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
#7 "Pio Mentiroso". A "guaracha".  Guaracha is a style characterized by a typically faster tempo than most other Cuban music styles.  It gained popularity in Cuban theater productions and is notable for the "dialogue" between the vocal soloist and the chorus.  The themes of the songs are usually of a light and happy nature and it should be noted that in this "dialogue" the soloist typically improvises his lyrics.

Counter to the guaracha's typically "happy" feeling, it is particularly  interesting to note the role that Cuban musical theater and the guaracha had in the emancipation of slaves in Cuba.  Both the songs and it's companion dance often made political commentary criticizing the establishment's attitude towards slavery.

Frogman, if spirituals, blues and jazz have an African connection, we should have those equivalents in Haiti, Cuba, and Salvador Brazil; could you give examples of them?

Enjoy the music.

Acman, I appreciated your contribution; not only was it informative, but it was an enjoyable read as well. I'll find some more music to compliment it.

Enjoy the music.

Frogman, after reading your post, I feel like I'm ready to start my own band playing Cuban music; one would think you were a Cuban musician. I like the way Cuban music is coming to the forefront and I hope this continues.

Enjoy the music.
*****O-10: we better be careful. I think The Frogman is about to go professorial on us.******

What did I say, O-10?? What did I say!?!?!

Speaking of understatement.

Cheers