Jazz for aficionados

So glad to see Joe Henderson lots of love here. Beautiful player! As I think about it, there are probably less than half a dozen players who hasn’t recorded as solo record I did not like; he is definitely one of them. For me, one of the things that I love about him and which makes him unique is that he played with a very modern and advanced harmonic vocabulary, but played it with a tone that did not come from the hard-edged and bright Coltrane sound approach. I can’t think of many like that even today. Joe Lovano is one.

pryso asked:

**** what is the most unusual instrument featured in a jazz recording? ****

Celeste? Bagpipes? Harpsichord? Puleeease!!!! That’s unusual?😄. How’s this for unusual?

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=-75nlrqEjWA

Given the examples previously given, some might question whether this can be called “jazz”. This is definitely jazz in my book. Moreover, I think that a record that dedicates a tune to Cannonball Adderly (“Cannon”) by a musician who Miles once said was his biggest influence could probably pretty safely be called jazz...if one cares.

The term “genius” is probably used way too loosely. Hermeto Pascoal was an amazing musical genius. Composer, bandleader and multi-strumentalist on guitars, keys, flutes, saxophones, brass and just about anything that he could get a hold of, he was the idol of the wave of great Brazilian artists who worked with prominent American jazz artists during the 70’s and 80’s (Airto, Flora Purim, Milton Nascimento, Elis Regina, David Amaro). Incredible musician. Way out there at times, but amazing. This record is quite a ride; by one of the most interesting and unusual musicians ever. Think “Herbie Mann goes for a hike with Frank Zappa in the Brazilian jungle”:

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=2ptOJ33u1bQ

Hey frog, thanks for commenting.  But while I didn't listen all the way through either of your links I couldn't identify any particular unusual instrument.  However comments posted under the first one did say Pascoal played a "live pig" in one concert.  I just didn't hear any piggy squeals here. ;^)

Pryso, Listen again to the link and listen for pig noises. Very strange indeed! I am going to side with Rok's voice in my head on this one. 

It does make one wonder, "How do you come up with something like that?"

A pig’s squeal is centered roughly around 4,000 HZ (for real; love the internet) Hmmmm!......I think it may be time for new tubes in your line stage 😉. Seriously, like acman3 said, listen again; at least for the 60 seconds. It’s worth it. Try it again:

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=-75nlrqEjWA

**** "How do you come up with something like that?" ****

Who knows? However, one has to understand the culture to get it.   And I think part of the answer may be found in why Miles said what he said about Hermeto and what we know about Miles. IOW, a no boundaries, “sky’s the limit” approach to the creative process. There are, in fact, some people on this planet that hear music, or the potential for music, in just about any and every sound and thing imaginable; and have an extremely uncompromising attitude about this idea and their art in general. Hermeto is one of the few that can also back up their way-out-there notions with extreme ability and skill in the conventional.

Btw, I went to an Hermeto concert back in the 80’s here in NYC. I heard some of the most unbelievably virtuosic and intricate compositions for a “jazz” band imaginable. Right off the bat one could tell that Hermeto was annoyed that there were some in the audience who weren’t listening and were there just to socialize. Half way through the third tune he waved the band out and they walked off the stage. I didn’t blame them.

For anyone interested in learning about this very unusual musician:

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=9hb_Q3VCViI

Well, I guess it helps if you know what you're listening for.  Yes I heard the oinks and grunts first time but never supposed it might be a piglet.  And the first song was a couple minutes in before I read the comments to see the pig reference.  So I got it, I just didn't know what I got! ;^)

Anyway, I concede that should win the prize for most unusual instrument.

frog your follow up with the video bio on Hermeto reminded me of one of my favored rock musicians, someone that admittedly not that many other rock fans appreciate.  The Captain hisself, plus band of course -

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c0uqyjGuxyA