Pjw, if I was talking to your best friend, and he sounded a little hoarse, I would think that was the natural way he sounded, and think that he sounded just fine. But you on the other hand would say, "No, he sounded a little hoarse".
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.
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.
Showing 50 responses by orpheus10
Since the honorable Mr. Rok has objected to some of the music I've submitted, I decided to give him other options, but so far I have not succeeded in finding anything that would solicit one of his loquacious comments. Maybe this will get him out of hiding; Once upon a time, I was a teenager, that's when everyday was an adventure to look forward to, and "Doo Wop" was my music. It was also when the girls were prettier than they've ever been. Girls or cars, I didn't know which I liked the most. (Right now I would trade my wife for a 56 convertible Chevy with twin glass packs) What she don't know won't hurt her. Drive-in's, the teen hop, and Summer lawn parties, all serenaded with "Doo Wop". "In The Still of The night" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g1TTbUzT8kA Time to get out on the dance floor, or maybe I'm cruising "Lake Shore Drive" in the back seat of a 56 convertible Chevy with Jeannie, or maybe I'm at home listening to the radio and dreaming about Jeannie in the still of the night. "Maybe"....We listened to our song over the phone while our hearts became one; Cookie was going to be my eternal love, we had a telephone love affair. "Get off that phone" that was my mother you heard in the background. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IePTH1PWzAs She was 1000 miles away, and I was in San Antonio Texas https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=72ZRr3mH20w When I didn't have Venita, I didn't have anything. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ngZh6ZSRoYg |
That guy in the video has super bad taste, you can tell that by the comments section, he liked what sounded like a broken muffler. However, those 'glass packs' duplicated the sound I was talking about; picture that sound coming from a 56 convertible Chevy; https://www.google.com/search?q=56+convertible+chevy&rlz=1C1CHBD_enUS804US804&oq=56+converti... |
I mentioned "glass packs" and not everyone knows what those are. This video demonstrates "glass packs' which were "James Dean" cool. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5kVXLx5SfRc |
Although life is dancing around you, you still have all those wonderful memories when you were the "Disco Queen". https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AqS4aNi0HQY https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LUID0jSh2Ic There was a club in Atlanta called "The Candy Store" that had a dance floor exactly like that one in "Saturday Night Fever". |
I saw Nina Simone, Herbie Mann, and Miles Davis on the same program in Chicago in 1968. It was the same Summer they had that police riot in Chicago, that’s how I know it was the Summer of 68. Nina Simone stole the show, while Herby Mann came in 2nd place. Miles came in "What tha..?". I didn’t know who he was, dressed in a cowboy leather vest with the long fringes; that’s all I remember, the vest with the long fringes. The music was also "What tha"? This was his first public outing of "Bitches Brew". That album was recorded in 69, and released in 1970, but I saw and heard the music in the Summer of 68. I was with three other guys, from; Bed-Stuy, New York, Pittsburgh, Cleveland and somewhere in Iowa. The guy from New York explained Miles new music. I thought it was still rough around the edges and not quite ready for prime time. I’m bringing this up in defense of "Herbie Mann", I think he’s a dynamite jazz musician, plus that, he was dressed in a fashion that my own wardrobe came to duplicate; a light tan suit, brown shirt with big collar outside of coat, and highly polished burnished chestnut brown boots; he was clean. That was a long time ago and the only music I remember specifically was Miles, and that’s because it was "What tha..."? Herbie Mann can get into some boss grooves, here’s one; https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n1tWrztN3F4 and before that "The Common Ground"; https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zw0ckq36BiA https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8MLBfibxoeg Herbie Mann also got into a lot of "funky" popular grooves later on that I liked. There is so much good jazz that we have yet to explore. |
Just by sheer coincidence, I have been re-purchasing Curtis Fuller LP's for the past month. Not always where he was the leader, but also when he was the featured sideman. I even purchased one of his favorite LP's (Blue Train JC)just last week. https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=blue+trane+coltrane https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Curtis_Fuller I have been enjoying his music since 59; here is the first album by him that I purchased; https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bSI_0bx6Cvg Not long ago I posted this, which came in the mail a few days ago; https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EhQLbUvm05E While I have been enjoying Curtis Fuller's music for many years, it never sounded as good as it does on these new LP's. This is a good beginning for anyone not familiar with his music. I hope it will give you as much enjoyment as it has me. May he RIP. |
Curtis Fuller is the type of musician we can go on and on talking about because he played on so many records. I hope there are others who have knowledge of this great musician and want to continue what will be a very rewarding discussion. Curtis Fuller is such a fantastic musician, that you can pick almost any other great musician, and join him and Curtis together. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5_9Zg3CSnvU |
When the music, the musician, and the listener become one, it's like magic, and Curtis Fuller's music seems to accomplish this feat. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_BlHRPXPx-4 |
A jazz musician is known by the company he keeps, and those who like his company. It seems that some of the best jazz musicians ever, like having the company of Curtis Fuller. It seems that Benny Golson certainly liked having Curtis Fuller by his side. Just like good Brandy was made for sniffing and sipping, good jazz is made for listening, no talking, just listening. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mLZeKqaeGoY Art Blakey was another Giant who liked Curtis Fuller by his side https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=curtis+fuller+art+blake+y+indestructable Curtis Fuller and Art Farmer meet "The Jazztet" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TT1tN3NWC5w Always "Deep in the pocket" as jazz musicians like to say. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=py7URoogRj0 It's amazing how fundamental Curtis Fuller is to a good jazz collection. Since we're all "Aficionados", I know those albums are already in our collections, I just posted them for any "Newbies" passing by. Enjoy the Jazz. |
