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
nsp, yes he was.  The Four Brothers consisted of Stan Getz, Zoot Sims, Herbie Steward and Serge Chaloff.  Unusual saxophone section in that it was three tenors and a baritone (no alto).  All except Herbie Steward has been discussed here and all played in a generally similar style; Lester Young influence with that that light vibrato at the end of phrases.  Here’s a possible little mystery.  Two different downloads of the same 1950 recording.  The second (with better sound quality...not a hint 🤔) is noticeably faster and a full half step higher in pitch (gotta love analog!).  Which do you think feels correct? 

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=QHkdPQWG7fk

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=znQ6bCQhcc0

Here’s something did Steward forty years later (1992) showing a move toward a somewhat more modern style with a little more edge in the tone:

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=X8oHMZIuUyk

pryso, as you may know, I like big bands a lot.  That Jones/Lewis is a favorite and that is Thad Jones’ best known composition.  Beautiful tune.  When I saw the link to you San Diego jazz station my mind went to Newark’s Jazz88,  WBGO 88.3.  A treasure of a jazz station it is another worth checking out on line.

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=F1jTqWLrzjI


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Hey folks, it's Good Friday so I'm thinking something spiritual would be appropriate.  Then, forgive me, I'm still in the mood for some trombone -

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a6s0cjSUDJE

And my favorite, which I posted once before, but it bares repeating -

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EUDBBUPOKbc