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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
pjw81563
1,829 posts
 

@acman3 Been listening extensively to this playlist for over a week now. Michael Brecker’s brilliance on the tenor is on another level.

Steps Ahead - playlist by Paul Irishman | Spotify

Vibraphonist Mike Mainieri’s rhythm laying down extended grooves is something that I have never heard on this level before from Hutcherson, Jackson, Lionel Hampton or Gary Burton. (to be fair they played in a different context).

Mainieri broke in with Buddy Rich in the late 50s and I plan on listening to his earlier sessions. Here is a couple

With Rich

Caravan - YouTube

Mainieri’s debut album. At age 25, after making his bones with Rich, he already had his own unique style on the vibes.

Waltzin’ In and Out - YouTube

Bassist Eddie Gomez is also outstanding on the acoustic bass. On this Gomez album, Gomez’ Steps Ahead partners, drummer Steve Gadd and Michael Brecker back him, resulting in some excellent music.

Eddie Gomez,Michael Brecker,Steve Gadd,Masahiko Satoh play Puccini’s Walk from Mezgo 1985 - YouTube

Btw, fwiw Steps Ahead has only made one album without Brecker. They are joined by the WDR Big Band on this 2016 album titled "Steppin' Out" 

Blue Montreux - YouTube

 

 

 

curiousjim's avatar
curiousjim
4,852 posts
 

Keven Eubanks & Stanley Jordan,   Duets.

stuartk
2,988 posts
 

@pjw81563 

Another pairing of Grolnick and both Breckers -- Don Grolnick's "Weaver of Dreams" re-released as a 2 cd set with Grolnick's "Night Town" -- both excellent, showcasing Grolnick's distinctive writing executed by two killer bands: 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yDSgV3F8WyI

 

curiousjim's avatar
curiousjim
4,852 posts
 

Cyrus Chestnut,   Kaleidoscope.

Definitely a keeper for me.

pjw81563
1,829 posts
 

@stuartk 

Thanks for the Grolnick recommendations. I had already contemplated creating a Don Grolnick playlist on Spotify and after listening to your suggestions and "Smokin' in the Pit" by Steps Ahead (I believe Grolnick's only date with Steps) I have done so. Spotify did not have "Weaver of Dreams" but the complete album is on You Tube.

Grolnick was definitely a gifted musician and yet another struck down by cancer at a young age.

I have been listening to Steps Ahead and vibrophonist Mike Mainieri along with Michael Brecker exclusively but Grolnick will join that list as well.

Its interesting comparing the first 2 drummers in "Steps Ahead", Steve Gadd and Peter Erskine. Both are consensus picks on any list of "best drummers" but their styles/influences are different. Both ventured into other genres but were rooted the jazz tradition of drums (masterful use of the ride symbol in keeping time).

Listening to "The Complete London Concert" Grolnick album now

Intro Applause - YouTube

More to discover