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 Thanks for your input on the Elvin Jones, Tony Williams, and Philly Joe discussion.

My drummer friend told me Elvin listened to a lot of Shadow Wilson's drumming for some of his own ideas especially concerning "triplet fills".

And here is a text my drummer friend sent me a while back about Jimmy Cobb and Philly Joe. My friend had just had a lesson with the NYC jazz drummer Dan Weiss. The lesson was focused on Roy Haynes's drumming.

Jimmy Cobb is playing brushes on that tune. Often the end of the brushes which has a metal loop is used to hit the cymbal and get a bright sound. Jimmy is great, known for his very open playing, a lot of space. Philly Joe is a genius with rudiments, John Riley refers to him as a card shark (video included). There is a book called Rudimental Swing Solos, it is written by Charles Wilcoxon. Philly Joe used this book a lot for his material for soloing, and fills. I really love Bill Evans, Everybody Digs Album. Philly only uses a snare, bass drum, hi hat, and ride cymbal, no toms. The soloing is so creative. 

PS, what I have been told is that during the recording of Everybody Digs Bill Evans, Philly had sold his drums for drugs, hence the small kit. There is a similar situation on Milestones.

I had my Dan Weiss lesson on Friday, we discussed this album, Thelonious In Action. I am working on some Roy Haynes trading/soloing. I am also learning Snap Crackle.

@frogman I was wondering if you know the jazz drummer Dan Weiss. He and my buddy Mike were working on Roy Haynes's famous "snap crackle" technique.

Haven’t listened to Kind Of Blue in a while, so I found a 24/192 version of the Legacy Edition and all it does is bring out the faults in the original recordings. I wonder if Peter Jackson would like to have a wack at it?

@pjw81563 I don’t know Dan Weiss personally, but I know his playing and he is very very good.  He has a great rep.  One of the best young drummers and part of the very hot and creative Brooklyn Jazz scene.  

@frogman I figured you may have heard about Weiss, you and he being neighbors so to speak. And I agree with you about the Brooklyn Jazz Scene. Very hot indeed.

A man is as good as his reputation...