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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
7,476 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
3,015 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.  

 

frogman
7,476 posts
 

Sultry, bluesy, earthy……. For me, they all go on the same semantics shelf. The song is a story being told to a young boy. Innocent, wide-eyed, fantastical…. Opposites.

Just me. Thanks for sharing.

Post removed 
stuartk
3,015 posts
 

@frogman

Didn’t realize I’d already posted -- I thought I was still in editing mode, but no matter.

I guess, what it boils down to is, I don’t find Bennett’s (as I perceive it) highly theatrical tone any more "childlike" than Jordan’s earthy tone. Perhaps if the Bennet arrangement were less grandiose, I might conclude otherwise. Needless to say, it's subjective. 

I agree with @mahgister when he says "We all for example recognize Frogman as a well informed person about music in general and jazz in particular" and appreciate your willingness to engage with us, here.

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