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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
frogman
7,565 posts
 
Even worse than loneliness is to not recognize who one’s true friends really are; all the while looking in the wrong places.

More Kurt Weill:

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=JXtY_APMKWA
rok2id's avatar
rok2id
7,859 posts
 

Gene Harris:


Another great one.    Oscar Class.


Cheers

frogman
7,565 posts
 
Thanks for the Getz/Tjader recommendation, pjw.  I do have that record and it’s a good one.  Besides the great playing, it has always been interesting to me because the opening cut “Ginza Samba” is kind of a preview of what would be the focus of Getz’ recordings beginning a year or two after that recording date.  As you know, he would do a lot to bring the sound of Brazilian music to Jazz audiences.  Beautiful player.  I could name several favorite Getz records in return, but I suspect you have them all.  So, here’s two things by him that are less known and might be interesting; one, an oddity (for Getz).  

I love this record by Abbey Lincoln.  I find her singing to be a bit of an acquired taste, but love the honesty and absence of affectation in her voice.  Getz as a sideman is wonderful as always:

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=9MQotWj8GZ4&t=0s&list=PLkaK5DhzmyNmqcem4wEBmPZVjVl3lYKdE&i...

The oddity: I came across this by accident.  I read a review years ago that mentioned that Getz was featured on this record by “Huey Lewis and The News” (!!!) and I had to check it out out of sheer curiosity.  I could not imagine Getz playing in this kind of setting.  He sounds great!

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=WweW3A2GMdc
nsp
654 posts
 
frogmanIt took me several listens but I got it. K Weill's is conveying the "essence" or mood/feel of the song through his interpretation.You never said it was the "best" and also hinted at his limitations.
It's not easy to get past the age of the recording, his limited singing abiluuty and his accent.Obviously  orpheus10 could not. It's his loss .
orpheus10 OP
8,668 posts
 

Mary Lou Williams;


          https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mary_Lou_Williams


Rok, I would like for you to focus on her early years; she taught herself to play piano, I don't know where we read this, but her mother would not allow professional lessons. There is a special reason that I mention this.

We did not discover her until a couple of years ago, that was 2016. I didn't bother with her music because she predated "Bird"; therefore she could not be hip. I most certainly was not into the musicians of her generation. All the assumptions I made about Mary Lou Williams were wrong; no matter how late a mistake is corrected, it's better late than never.

Now, I just can't get enough of her music; although I put her music down for awhile, I've picked it back up. Almost every artist I can think of is a little like some other artist, or uses a similar riff or something, but she's so unique as not to be like anyone, and the fact that her music is still "cool", is really amazing.

I think the fact that her mother forbade anyone else to teach her music, established this individuality.

Rok, why don't you peruse your collection, and post some favorites, and then I'll do likewise; besides, the jazz queen of Croatia wants to hear some of your music.
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