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
Keegiam, I completely agree with your reaction to the Mintzer recordings and I appreciate the reasonableness of your comments, especially those about “Lil’ Darlin“. You are relatively new to the thread, so allow me to explain in case it is not obvious.

Personally, I sometimes like to post certain clips to try and inspire reactions and commentary and not necessarily because I think the clips are particularly great. When I do think they are great it will be obvious. So, thanks for “biting”. BTW, given the subject of the thread (Hefti) it should be noted that while the Mintzer’s recordings are the same tunes they are not Hefti’s arrangements, they are Mintzer’s. That was the whole point of posting Mintzer; the different generational approaches to the same tunes. I do like Mintzer’s own compositions/arrangements in a modern bag, but that’s a different story.

Now, re your comment “unbearably slow and I engaging”. Basie recorded Hefti’s “Li’l Darlin” several times at many different tempos including some very slow versions. That chart became a staple of many working big bands’ repertoire and, for better or for worse, it became “a thing” to see just how slowly the band could play it without things falling apart. I posted this a while back. Same Hefti arrangement, almost as slow as Mintzer’s. Engaging? You bet. (Snooky Young kills me on this):

https://youtu.be/RlX0b-AJWz4

Slowest recorded “Li’l Darlin” I’ve heard. Engaging? Different vibe altogether.  Engaging in a typical Ray Charles funky way:

https://youtu.be/zHZnt8S6Xzc


It's Friday and that Snooky Young gave me goose bumps for the first time all week.  Among other things, his gentle touch when he adds vibrato is lovely.

Thanks frogman for the history on "Li'l Darlin'."  I had no idea bands looked at it that way.  Your clips show what a challenge it is, at that tempo, for the arrangers, leaders and players to keep it engaging and draw the audience deep into the mood.  Great stuff.

This is a very rewarding thread.  I'll stay ready and eager to "bite"!
Some Artists from the London ,UK Jazz scene .
Released in Feb 2018
This is new from the recent Jazz scene. it is not the old stuff like 99% of what people post in this thread .
Something Different , but GOOD !!!
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLbcerJq8u6IcL2oPGzkWdC_JcZVb09ZuH
Enjoy !
You can actually download or Buy it here 
https://weouthere.bandcamp.com/album/we-out-here

Thank you Grey9hound! Keep bringing what you like.

One I have been listening to lately. Different mood for different day.

Espen Eriksen Trio

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CN6AW-GM3Uk&list=RDCN6AW-GM3Uk&start_radio=1