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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
motown-l
195 posts
 
If Charles Mingus had been working in the 19th Century, he would have composed symphonies comparable to Beethoven. Complex multi-tiered compositions that remain approachable and engaging. Pure genius.

Despite being over played and much covered, the iconic "Kind of Blue" remains one of the best 20th century Jazz sessions ever recorded, tape hiss and all.
nsp
654 posts
 
pjw3 book recommendations :Jazz Styles History and Analysis by Mark C. Gridley . Exvellent now in 11th edition . An accompanying cd set can be purchased. Has a music an alysis section in rear of book geared to musicians but simple enough for non-musicians.Jazz: A Listeners Guide by James McCalla. Excellent book go es b ack to th e beginning with lots of music selections to s pecifically analyze.Listening to Jazz by Jerry CokerXlent book for the non- musician
All available on amazon
nsp
654 posts
 
PrysoIt's been a long tine since I've seen Round Midnight. I renember enjoying it a lot and I have a copy of the soundtrack ,also quite good. I think the main character i s a composite of several jazz figures.I remember reading the character was also based on Bud Powell.Another jazz movie I enjoyed recently is "Sweet Love Bitter" a little known 60's film, the main character based on Charlie Parker. The soundtrack is moody and was composed by Mal Waldron. A realistic portrait of th e"jazz life" .

nsp
654 posts
 
pjwI have a dedicated 2 channe l stereo system, no surround sound. Is there any enhancenent this quad version can provide in sound over standard stereo version on my system?  considering how much instrumentation there is on this disc, a mult ilayered version seems interesting.
pjw81563
1,829 posts
 
nsp thanks for the book recommendations. I have a Direct Stream Digital SACD (2 channel stereo) from Mobile Fidelity. The sonics are awesome to put it mildly. Its a limited edition numbered disc so get it fast here:

https://www.musicdirect.com/optical-disc/miles-davis-bitches-brew-numbered-limited-edition-hybrid-2-...

I would buy the Mobile Fidelity stereo SACD and not the Japanese multi channel quad if I had a dedicated 2 channel set up.
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