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
o10, it wasn't my intent to "fault" her performance of "Cry Me A River" so much as to offer the comment that the presentation reminded me of a Bond theme song, for example Shirley Bassey.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6D1nK7q2i8I
Now, concerning this discussion comparing SE with KOB.

It’s one thing to talk about a given album’s rating after the release. I didn’t research SE’s Downbeat rating for example, or any others, but I can believe SE was very well received.

However it is a different matter to judge any recording as being considered a "classic". I think most might agree that requires the test of time.

With that thought there are two jazz albums which stand out above the others as having received both critical acclaim and broad popularity sufficient to be called classics -- KOB and Take Five. Note this is not saying they are the "best" jazz albums ever, but two which met both elements of classification. SE has maintained some popularity but comes up a little short in this respect.

On a personal level I will admit that the continued popularity for KOB does surprise me somewhat. I’ve loved it since buying my first copy in 1960. But it is out of the mainstream of what is generally considered to be popular jazz. It’s not funky, doesn’t include a driving beat or something make the listener want to get up and dance. But it really is like an onion; so many layers to be pealed away and invite deeper exploration.

Just my perspective.  Further discussion welcomed as always.