics", are quite often short, but very profound stories about the age old "male, female" relationship. "Since I Fell For You", is just such a story.

"Since I Fell for You" is a jazz and pop standard. The blues ballad was composed by Buddy Johnson in 1945 and was first popularized by his sister, Ella Johnson, with Buddy Johnson and His Orchestra. The biggest hit version was recorded by Lenny Welch in 1963, reaching number four on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 chart.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U7xrQY_FLM4&feature=kp

This is the story of a young man who had a girl friend, and he was happy with his existence; that is, until he met the most beguiling and captivating woman he had ever laid eyes on; she loved him, and then she snubbed him.

Although he didn't know it, she was a "playgirl", the queen of hearts. She left the young man in an agony that he had never known before. Lenny Welch projects this to the extent I can feel his pain.

Without words, Lee Morgan tells the same story.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DdLtXuAlt6A

Musicians who don't understand the story behind the classics, should stay away from them and write their own music; that's my firm opinion.

Enjoy the music.

rok2id's avatar
rok2id
7,859 posts
 
O-10:

*****this is the first time you missed hitting a home run in regard to your recommendations*****

This is an outrage!!! How about a bases loaded double? :)

I have to have faith that The Lord is testing me for a greater purpose.

You need to listen to the Bey sisters instead of listening to / for Jazz Classics. Listen to the voices and the phrasing. Many, many 'Jazz Classics' were previously 'pop' or 'broadway' or even 'gospel' classics. Everyone plays music not written by themselves. Where would any genre be without that.

'Since I fell for You', is a great tune. Thank you Buddy Johnson!! Not Morgan nor Welch. Although all were good.

And why is it that, Morgan playing Johnson's tune is ok, but it's not ok when the Bey sister do it. And they Nailed it. More appealing to me than Morgan's version. No instrument can compare to the human voice, when it comes to expressing emotion. Think Ella!

You said it yourself, you were listening for the so called classics, instead of listening to the sisters. I stand by my recommendation. Play it again!

Cheers
rok2id's avatar
rok2id
7,859 posts
 
O-10:

Even better, think Billie and Nina.

Cheers
frogman
7,562 posts
 
****Musicians who don't understand the story behind the classics, should stay away from them and write their own music; that's my firm opinion.****

Couldn't agree more. Many of the great players made a point of not playing a tune until they knew the lyrics to the song. Of note, Dexter Gordon was known for "reciting" part of the lyrics as an intro to the tune.

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=cfmiRnPjLCA
orpheus10 OP
8,668 posts
 

Rok, since the CD was sitting on the player when I read your suggestion, it was easy to follow. "Sister Sadie" was as jazzy as Horace Silver intended it to be. That interplay between the sisters and brother was boss.

I really liked the scat singing on "The Swinging Preacher", maybe I'll join his church.

"Round Midnight" was the highlight of this CD, they nailed it by capturing the emotion someone feels around midnight when they're longing for their one true love.

I'm sure I would have enjoyed the Beys live, they have such a happy and joyous sound; I wouldn't even have a problem with the classics.

Enjoy the music.
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