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
The Frogman:

***** I think that you would be surprised at how much more music you might hear with a good amp driving your Polks.*****

You got my attention with the mention of Timbre.  What would you consider a good amp?   I'm in a buying mood, ordered headphones today.


Expression:

This would not considered 'accessible' Coltrane, but as I listened I wondered if the 'fault' was Coltrane or his group.  I tired to block out the group (impossible), but any confused or disjointed  playing seem to be coming from them, and not Coltrane.
Comments.

Cheers



O-10, with respect, there is no logic to your argument.  First of all, if you want to go down that road,  you can start by suggesting that it be called a “Ronnie Cuber” album.  That is Ronnie Cuber, not Adams.  Secondly, it is not about logic; it is about practice and tradition.  Mingus was a rhythm section player.  Bass is not a typical  melody instrument in a Jazz band.  Mingus’ records were first and foremost about Mingus the composer, not Mingus the soloist...usually.  

O-10, we can let it go now.  You have your opinion and I have mine.  I’m good with that.  You want to believe you’re correct; I’m good with that too. 
“Expression”:

I would agree it is not the most accessible, but it was a direct and demonstrably natural place for his playing to be at.  I certainly would not think of attaching “fault” to any of the music.  Not disjointed at all, but free of the usual constraints of comfortable and recognizable form.  Not your typical “Chin, Chin, kaChin kind of a Jazz.  Pure and free “Expression”.  He would be dead a few months later.

If you follow all the clips posted (and more) with an eye for dates and a timeline you can hear his playing heading in that direction.  I believe the quote you posted was something along the lines of Trane “found it impossible to coast”.  To a creative artist coasting is playing what he has done or played before.  Think about it, if he’s always trying to play something new....is it any wonder that’s were his playing ended up?  We may find it “inaccessible”, but there is a certain beauty to the process.  
What amps are you using now?