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 

I looked for Red,Philly & Ron album, Crossings on Amazon and Qobuz and couldn’t find it.

I’m bummed.

@curiousjim I came across the "Crossings" album while searching for more recordings that featured Red Garland and Philly Joe Jones. 

To my surprise, after the two of them stopped working in the Miles Davis Quartet, they would only record together again just a few times throughout the rest of their careers. Its a shame as they were so "in sync" with each other.

Miles Davis is on record saying that Philly Joe, Red Garland, and Paul Chambers were one of the greatest rhythm sections he ever worked with.

Garland went on to record a lot of albums as a leader but used Art Taylor on drums predominantly after his stint with Miles Davis. Art Taylor was no slouch himself but I prefer philly Joe Jones's comping, solos, and brush playing, as well as his superb sense of keeping time.

Miles is also on record stating that Philly Joe was just as good on the kit as Tony Williams and Elvin Jones.

I'm stating the obvious saying this book is only for drummers but a friend of mine, himself a drummer, mentioned this book to me and the quote I took from the only review on Amazon says a lot about Philly Joe.

Philly-ism: A Unique Analysis with Video of Philly Joe Jones' Rudimental Approach to Soloing: Carman, Tim: 9788350100946: Amazon.com: Books

 If you're a drummer who wants to approach the art of drumming with feel and purpose, this is the book for you. 

I could not find "Crossings" on Spotify either so I ordered the CD on Discogs.

 

@curiousjim

Speaking of A. Farmer, are you familiar with this?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9G5quNRGnCE&list=OLAK5uy_nnE2EwWUyJwoXr_u6ToaLz56ptYbNZlso

The same group recorded the "Something to Live For" album, dedicated to B. Strayhorn. Here is the title track (the full album is not available in full on Youtube):

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eiqhOBDfo8U

@pjw81563

Miles is also on record stating that Philly Joe was just as good on the kit as Tony Williams and Elvin Jones.

 

That’s quite an endorsement! I’m curious: would you say Philly Joe was as innovative as Williams and Jones, or more of a peer in terms of technique?

 

@stuartk 

That is a quote from Miles Davis. I think Elvin and Tony Williams were more innovators as both of them had unique styles that they innovated first and other drummers follow/copy to this day. 

I think Miles was talking about comping and harmonic telepathy as well as keeping time. 

When I have time I will elaborate more.

@pjw81563 

I think Elvin and Tony Williams were more innovators as both of them had unique styles that they innovated first and other drummers follow/copy to this day. 

Yes -- this is how I think about them as well. 

I'll look forward to hearing more from you on this topic.