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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
orpheus10 OP
8,668 posts
 

Frogman, first and foremost, I never cared too much for vocals. Of course I have many CD's by Ella, Sarah, Dinah, Billie, and Nancy. I just checked them, and only Ella has "Round Midnight".

Ray Bryant's version was fantastic; had I heard it before now, the words would never have crossed my mind.

Carmen McRae is the only vocalist who I have a number of "records" by, and I certainly don't have that version of her singing "Round Midnight" that you posted; this tells me how little I was into vocals, unless you call these vocals;


          https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cjf81fSUXsM


          https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PnrYk1pq12I


          https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bWYUNJkO5Ow


My vinyl collection lets me know I was even more discriminating before CD's.



Just recently (last few days) I asked someone about their impression of a non vocal version of "Round Midnight" and they said it was about "unrequited love". "Those words have put a stamp on my favorite jazz tune". Now when I hear it I hear those words. This never occurred before that. I might have to go to a psychiatrist to get this curse removed.


           


                 
mary_jo
1,525 posts
 
****I might have to go to a psychiatrist to get this curse removed.****

:--)))

This could be good time to visit Marie Laveau’s ancestors. I am sure that some of them inherited some useful powers...

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

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VtdQiOPRDfA
alexatpos
1,228 posts
 
I was not assure which version of lyrics Orpehus do not like, the Monk's 'original', or later one, that is now considered as 'official'.

I find the lyrics quite suited for the melody, in fact the verses 'its really gets bad after midnight', or 'memories always start 'round midnight' are the ones that i like the most, for me it describes the mood of the song perfectly, easily one of two of my favourite standards (Angel eyes would be the second, I guess)

one of my favourite versions
Chet Baker, from 'As times go by' album
https://youtu.be/YURCyXB9q1w

As for 'Angel eyes', the choice is wide.
Sinatra comes to mind, of course, from 'live at the Sands'
https://youtu.be/tro3r_DKDdY

Chet, from above mentioned album too
https://youtu.be/6XEoZ0YiMPs

Tommy Flanagan from ' Lady Be Good .....for Ella'
https://youtu.be/v6UZTw1uHmk

again, Ray Bryant, for Op
https://youtu.be/531S2BNPMIY

I am lucky that is lunch time now here, not an evening time...

orpheus10 OP
8,668 posts
 

In regard to "Round Midnight" it's an instrumental mood piece that paints a picture of the city "Round Midnight"; which can be inviting, mysterious, or even dangerous, but never a time to think about "unrequited love". That's because in my scenario you are in the city looking up at the skyscrapers, never in an apartment feeling lonely, but out on the town with the feeling of great anticipation and expectations for the night.


I like many versions of angel eyes, both vocal and instrumental (Ray Bryant is always special); I'll present some of my favorite versions of this gem;


          https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EHGQM6GDCFg


          https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=If77_P8v7iE


          https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8x0RSapKapo


orpheus10 OP
8,668 posts
 

BTW This song was originally recorded in 1947 on Savoy 78 rpm records, and was featured on a 1956 jazz compilation LP record titled "Jazz Of Two Decades"; it's the most special version of "East of Suez". I played it so much that every syllable is stamped on my mind.


        https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PnrYk1pq12I


This goes back to when I was listening to the radio; quite a nostalgic tune.


        https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zQfF84ackMM
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