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
I think it was the Car Show. The guys injected a lot of humour into the show and seemed to have a knowledge of almost every make and model car and yes there was a question and answer segment.
Fantastic article, pryso; thanks for that.

I love Dexter Gordon’s playing. He was my first favorite tenor player. The article does a great job of explaining his importance. I heard him live at the Village Vanguard a few times back in the 80’s when he made his big comeback and return from Europe. Like some of Art Pepper’s late recordings I find his playing toward the end of his career to be almost painful to listen to. The ravages of practically lifelong drug and alcohol abuse. I remember the last time I heard him that he sounded like he looked and acted...bombed. The huge sound and soulfulness was there (mostly), but playing so behind the rhythm that it was uncomfortable. It was kind of sad because it was so obvious that the man had a major problem. The “Body And Soul” movie clip is a good example of this.  In his prime, he was amazing:

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=tzcl454jdhI&t=0s&index=2&list=PLF2E1AC12D0827B26

Here’s a “Body And Soul” from the same period (1962):

https://m.youtube.com/watch