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

Question for The Frogman:

I am listening to Handel's Water Music done by 'The Akademie fur Alte Musik Berlin'.

There are 23 players, but no Conductor.  Why is that?   How big does a group have to be before a conductor is required?

Thanks

Cheers

rok, no doubt frogman can give a more complete answer.  But I'll share a recent experience.

Friday evening I attended a concert by The Academy of Saint Martin In The Fields (a top level chamber orchestra for those who don't listen to classical music).  The famed violinist Joshua Bell is now music director, replacing Sir Neville Marriner.  Bell performed as first violinist and did in fact conduct from his chair there.  Not the usual direction through each piece as a traditional conductor would do but directing the downbeat and stops with his bow.  If other directions were existent perhaps frog can suggest those.

Whether duo, trio, quartet, etc. up to chamber orchestras (maybe 30 some members) someone must be designated to give minimal directions, even if it is simply a nod of the head.

Saint Martin in the Fields is a great group.   Started by renegades I understand.  I also have them doing Water / Fireworks.  With Marriner.

Thanks for the info.

Cheers

frogman
Check out Hancock's Fat Albert Rotunda if you don't have it. Same time period,similar lineup.
I enjoyed Eddie Daniels clips. I am just getting into his music waiting for 2 cds of his I ordered from AmazoN. Excellent tone,technique and good improviser. Was not aware he played flute. Really nice rendition of Emily. I don't usually like flute playing in jazz context but he's fine.

acman3
I could never forget about Joe Henderson one of my favorite tenor players. A great composer and improviser. And Woody Shaw also great player who may be a little underrated. Tragic life and end.

nsp, I tried to correct your name in my prior reply on the Scorpio pressings but I see "spell correct" did me in again.

Anyway, if you're willing to check them out I thought I should save you some time by identifying the three specific albums in question.  So, Dolphy's "Out To Lunch" (BN 4163), Rollins' "Newk's Time" (BN 4001), and Griffin's "The Congregation" (BN 1580) are the ones I curious about recording quality, particularly if you have Scorpios.

Thanks to you or anyone who can comment on this.