Jazz for aficionados

O-10:

*****Rok, my post was meant to inform, and criticize Ken Burns in regard to us. While programs like Ken Burns are excellent for many others, I feel we are far too advanced for those types of programs******

I disagree. I liked it for it's historical value. Just like Nica's book. Burns is often criticized, mostly by folks that feel their favorite players / tunes were omitted, or given short riff. You can, could've / should've anything to death. It was a brilliant series. Also a gift from my son.

I have a few of the CDs. Guys like Sidney Bechet, I felt the sound quality would be the best avaliable for the old stuff.

I do realize that all the other folks on this thread are far more 'advanced' than I am, concerning Jazz. However, they are not so advanced, as to be able to dismiss one of the premier film makers of this era.

Burns did a great service to Jazz and Jazz fans. The Jazz scene is not exactly running over with supportive media the quality of Burns' documentary.

He best work is probably THE CIVIL WAR. I listen to that soundtrack on CD often.

He is a relative of the Poet, Robert Burns. I served with an Officer named Burns in Germany, who was also a decendant of Robert Burns. The similarity was stunning.

Cheers

O-10:

****Charlie Ventura is apparently new to all of us, and I like his "musical voice". Our chances are better for finding something else by him when we go on a combined search on you tube.*****

Following your orders, I did search him out and listened to a lot of his stuff. It was all Ok. Just didn't grab my attention. Besides all the stuff seemed to be taken directly from an LP. Lots of clicks and pops. The recordings did show the age in which they were recorded. Sounded muffled. Like the juke box playing in a 1940's film-noir, grade B movie. Reminded me of my old Dual 1229Q. Where is my Burwen? :)

I don't understand why everyone is going Gaga over Ventura, and no one had anything good to say about Andy Bey and the Sisters. A huge step up, in my, less advanced opinion.

Cheers

*****Listening, hearing, and sharing what you heard with us, all go together; from now on, say it with a musical post, and then I'll know what you're talking about*******

Good point. I don't listen to just Jazz. This is my latest listen. Don't listen to this one late at night when all alone. Another of the Delta Greats. Lyon Mississippi.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NdgrQoZHnNY

Cheers

Rok, I appreciate your honesty; if ken Burns was a gift from my son, I would cherish it to death. Nica's book is not in the same category.

"Charlie Ventura": he answered many of our personal questions in regard to how advanced we are in "Modern Jazz". Frogman will have to answer your question in regard to Charlie compared to Andy Bey and the Sisters, he has a way with words.

While Delta Blues is not, nor ever has been "my Thing", I'll give "Son House" a listen.

Music is a cultural, social, and economic expression; that is most apparent when you examine the music on this forum. I'm the city, primarily St. Louis and Chicago; a Chicago that no longer exists, but since I lived it, it still exists in my memory.

I just realized how much my last post was a personal expression, as opposed to one that speaks for others who're participating in this thread, because "advanced" was in reference to modern jazz exclusively. Jazz from a historical point of view, is irrelevant to me at this stage. My primary objective is to increase my collection, and that's become rather difficult.

Enjoy the music.

O-10:

***** Jazz from a historical point of view, is irrelevant to me at this stage. My primary objective is to increase my collection, and that's become rather difficult.*****

I am just the opposite. I cannot seperate the music from the history surrounding it. I always marveled at the British Bands trying to sing the Blues. They didn't have a clue. It wasn't their culture. I guess some music travels, and some does not.

I think part of the reason I don't care for the latest Jazz, is because I don't relate to the players. And that applies to all genres. I also have an age bias. Musicians younger than I am, I have a problem accepting them. Gladys and Aretha can school me, but Beyonce is just mouthing words. :) Classical is excepted, because the players aren't doing the talking, the composer is.

I aim to increase my collection also, but by finding gems I missed. When I think that so many of my adult years were spent outside of the country, I missed a lot. The Bey Sisters being a prime example. Too bad they only made two albums. I think I will have an easier time finding gems than you will finding good new stuff. :(

BTW, I took your use of the word 'advanced' to mean the degree to which folks on this thread appreciated and understood Jazz. In that sense, I defer to you all. I am still a rookie.

Cheers