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
Rok, I think you are either misrepresenting or misinterpreting what Duke said.

“There are simply two kinds of music, good music and the other kind”.

What he meant by that comment is that there is good and bad music in any genre or style. Duke was genre-neutral and much of his music reflected that.

Think about it. If that is not what he meant (as universally recognized), what would be the point of making the comment? That there is music of good quality and of bad quality is obvious. The salient point is that music is to be judged by its quality and one’s judgment of it shouldn’t be influenced by what genre the music is. The idea that “With some genres, it’s all “the other kind” is not supported by Duke’s comment. In my opinion, it’s just plain silly.


Alex, generally speaking, I like deeper sounds and also soaring sounds like Miles' trumpet. I heard most of what has been posted, heard it a long time ago. I even used to like Ben Webster and Ella/Pass duo, as an example. 
frog, I note no one yet replied to your question on Monk.  I don't have that album, I was just searching YT for another solo recording.

Anyway, I assume take 1 was numbered thus because it was recorded first.  It seemed to me that Monk lost the beat a couple of times in both takes.  To my ear that was different than his intended variations in timing.

If forced to choose I'll take #1.  The improvisation simply felt better, it was presented with a better "flow" for me.

Regarding the general discussions about changing likes, I've experienced quite a bit of that over the years.  Some of the fusion jazz that I once enjoyed is now boring for example.  One reason for that is it is a rare inclusion of electric piano that I now enjoy so that eliminated a fair number of recordings.  As I've suggested here before, over time I have learned to appreciate some music which at one time I wouldn't have bothered with.  At the same time, some old favorites (mainly rock) no longer hold their appeal.

To offer a specific example of my "growth" in changing taste, I bought this album shortly after it was released because there was so much discussion and praise for it.  Upon the first couple of listens I wondered WTF!  But over time I learned to appreciate the (then) newer direction and even enjoy it.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=71iR0kECPMU&list=PLF592AEB662C84871 

*****What he meant by that comment is that there is good and bad music in any genre or style. Duke was genre-neutral and much of his music reflected that. *****

I understand that perfectly, I am just saying that IMO, some genres have nothing good to offer at all.

There is no good Rap. No good metal.  No good hip-hop, And very little Good Rock.

Not in conflict with what the Duke said.

Cheers

Btw, Rock is not Rock and Roll. Rock is mostly drug induced noise. Not only is it hard to listen to, it’s also hard to watch.

Cheers