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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
pryso
1,947 posts
 
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.  ;^)
orpheus10 OP
8,668 posts
 

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.




rok2id's avatar
rok2id
7,859 posts
 
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


pryso
1,947 posts
 
One further thought on "Mosaic", except this time the tune, not the label.

Any person who considers themself a jazz aficionado should be able to identify this group in just a few seconds, if not the tune itself. It came on my FM jazz station as I was driving home from the dentist this morning, so that inspired me to share it.  Unmistakable! 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pzfURZdmkx8
rok2id's avatar
rok2id
7,859 posts
 
Messengers:

Great group and concept.   I just wish Blakey would  stick to keeping time.   For the life of me, I cannot hear the connection between drum solos and the tunes being played.

Cheers

BTW, I completely agree with the 'alternate take' sentiments.   I have a box set by Monk, 4 CDs, and I think they play just a few tunes over and over.  Of course Monk seemed to play the same songs on all his albums.

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