Jazz for aficionados
Frogman, I would speculate that goes for everyone on this thread, but lately we seem to be able to get better recording quality. The CD's of the 100 best recordings of the 50's sound better than some of my records; it's a mixed bag, but I would venture to say that we all side with you because it's better than no record at all. |
This morning's spotlight is on "Gene Harris"; best known as the original leader of "The 3 Sounds". Wikipedia Gene Harris (September 1, 1933 in Benton Harbor, Michigan – January 16, 2000 in Boise, Idaho) was an American jazz pianist known for his warm sound and blues and gospel infused style that is known as soul jazz. (Disregard "Soul jazz") We don't need no stinkin labels. From 1956 to 1970, he played in The Three Sounds trio with bassist Andy Simpkins and drummer Bill Dowdy. During this time, The Three Sounds recorded regularly for Blue Note and Verve. Once his touch was added to familiar tunes, that made them special. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S0RCdSKogeI https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VyNL4T7JBpg https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gfNIVdnz1FQ |
Regarding Mosaic, as well as some other reissue companies, I tend to agree with o10. I have a few of the Mosaic LP box sets and I typically don't enjoy hearing 2-3 takes of one song in succession. That may be OK for one listen to pick out the differences. But for repeated listening over time I don't care for it. For me it would have been better if the original recording was presented in sequence, then offer any worthwhile outtakes at the end. But that is just one person's opinion. Otherwise, I've found the Mosaic sets highly recommendable. One other related point. For many artists, regardless of type of music, I'm content with one or two representative recordings. It is only artists I really enjoy that I've accumulated from maybe 5 to 25 or more albums. That preference limits my interest in most of the Mosaic catalog. I'm not a completist. ;^) |
When I was buying "Mosaic", I had more expendable cash; it's an entirely different story now. I know I promised a review of "Marseille" by Ahmad, but three versions of the same tune is a little bit much. I'm going back to what I stated previously, and stick to "Old" New music, if you can understand that. Now it's time for me to give my take on what Alex submitted. I've never heard of Don Sleet; he's a good musician, but the music was "Mundane" except for the bass on "Brooklyn Bridge"; the rest of the music was good, but not impresssive. Alex, don't let this slow down your submissions. |
Gene Harris: Good to see my main man get a little notice. To me, he is like Oscar Peterson, in that they make music that is never irritating and never gets tiresome after repeated listening. Always had a smile on his face. His music would put a smile on the listeners face. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VYbH4dnjCCE "Soul Jazz" was a term or label, used to imply that the music was too 'simple' and accessible to the masses, to be real jazz. Real Jazz had to be 'intellectual', esoteric, and could only be defined or critiqued by the performer. The noise makers brought the labels with them, to help ensure their success. A great Country and Western artist once said of Ray Charles, "He changed Country music to the point where I could sing it". The noise makers wanted to change Jazz to the point where they could play it, or at least be considered JAZZ players. Cheers |
