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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
frogman
7,480 posts
 
Good comments, Mahgister!

To be clear, for me the names on the list don’t seem improbable at all. Not only is each of those musicians a virtuoso of one kind or another, they also fit what I understand to have been Miles’ constantly changing broad artistic aesthetic……except Buddy Rich, whose artistic persona seemes to me to not be a good fit with Miles’…..for me.

The contradiction is obviously in my mind and not Miles’. This goes to something that I have always felt is important to have….a certain amount of humility when listening and to not be too rigid with one’s opinions. Clearly, the message for me is that I have to listen to more Buddy Rich.

Regards.
frogman
7,480 posts
 
“birds of a feather” ?!

Certainly as far as public persona was concerned. But, musically? I don’t see (hear) it. A drummer who in spite of his virtuosity also had a certain “signature” in his sense of swing that to my ears was very different from Miles’. Rich, I hear as very rhythmically aggressive, playing very on top of the beat while Miles’ was rhythmically much more relaxed. Rich, technical perfection, always. Miles, could sound very rough around the edges as a part of the musical attitude that he sometimes tried to project. Hence my surprise and why I need to listen to more Rich and try to hear more of what Miles heard.
keegiam
731 posts
 
@mahgister

It's a nearly impossible task to express the emotions of music via the written word, but you just did the best job I've ever seen - and I'm no spring chicken.  Well done, sir.

pjw81563
1,829 posts
 
Well if you have the time I found this Mel Lewis take on Buddy really good.

(9) Mel Lewis on Buddy Rich - YouTube
pjw81563
1,829 posts
 
Been posting on JFA for 4 years now and everyone know how I feel about Buddy Rich. To my ears he is the best big band drummer I have ever heard.... Its like boxing which I love just as much as jazz. Its no coincidence that the golden age of jazz - 1935 through 1965 - was also the golden age of boxing.

The great American journalist A.J. Liebling who wrote one of the best all time pugilistic books titled "THE SWEET SCIENCE" wrote in the book 3 words that have been re- written by other authors and has been repeated in millions of conversations about boxing since the beginning of the sport known as SWEET SCIENCE.

Those 3 words are STYLES MAKE FIGHTS.

It is my opinion the STYLES MAKE MUSIC. and Buddy had style - a truck load of style. The unmistakable style that propelled many a big band. Just a few favorites of mine:

(10) Buddy Rich with Tommy Dorsey & his Orchestra 1943 "Well Git It" - YouTube

(10) Buddy Rich - Mercy Mercy Mercy Live (1968) - YouTube

(10) Buddy Rich Big Band - Big Swing Face - YouTube

Buddy detractors say he is not capable of holding back with a light touch - keeping the swing propelling without overpowering the other musicians. Well I give you this small band with Lester Young, Nat King Cole, and Buddy.

(10) SOMEBODY LOVES ME by Lester Young, Nat King Cole and Buddy Rich - YouTube





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