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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
alexatpos
1,249 posts
 
This trumpet player recorded three albums with Mingus: A modern jazz symposium, East coasting and Tijuana moods
  
'Their association came to an abrupt end after a violent argument, which caused the trumpeter to break his horn into pieces and leave the music business.'
 When “Tijuana Moods” was finally issued in 1962, a humbled Mingus wrote;' Not only does Clarence Shaw have a beautiful tone and beautiful ideas, but he is creative and original and plays like no other trumpet man…[He] probably would have become as famous as any other so-called jazz players if this record had been issued six years earlier when it was recorded.'
Gene Shaw quintet 'Breakthrough'from 1962. his first album (of three) he made as a leader
https://youtu.be/hDycQoNNVU8?list=PLyHn3f7-9IUJSqqqy2v3JtIQU5ZrVxmvF

more about him:http://www.jazzhistoryonline.com/Gene_Shaw_in_Chicago.html



orpheus10 OP
8,668 posts
 

Is Mingus volatile or what? I'm going to give that music a serious listen.
ghosthouse's avatar
ghosthouse
4,330 posts
 
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X9MswAKmwvw&ab_channel=AndySummers-Topic

Well known, well-covered Mingus piece composed while in a less volatile, more reflective mood, I suppose.  Hope you enjoy this version.

I did read from one his band members (can't recall who) that he'd get PO'd at someone and in live performance and without notice, change up the key a song had to be played in.  Select the new key specifically to force some difficult and stressful mad scramble transposing (on top of the improvisation)!
orpheus10 OP
8,668 posts
 

Alex, the very first thing that impressed me about Clarence Shaw's record was the cover; a picture of urban decay; that means he has consideration for those at the bottom.

I can't quite explain it, but there is something about the music that sounds like Chicago; it's hip, classic jazz, that rings of the South Side. (that was when there was only one "South Side", and that was the South Side of Chicago, even Al Capone was headquartered on the South Side in much earlier times)

This music was made for settling back into your favorite chair, and just letting the music absorb you. That trumpet is so smooth and unpretentious, while the accompanying musicians blend in perfectly; I hope this album is still available.


orpheus10 OP
8,668 posts
 

Ghosthouse, this is the first time I heard someone other than Mingus play "Goodbye Porkpie Hat". This captures the spirit of sadly missing "Porkpie Hat".
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