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
Can't open Frank Morgan on android. And they say it's a smart phone. Will have to try differently...
I saw Frank Morgan at the Village Vanguard in the mid 80’s (1985?).  Fantastic performance.  Beautiful player with one of my favorite alto sounds once heralded as “the new Bird”.  Sad personal story, as Rok points out.  After hearing that performance I bought this record; his second as leader.  It features along with Wardell Gray a trumpet player seldom mentioned, but deserving more attention, Conte Candoli:

https://youtu.be/YV5RWI1ho6A

https://youtu.be/8gaDwM9cgsc

https://youtu.be/Dr1tMYyfwPU

https://youtu.be/uJ3oIvQWk2U

Interesting Abbey Lincoln record with Morgan as featured soloist.  I find her singing style to be an acquired taste, but I like her unaffected soulfulness as well as her compositions:

https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLvxWibFr0wiJqwclRsPZ_lQRbEP1EKiKB

A few months ago someone brought up Kenny Wheeler and I mentioned having recently listed to his "Gnu High" album.  I bought this when it was issued; now it's 45 years old.  Sidemen?  Just Keith Jarrett, Dave Holland, Jack DeJohnette.  Not sure if I posted it then:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p096UTjQgeI&list=OLAK5uy_kjuLFvreynaECQ9oZxpaupvw5Y0iMkHRI
I have a dilemma. 

As some of you know, my turntable/arm are being fixed/upgraded, and I've been vinyl-less for several months.  Since I began frequenting the forum, I've become thrilled with being able to watch historic performances, using a simple bluetooth-to-RCA device to play them through my system.

The turntable will be ready shortly and I have a VPI-17 cleaner on the way.  I'll be back in vinyl bliss shortly, but I'll be losing the visual thrill.

How do you all go about getting the best sonics when you play YT clips?  I still want to enjoy everyone's YT recommendations, but the sonics are going to be a real let-down compared to my analog rig.  Any suggestions for getting the best sound from the YT material?


It features along with Wardell Gray a trumpet player seldom mentioned, but deserving more attention


I didn't include this in my post, but it was / is in the notes:

"...Still he(Morgan) fared better than his studio mate(Wardell Gray).  Within a few weeks of the recording session Gray turned up dead in the Nevada desert, by most accounts directly or indirectly a victim of his drug habit."

Really, Really sad, and what a waste.  We can only guess what "directly or indirectly" refer to.

Cheers