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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
nsp
654 posts
 
pjw
It's refreshing to hear you say you want to learn more about how to listen to jazz and are thinking of turning to books for help. I too reached this point many years ago and did that.
I believed this reading and studying enhanced my jazz listening experience and believe me when I say I also have a long way to go .
Give me a day or so and I will mention some book titles  you may be interested in.
I know that even if someone is not a musician you CAN increase  awareness and enjoyment of the listening experience.
mary_jo
1,525 posts
 
Thank you nsp, you are very kind, I appreciate it. Will take a look.
nsp
654 posts
 
frogmanI enjoyed the Lester Young cut you posted on 10/19 where he barely txouched on the melody. I would like to obtain/be exposed to more of his music as he is an important player who influenced many others who emerged in the bebop era.But I recently purchased a You ng date from the 40's with terrible sound (probably transferred from a scratched-up 78rpm disc).Also considering his declining health in the 50's i don't want to purchase something where he was in mediocre form.So I am looking for recommendations I can search out including good playing and good sound.I saw 2 albums mentioned in his bio( Pres and Teddy, The Jazz Giants,56) would these be candidates? Would appreciate some help.
alexatpos
1,249 posts
 
I have them both, they are good, also the sonics are.
You can take this two, have them as well....
https://youtu.be/HrXHu4elT5E
https://youtu.be/jb9ZRFhcZWc


frogman
7,537 posts
 
nsp, important player indeed! I agree with Alex about the two recordings you mention and the other two he recommends.

Keeping in mind that some feel that Pres’ best recordings were his earlier ones, I would also definitely recommend “The Complete Aladdin Recordings Of Lester Young”. This reissue set includes the recording of Those Foolish Things that I posted and that you liked. “Lester Young with Oscar Peterson” is a must have, imo; some of his very best playing and excellent recorded sound. If I had to choose only one “later” recording (1952) that would be the one. Pres’ recordings with Count Basie are also important for a good overview. I like “The Complete Decca Recordings”. Very swinging big band and wonderful early Pres. Sound is more than acceptable.
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