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

@pjw81563 

A small jazz ensemble comparison example showcasing the alto saxophones of McLean followed by Phil Woods

OK -- it only takes seconds to hear the difference. I like both but when listening to McLean, I'm not focused on his intonation, wishing it were less sharp. A poorly intonated guitar can drive me nuts but I don't have perfect pitch.

On the other hand, for me, Dolphy's playing is akin to taking a swig of milk only to realize someone's spiked it with vinegar. I find it fundamentally unpleasant. 

For McLean, I enjoy:  "Left Alone '86" (w/ Mal Waldron), "Jacknife", "Let Freedom Ring", "Dynasty", "It's Time", "Action" and "Consequence". 

 

 

@pjw81563

OK... more on intonation. When the guitar player on that Handy Monterey album plays two notes that are "rubbing up against one-another" in a blatantly out-of-tune fashion at around 13:36, my ears/brain instantly rebel. 

I like "Karuna Supreme" a lot. Might have to buy that one. Charlie Mariano was another who shared Handy’s fascination with Indian music.

The LA Jazz station I listened to in the mid 70’s used to play "Hard Work". I’ve heard worse worse singing than Handy’s on "Blues for Louis Jordan". Nice sax playing on that track. I’ve always enjoyed the Blues.

Wow !

 

I listened this album long time ago...It is a masterpiece...

 

It is masterful fusion...

 

Ali Akbar Khan is a legend...And Handy know it and he got it.... Great musician... I dont like fusion so much by the way... This album is an exception... ( i must be a purist or a snob ) 😊

Indian and persian music are very sophisticated music and my favorite... On par with jazz...

Thanks

I must now look for Monterose and this one... At all cost...

But i just upgrade and bought today a 1000 dollars amplifier servant for my King K340 or a pre-amp for his servant Sansui...

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

 

My wife will kill me for any album this week...She manage the books not me...

😁

 

 

I just finished my acoustic corner in the basement with cheap but good small self powered box... The sound quality of these little box was unknown to me and i bought them 12 years ago... Why ? it is the first time i dedicated an acoustic location for them...

Audiophiles who throw too much money are deluded, ACOUSTIC is queen...

I listen to these speakers for all all your suggestion ... And believe it or not i dont regret now any of my past  way better speakers... Why ? ACOUSTIC...I learned about acoustic in the last 7 years... I never listened to my Tannoy in a real optimal acoustic... People will think that i am a fool because i prefer my 100 bucks little box to my legendary Tannoy... People dont undertstand the power of acoustic... It is easy to decipher across all audio thread...

 

Anyway the gear serve music not the opposite... With acoustic optimization less may be better... 😁

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

I like this... and it’s reasonably affordable on CD, no less.

Thanks, @mahgister !

Any chance you might list some other Japanese Jazz CDs you like?