Jazz for aficionados

Back in 58, Grant Green was on the stand every weekend at a local club where me and my two compadres hung out. This was before he recorded his first record. Grant was lean and had the physique of a cowboy in his jeans, with a full head of thick black hair. The reason I mentioned that is because I saw him many years later and failed to recognize him; he was bald and not so lean.

Since that time I have bought his records and enjoyed his music; however, just recently, his music has taken on a different dimension. You know that warm feeling you experience when you hear a dear and valued friends voice, that's how I feel when I hear Grants music.

Again, when you are talking to an old and dear friend, you understand clearly everything he's saying because you two think alike, and so it is with Grant's music; every note seems to be the right one. Lately, I can even feel his presence in my listening room.

Here is a tune that is a re-creation of a regular weekend experience of mine. The late night weekend warriors of the good times (people who partied all night Friday and Saturday) met up at Maud's flat on Sunday morning. Tired, broke and sleepy, but not wanting to go home, they knew where people just like them congregated.

"Blues In Maud's Flat";


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


           

Fabulous! Absolutely killing.

So, what makes great falafel? For the foodie that I am, always trying to learn to be a better cook, learning that the secret to great falafel is cilantro was not only a revelation, but it was something strange and unexpected. Cilantro is a flavor prominent in Latin cuisine. It’s like going home. Falafel? It’s in there, but you don’t recognize it as such. There are possible historical reasons for all this.

What does this have to do with “Blues In Maud’s Flat“? Jack McDuff. It’s the secret to why that cut feels so good. It’s in there, but you don’t recognize it as such, even when it’s supposed to be about the soloist. Amazing groove from McDuff.

Great cut.

Btw, O-10, re the topic of a different thread, that is the blues; by any standard.

You're right on both accounts Frogman.

McDuff sets the groove while Yusef Lateef spells out the mood.

Again, when you are talking to an old and dear friend, you understand clearly everything he's saying because you two think alike, and so it is with Grant's music; every note seems to be the right one. Lately, I can even feel his presence in my listening room.