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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
rok2id's avatar
rok2id
7,859 posts
 
The biggest drawback to most boxed sets with the word "Complete" in the title, is the endless 'alternate takes', and the stuff that was not meant to be released at the time of recording. Best to stick with 'the best of' or 'master tapes'

I just had to have the Decca stuff, so I will suffer through them with a smile on my face. :)

BTW, the notes writer on vol.9 said that Billie recorded few of what we know today as 'Jazz Classics'. He said most of her output was "Pop Potboilers" and "Standards". hmmmmm I never thought of her that way.

Cheers
rok2id's avatar
rok2id
7,859 posts
 
Today's Listen:

Art Tatum -- THE COMPLETE CAPITOL RECORDINGS VOL. ONE

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-6TBaZfVqLo

This guy is really a virtuoso!! But I think the Emperor in "Amadeus" was right about him, he plays tooo many notes. On the last four tunes, he is, mercifully, joined by Guitar and Bass. Much better.

Art Tatum -- THE ART TAUM SOLO MASTERPIECES VOL. ONE

And the flourishes just keep a coming! Couldn't get through to the end of this one. Just a little too much solo piano.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1SnJSHfMAxQ

I think he played more notes on this CD than Basie did in his entire life! I like him much better with a group.

But he is a seminal player, and way ahead of his time. And you cannot help but admire his ability, it's just that he plays so many runs, or embellishments, that it's hard to keep the song in your head. After the first few bars, he could be playing anything. And an entire CD of this gets old. But, I bet he would be wonderful to see live.

Cheers
alexatpos
1,252 posts
 
If I may join the conversation with small contribution. Album from Mal Waldron 'Left alone', her former pianist, from 1959. Here is the link, hop you will like it
http://youtu.be/E7lIffL3xaQ
alexatpos
1,252 posts
 
For a gentleman who said that 'Seems as if all the Best Jazz, has the word 'Blues' in the title '...this is a fine album from artist who never got recogniion...like so many in jazz, I guess...here is the link

http://youtu.be/8X4Tja54qLE
rok2id's avatar
rok2id
7,859 posts
 
Left Alone - Mal Waldron:

Great Music, Priceless Photos. Billie always seems to be leaning slightly forward when she sings. Ella leaned slightly backwards.

Thanks for the clip.

Cheers
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