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

Thanks @frogman for replying.  I always enjoy your sharing your knowledge and perspectives on music and this was helpful.  Tom Moon obviously has great love for and broad experience in music.  He is admittedly more inclusive than I am for types and styles he enjoys.  But in this case he was more restrictive, which was why I commented.

I've admitted here and elsewhere I don't have any training in music.  So many technical elements of style or performance escape me.  But I've been listening for decades and have formulated my own tastes.  I can appreciate that Brubeck often has a rather "heavy" rhythemic sense.  Quite different from someone like Basie who was so smooth and flowing while really swinging, if often minimalist.  But maybe that is why I and many others enjoy Brubeck playing with Desmond so much, they are opposite while complementary.

On the complementary side for Mr. Moon, I've been surprised by how many of his recommendations (not just jazz) are in my collection, and how often I appreciate and agree with his insights and picking those recordings.

@tyray 

Just listened to Gene Russell,  New Direction and it’s another great pick.

Thanks!