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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
rok2id's avatar
rok2id
7,859 posts
 
The Frogman:

The last several CD notes I have posted mentioned the phrase "17 piece band". What is the significance of ’17 piece’ bands. Google was not clear, or did not consider that number as special. Is that some sort of ’standard’ for the size of Jazz Big bands?

Wynton’s JALC Orchestra has 15, I think.

Thanks

Cheers
pjw81563
1,829 posts
 
Hey schubert

BIG Hiromi Uehara fan here. I first saw her live back in 2009 when she was touring to support her "Beyond Standard" album. I have every disc she ever recorded including DVD’s and Bluray’s.

When she had the 3 piece band "Sonic Bloom" for the 2 releases titled "Time Control" (2007) and "Beyond Standard" (2008) she "fused out" and those 2 albums are my favorites from her catalogue.


Her solo, duo and trio albums are exceptional as well. This can be expected for someone as talented as she is. Her biggest influence among others is Ahmad Jamal. And when Stanley Clarke and Lenny White ask you to collaborate on a trio recording with them you know you are special.


Sonic Bloom personnel:


Dave "Fuze" Fiuczynski: Guitar

Tony Grey: Bass

Martin Valihora: Drums


Beyond Standard tour with Sonic Bloom:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=duM9WIvcxJg

Hiromi with Clarke and White:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0u2YZUSp6SI

With Chick Corea:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BRU1o-sCnqY

With Stanley Clarke:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2I5-gTuqfFc

And if you have the time (25 minutes) listen to this awesome medley from her 2019 album "Spectrum" titled "Rhapsody In Blue":

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TEn-r0OUP10









frogman
7,487 posts
 
Rok, I believe that there would be agreement among most arrangers that a minimum size for the designation “big band” is 5 saxophones, 3 trombones, 3 trumpets and 3 rhythm (piano, bass and drums). Anything much smaller than that (fewer horns) would make it what is usually referred to as “small big band”. This number of horns (11) gives arrangers enough “voices” for a fairly complete expression of most arranging techniques that are typically used in the genre. However, I would say that if there is a “standard” size as defined by the most common size of big band it would be 5 saxophones, 3 trombones, 4 (!) trumpets and 3 rhythm. As you point out that is what Wynton uses at JALC.

“17 piece big band” is a more generous or complete use of instrumental “voices” by the arranger and is a carry over from a time when band leaders could afford a larger ensemble in order to have a fuller and bigger sound. Typically, the trombone section gets one more (4) and guitar is added for a total of 17 players.  
schubert
7,386 posts
 
I'll make the time 81563 .
Thanks for the goodies !
frogman
7,487 posts
 
What I didn’t make clear is that a band leader/arranger can use some variation of the above which is why “standard” is a tricky designation.  Thad Jones added a French Horn, Kenton incorporated a section of melophoniums, Dizzy added a percussionist other than the drummer.....
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