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 

Thanks for the recommendations.

Not jazz, but check out how Grolnick utilizes his extended intro to add interest to a Rock tune: 

/www.youtube.com/watch?v=hBkk3H_5Kpo

Gadd and Erskine are both great drummers. Different styles as you say, pjw. Personally, I find Erskine’s playing more to my liking with Steps. Just enough feel-good looseness and not so relentlessly metronomic as Gadd. Good example:

https://youtu.be/dLE_IBg9abk?si=x9QnCxAiBFxDF7E

Don Gronick:

https://youtu.be/C7VhGM6g-vc?si=nLnkYQzU0VrS2OvG

Speaking of Grolnick and great drummers, Grolnick produced one of Scofield’s best releases: "Meant to Be" with Bill Stewart behind the kit. Bass duties were handled by Marc Johnson with Joe Lovano in the role of Sco's heavyweight sparring partner. Killer album!

 

@stuartk 

Great example of Grolnick. Donald Fagen and Walter Brecker supposedly stated "Don Grolnick keyboard vamps so solid you could set your watch by them."

Took that quote from Wiki (noat always the best source).

@frogman 

Thanks for "checking in". I always appreciate your contributions. I know how much you like Michael Brecker, and I believe you once posted here on JFA that he is your favorite tenor post Coltrane/Rollins/Henderson.

I have been listening to Brecker so much lately and I am beginning to understand why you hold him in such high regard.