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
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Orchestra of St. Luke’s is a great ensemble. Don’t like tooting my own horn, but I’ve played with them many times 🤫.

Technically, considered a chamber orchestra. It along with Orpheus are probably the best of the “orchestras for hire” in NYC. Re no credit on the cd: contractual stuff gets weird. Battle, Previn and von Stade, not to mention Wynton are very big names. Often agents win on demands to not have their clients share the spotlight (credits) with too many names. As an aside, the orchestra recently purchased a building in NYC to use as their home and rents out some of the rooms as rehearsal space for other ensembles. It is sadly one of the few remaining large rehearsal spaces left in the city. Sadly, a sign of a declining live music scene. Changing times.

Btw, TWO copies of Bitches Brew and ‘Fusion’ on the Lord’s Day! Changing times indeed 😊
I have always loved Abbey Lincoln’s singing and song writing. It’s funny, I sometimes question why I like her singing so much. It’s not a beautiful voice and it is rough around the edges in many ways. Still, there’s an honesty to her delivery that gets me very time. This is one of my favorite albums of hers. It is also the last record that Stan Getz ever performed on before passing. The two are an unexpectedly complementary pairing. I have posted this previously, but it’s today’s listen. Hank Jones, Charlie Haden, Mark Johnson.

https://youtu.be/ojZd98pw2Ek

https://youtu.be/Apfw6jKYoxI

https://youtu.be/--VoDLuUh18

A younger Lincoln with then husband Max Roach. Talk about “sign of the time”!  Clifford Jordan!

https://youtu.be/YTeacoeAm9o

Even younger:

What a babe! What a band!

https://youtu.be/wbrtwRZ9O2Q
Btw, per a recent comment by Rok, that’s Wynton Kelly on bass.  That’s right, bass!  
TWO copies of Bitches Brew and ‘Fusion’ on the Lord’s Day!


Three actually, if you count the original issue LP.  LP, CD, CD 'LIVE'.
It's sort of like teetotalers, that buy whiskey for medicinal purposes only.  Just historical in my case.  Some things you have to have, like it or not.

Abbey Lincoln:
Always liked her, I just couldn't decide if she could sing.  But she is sort of compelling.  'Afro Blue' drew me in to her.

Cheers