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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
pjw81563
1,829 posts
 
Sonny Clark played piano on one album of the great "Sweet Papa" Lou Donaldson titled "Lou Takes Off" and all 4 songs off the session showcase Sonny's comping skills. 

Lou Takes Off is a late 50's session and it swings hard. In the 60's Lou got more into the gospel/funk infused jazz.
Here are all 4 songs in order as they appear on the album

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

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7fdk_KIZfmo

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hrVVJULuwU0

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sjyQ6SQj-iw
pjw81563
1,829 posts
 
BTW, I would not know the difference in a blind listening test between the Steinway, Fazioli, or Bossendorfer piano if each were played by the same competent pianist playing the same song on each piano but one of my favorite movies, the pianist, has one of the most emotionally moving piano solo’s IMHO, near the end of the movie (especially moving after watching the movie up to that point).

Its as if the pianist is spilling out all of his frustrations, fears, heartbreak and sorrow that was pent up inside of him after hiding like a tiny starving mouse in a massive ghetto crawling with cats for 3 long years.

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

Of course Adrian Brody is not the "real" pianist that the movie is based on who is Władysław Szpilman. Szpilman really did hide like a mouse (jews) from the cats (Nazis) and survived.


nsp
654 posts
 
schubert after after listening several times to the young man playing the piano it was obvious that all three pianos have a different sound in presentation. My preference was the Bosendorfer.  although the Steinway sounds beautiful I felt the Bosendorfer was much Fuller and richer sound and able to better convey emotion of the person playing. Hands down that would be my choice although I would have to sell my house to buy either one. Lol .The Fazioli I didn't feel was at the same level as the other two IMO.  Others May differ.
nsp
654 posts
 
schubertI take that back. I didn't mean to say the Fazioli was  not at the same level but that  I felt the sounded produced was not as appealing to me as the other two.Will listen to the second video you posted tomorrow.
pjw81563
1,829 posts
 
Here is the real pianist who plays piano throughout the movie "The Pianist" 

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

The song I posted from the movie is a Frederic Chopin composition. According to most of the commenters its Ballade No. 1 Op. 23 in G Minor (with the middle cut out), or Nocturne No. 20 in C Sharp Minor.

Here is the Discogs info:

https://www.discogs.com/Various-Music-From-And-Inspired-By-The-Pianist/release/1032398
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