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

Acman, we'll have to take a vote on those two versions of "Night In Tunisia", while they have almost the same personnel, one is better than the other.


Everybody that posts, votes on which version of "Night In Tunisia" is the best.
I like them both. Only "Live at Massey Hall" has Bud Powell. I think Al Haig is on Town Hall, hence the comment regarding "Bud ".

Just fooling around. :)
Actually, the personnel on each version of NIT is different enough that they will each have a very different feel; and they do.  On O-10’s clip it is Al Haig on piano and Curley Russell on bass as opposed to Bud and Mingus on Acman3’s.  I too like them both , each for different reasons; but overall I like the version with Bud and Mingus better.

First, I much prefer the way that the Massey Hall version was recorded.  It has a more distant perspective, but much better balanced whereas the other was recorded much more upclose and the drums overpower the horns; not as realistic.  Musically, the Massey Hall is slightly faster and the band sounds a little lighter and tighter overall.  The other sounds more “swingy” which I don’t think serves the Latin flavor of the tune as much.  On the other hand, the solos by both Bird and Dizzy on the version with Al Haig are incredible.  Bird’s solo break is a wonder.  Tough choice, aren’t we lucky?
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