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
acman3,

I like Allison Miller. I saw her play with the Dr. Lonnie Smith group at the Jazz Standard NYC back in 2013 or 14.

She is definitely an above average drummer and I was impressed with her all around playing in Smith's funk/soul/gospel setting. She really shined on the James Brown song "I Cant Stand It" which the Dr. usually plays his instrumental version live since the late 60's.

James Brown:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yP1wtIfs8lg

The Dr:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H4MAtTyeDfs




Acman, there is a world of difference between a recording and a live performance; you can see and feel where the artist is coming from, that changes your perspective. I don't have that option. One thing I can say about these new artists is that all of their albums seem to have a high recording quality. It will be good not to have that concern anymore.


Here is the list I'm looking at right now;


    https://www.latimes.com/entertainment-arts/music/story/2019-12-11/best-jazz-albums-2019


If you see anything, let us know.
Since Christmas is upon us, thought I would mention three Christmas jazz recordings that I turn to every year.

Jingle Bell Jazz - A Columbia Records collection of jazz tunes recorded over a year's time by such luminaries as Duke Ellington, Lionel Hampton, Chico Hamilton, Dave Brubeck, Herbie Hancock, and Miles Davis.  Teo Macero produced jazz recordings by these and a few other folks during 1978-79 and insisted that each produce one jazz number that was holiday related on each release.  These were then collected on this record in 1980, released in stereo.  Wonderful stuff here.

A Swinging Christmas - An Ella Fitgerald compilation of non-religious music popular during the 50's, released in mono in 1960.  I bought this last year from Barnes & Noble online, who were featuring these old original pressings (wonderful vinyl quality).  Don't know whether the same holds true this year.  Nothing revolutionary here, but just good swing and ballad vocalizing of some seasonal classics backed by the Frank DeVol orchestra.

A Charlie Brown Christmas - Yes, it is easy to forget that the soundtrack for this ever-popular tv program is original jazz, partly composed and partly improvised by the Vince Guaraldi Trio.  And if you just sit and listen to it, it is decent jazz (apart from the now universal story-line.)