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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
7,562 posts
 
Thanks for the Dean Martin clips, Alex. No question the guy could sing; just not my flavor of ice cream. I’m sure it’s no surprise to you by now that I don’t shy away from talking about these things and I certainly would not mind in the least hearing more of your thoughts. I find this kind of discussion interesting and for me it’s never cause to take offense when someone doesn’t share my tastes.

Dean Martin was a “crooner”. That’s not a negative but a particular style that is more rooted in a Hollywood and Las Vegas sensibility; the “Rat Pack” thing. Now it’s my turn to ask that no one be offended, but in spite of the wonderful velvety quality in his voice, the way he slurs over some of the lyrics drives me a little nuts. I can’t help but feel that he has had one too many. For me, Bennett has, along with the joyful quality just bit of grit in his voice. Anyway, as I said, vanilla/chocolate.

Speaking of “Rat Pack”, Las Vegas and bongos, this Rat Packer so fully embraced the entire Hollywood/Vegas thing that if I’m in the right mood I can actually enjoy his performances....some of them, anyway...for a minute 😊

https://youtu.be/VNNZan852tQ




alexatpos
1,249 posts
 
Well, ok, will share few thoughts (listening to Bennett in background )

First, let me just point out that English is not my native language, so I could have somewhat different perspective in general toward vocalists.
 
Also, their (singers) cultural heritage might be viewed diferent, from our very different points of perception ( geographically and culturally)

But, bottom line is that I find (or better, feel) Bennet's singing, in lack of better words, rather 'flat' and  inexpressive, uninspiring, quite limited in range and colorless.For some reason, all songs, when sung by him seemed to be the same. I am quite perplexed why do people like his singing, as singing in general is very primitive (not meaning vulgar, but primordial) and people usually react the same when they hear something nice (birds singing for example). But, maybe its my 'fault'...
I really dont want to sound harsh,again, hope nobody will be offened, as I have nothing against him, his work or personality, it just that his singing does not touch me at all...
pjw81563
1,835 posts
 
Here are a few of my favorites. I hope they are approved by the music critics:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MkD_kYkRk3c

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lt8dKZSvkjA

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h9ZGKALMMuc

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3FygIKsnkCw


frogman
7,562 posts
 
Alex, fantastic!!! Your post is a perfect example of the reason that these discussions can be so interesting. You are a very thoughtful music listener and I always appreciate your perspective. You wrote:

**** First, let me just point out that English is not my native language, so I could have somewhat different perspective in general toward vocalists.

Also, their (singers) cultural heritage might be viewed diferent, from our very different points of perception ( geographically and culturally) ****

This is why I say fantastic.  I think I can remember almost word for word a comment that I wrote and was going to include in my last post, but deleted it because I thought if might be misconstrued or misinterpreted:

***** Having said all that, I would add that as wonderful a notion as is “Music is the universal language”, I think it is true only up to a point. I think that a listener’s ethnic and cultural background plays into all this and influences the reaction to certain aspects of a performer’s musical personality. ****

Engish is not my native language either, but my native language and cultural background are closer to that of Bennett. I find all this fascinating. Thanks for your further thoughts.




nsp
654 posts
 
schubertI love your comments about Tony B .Yes a transcendent human being a gift to all of us who appreciate him. My favorite pianist and singer together. Tony's voice is so delicate and Beautiful on this tune:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2bDFDYhXqPM
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