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
I agree.  It is impossible to even say what Ellington or Mingus is their best.

I was only poking the bear with my comments regarding sales being any type of barometer of best.

Where is Art Pepper plus 11?
Recently my Son-in-law asked me for one Jazz record to buy.  I said Kind of Blue without thinking, although it is not in my top 25 favorites. 

Everyone: Which Jazz records do you play most often?

My top five CDs is no particular order:

Marsalis -- Marsalis and Clapton play the blues

Mingus -- Oh Yeah

Ellington -- At Newport

Masekela -- Best of: Grazing in the grass

Gene Harris -- In His Hands


Tunes I play most often:

Coltrane -- My Favorite Things (mainly to hear McCoy)

Lester Bowie -- I only have eyes for you


Keeping in mind that Jelly Roll said Jazz was a way of playing music.

Cheers