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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
frogman
7,472 posts
 

Had been a while since I listened to this favorite record. Tony Bennett was so much more than just a “crooner”. In his prime he was an amazing singer who projected an incredible amount of joy of singing. Even if this genre is not one’s thing, the great artistry is impossible to miss. Awesome orchestra.

https://youtu.be/dzyCeul1Hvk?si=yON315vAvPUWS93R

https://youtu.be/YJtbT10GN48?si=MrJanQ6CCeZqVEhX

https://youtu.be/vrcBo2RE5lU?si=CTgl1WQJyteptv2D

Same song with a rested voice:

https://youtu.be/5dCcGorrT0Q?si=BHd3w4YzRbJcRoMl

 

 

 

stuartk
2,935 posts
 

@mahgister

Thanks for the further explanation, data and examples regarding a fascinating topic!  

 

stuartk
2,935 posts
 

@frogman 

Another version: 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RxEs-dcc8yk

To me, Tony Bennett's version sounds almost "operatic" by comparison. 

frogman
7,472 posts
 

I hope you are not suggesting that there is something wrong with “operatic”? 

IMO, the song does not work as well with “jazzy” inflections. Sheila Jordan’s version has an element of sultriness that I feel is completely inappropriate for the story behind the song. Moreover, the rendition sounds belabored. It’s hardest to sing (and play) really slow tempi. I do like Jordan, but not this song choice.

stuartk
2,935 posts
 

@frogman

IMO, the song does not work as well with “jazzy” inflections. Sheila Jordan’s version has an element of sultriness that I feel is completely inappropriate for the story behind the song. Moreover, the rendition sounds belabored. It’s hardest to sing (and play) really slow tempi. I do like Jordan, but not this song choice.

Different strokes. I happen to enjoy the "Jazzy" inflections. It would never occur to me to describe Jordan’s interpretation as "sultry". To my ears, there is certainly a bluesy, "earthy" quality to her interpretation but I specifically associate the term "sultry" with a quality of teasing sexuality (unless of course we are talking about hot, humid weather). If this seductive quality is present in Jordan's performance, I don't perceive it. 

Bennett's vocals display, to my ear, a sort of "larger than life" drama I associate with the stage-- be it opera or Broadway musicals--  that's simply not my cup of tea.  

 

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