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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
mary_jo
1,525 posts
 
Embrace foolishness before it embraces you.

...

It must have been something in the wine today...

...

Lotus Land - Kenny Burrell
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0w5amYH7NeM

...
orpheus10 OP
8,668 posts
 

Pryso, if that song is as "trite" as you perceive it, I'm positive so many great jazz artists wouldn't take the time to record it.


Your comment in regard to Albert King totally eluded me.
acman3
4,275 posts
 


I don’t believe Pryso was saying it was "trite", but more saying the words dictated a certain mood and rhythm that needed to be observed in the music, at least for him to really enjoy.

I don’t seem to really worry about the context of a songs words, since most jazz is using the cords to improvise and little else. Maybe, I should try to listen a little differently.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aGe0dPoJSuM



rok2id's avatar
rok2id
7,859 posts
 
Today's Listen:

katia & Marielle Labeque  --  AN AMERICAN IN PARIS / PORGY AND BESS

Got this years ago, almost at the beginning of CD.  From a 'Stereo Review' review.This is a remastered version from 2002.  Mine is from 1984.  Still has the German price tag on it, 37.80 DM.  Made in West Germany!

Notes: "This recording features the world premiere performance of Gershwin's previously unavailable two-piano score of 'An American In Paris."

Anyway, beautiful playing, by the French Sisters, of music written by a unique talent.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7oN3X53dn0c   

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=paWmOS4sj6Q  

Cheers

    


pryso
1,956 posts
 
O10, no, not trite at all.  See if this helps my point.

Had I never heard words to "Speak Low" then my feeling for any rendition would be based on the musical merits, other than what the title might suggest.  But once I've heard the lyrics to any song then that hangs a context on it for me.  That specific lyric suggest a subdued, intimate conversation.  Your quoting those lyrics just reminded me for whatever of them I'd forgotten.

With that, Sonny and friends might have offered up a great number, except I was preconditioned for the mood simply based on knowing something of the words.  So I found his tempo out of sorts, being too fast it was not intimate at all.

The tempo can be a major element within the number of things that make up an individual interpretation and his version simply didn't mesh for me.  To further my point of my perception I offered another example.  For me, solid blues with a lyric of lament is best taken at a slow pace and I picked that Albert King rendition to demonstrate. 

You may see it differently but I hope that helps explain my view.
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