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
Orpheus10 thanks for that.

I like Miles’ "first electric years" 68 -75. I have all of his output from those years including bootleg stuff.

I was fortunate enough to see Wayne Shorter, just once, at Town Hall NYC I believe it was in 2014. It was a Shorter "masterclass" in Avant Guard.

I remember now it was the Shorter 80th birthday tour. I never saw Miles live. Very unfortunate.


Did you see Art Blakey?

Yes, I did see Blakey; he was my idol since 55 when I first heard him. I saw him in 1970, he had on bib over-alls, and it was at a run down joint; that brought tears to my eyes. But maybe he wasn't doing bad as I had assumed, but just doing a favor for a friend.

His performance was just as energetic and forceful as it was when I first heard him in the beginning on record.


      https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Di7ko6eST40

pjw, I came to like Miles new music just as much as you do, but you must realize this was in 68, and I was totally unprepared for this complete change. Compare the music of Miles and Trane to that music, to understand where I'm coming from, and Miles going from a suit to a fringed buckskin vest.

Think of someone turning up a bottle labeled wine that had whisky in it, or a bottle labeled whisky that had wine in it; the unexpected shock of it all made the performance null and void.
Orpheus10 thanks again for sharing your memories of the "good ole days" when jazz was still king.

I know your having serious health issues but when you feel up to it know that I will be watching for your posts on your favorite jazz music and the musicians that you had the privilege to see live. 

 Lou Donaldson and I had a 20 minute conversation at a joint on 51st and Broadway, NYC, and I will cherish it always.