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
Thanks frog.  So now my question: which came first, Weill's music or Nash's lyrics?  I could see the music influencing the character of the lyric if Weill composed that first.  Similarly if he was inspired by Nash's lyrics first then they in tern likely influenced his chosen tempo.

I hope I'm not splitting hairs here and can understand if others don't find this meaningful.  For me it is simply something I've always felt in judging a performance.
mary_jo I appreciated your tribute to Morricone.  For my taste he was one of the best.

I'll draw attention to my favorite among his works, "The Mission".  It was not only well suited to the film and music I never tire of, but, dare I admit, as an audio hobbyist that became one of my best (most revealing) audition recordings.
1.  My LP is wonderfully recorded with natural instrumental tonalities.
2  The album includes a broad variety of music, from symphonic and choral to simple acoustic pipes and percussion.
3.  It offers wide dynamics and very good bass extension.
4.  The soundstage is huge, extending outside the speakers.
5.  It's fun!

But a caution.  A few audio buddies heard it on my system and were impressed enough to buy the CD.  Sorry, no comparison to the LP.
Never is .

With words , without same 90% of the great Jazz standards would never
be heard .
Thank you , swing era .

With a special bow to French diva's .