I rarely speak about audio components on this thread because of course it's a music thread, and not one for components, but I'm making an exception because here is something that will benefit anyone who is not aware of the fantastic improvement it makes. Significant improvements in audio were very expensive before "digital", costing from 1 to 2K for a decent improvement. Digital has changed that; I got a significant improvement for $300, which is unheard of for me. No audiophile knowledge required, you simply connect this thing to the digital out of your computer, and RCA to audio, nothing else. DAC's are nothing new, but what is new is the quality at this price point. There are many new good one's in this price range, so you choose which one is for you. |
When it comes to late night music that a person can get lost in, it's hard to beat this. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u2hqgJGVMEk&list=OLAK5uy_lMohm_r1yg0OQ7yheNkTCEtZTscCkn6Qo&i... |
Pjw, some of the very best records in my collection seem to have Curtis Fuller as a side man and he's on most of the best "Jazz Messengers" albums. I want to expand my collection with the very best jazz available, not just collect records; I want music I can get lost in and let my troubles fade away, it seems that following this Curtis Fuller path is the way to go. This is one of the best jazz albums ever recorded, and like so many of the best jazz albums recorded in this time period, Curtis Fuller is on the playlist. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i6s00_OIzHE Since Curtis was active in what I consider to be the "Golden age of Jazz", I'll be expanding my collection with music I can get lost in. Especially after I add the albums others have recommended that I've never heard. Got some "Audeze" headphones on the way; "Good bye world, I'm on my way to jazz heaven, do not disturb until this mess gets straightened out". |
Dee Dee's voice is like another musical instrument on "Song For My Father". She has one of the best versions of "Afro Blue"; https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zpArofkoVfA |
My journey with Nina Simone, began after I listened to the first record I bought by her in 1960; that's still my favorite record by her. While everyone else was most impressed by her singing, I was most impressed by her piano playing. She's a gifted piano player, and I'm a gifted piano listener; I knew I was hearing something different when I first heard her piano; a natural blend of classics, gospel, and jazz that can never be duplicated. I only saw Nina live once, that was in a huge auditorium in Chicago. Our seats were the highest I had ever been inside a building, I almost got airsick looking at the tiny people at ground floor level. Unfortunately, or fortunately depending on the perspective; they had the worst storm ever in Chicago, and many people who had good seats in front of the stage didn't show. Not wanting those seats to go to waste, we went down and occupied them. This was a show with Nina, Herbie Mann, and Miles Davis; Miles was first, and he was on when we were sky high, but when it came time for Nina, we were front and center. I hope everyone gets a chance to see their favorite artist up close and personal, there's nothing like it; these people would not be famous if they did not project an "Aura" of greatness, and you experience it when you're up close and personal. I'll call that time "The Aura of Nina". https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zoWaOT7Rvc0 |
mahgister, in these stressful times, music is our drug of choice to relieve that stress; not just any music, but the best music for us. Back in the old days before "you tube", no matter how carefully we selected our records, occasionally we bought records we could live without. Now we can review the music on "you tube" before we buy, and it's a good idea to do just that. Another important item is to do what you're doing right now, taking note of the records you like that you heard here, and might consider for future purchases. As of today, I'm going to keep a notebook by the computer, and write down the records each day that I have selected from here to purchase. I haven't done this in the past, and when I tried to go back, somehow I couldn't find the record. I hope these tips help in making your musical selections. Enjoy the music. |
While I'm not as stuck on N'orleans as Rok is, we share Dr. John, and I know where he's coming from. I'm familiar with all the musicians on your list, except I have yet to get into Andrew Hill. Since I feel like I'm "short-timing", I don't even bother with any of the latest music. I've known a number of jazz musicians personally (not that many) and all of them were raised in one of our fantastic cities that no longer exist. You grow corn in a corn field; if there are no more corn fields, where can you grow corn? You grow "Jazz musicians" in cities, if there are no more cities (not places out of a science fiction movie, Detroit for example) where can you grow Jazz musicians? |
Music is "subjective"; so I try to help people find what's right for them, and at the same time find what's right for me. In regard to current events, "high end sound" is getting a lot cheaper, thanks to digital. I didn't say high end components, I said "high end sound". 20 years or more ago, those two were the same, but not anymore. Now you can get "high end sound" on a budget by purchasing one of the DACs that deliver a lot more than they did in the past. "Analog" is still very expensive, that hasn't changed, and cheap analog is a complete waste of money. I'm saying all of this as a person who is deep into analog; however, when you compare the huge difference in cost, to a not so huge difference in sound quality, in my opinion, if you're in, stay in; however, if you're out, stay out. |
I feel good this morning, my only thoughts are music, and I'm going to try and keep it that way. Here is some music that's new to me, and I hope you like it; https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0E5oed4moFg |
Inna, as you know, we both like music that's off the beaten path, so to speak; here's some music that I hope is not too far off the path for you; https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m14ycwf8kbQ |
Inna, here's another one. Do you have this in your collection? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-mrl-4FdZ6U |
Frogman, you probably treasure all your experiences of seeing our most famous jazz artists live, the same as me. Living in New York, I'm sure you've seen more of the famous jazz musicians than I have, but here in St' Louis we have had some very good jazz musicians that I saw often and talked to. Miles was not a St. Louis jazz musician, the same as Grant Green was. Miles was a New York jazz musician. As everyone knows, live music is so much more rewarding than recorded music. Local pianist (and organist) "Terry Williams" sounded as good as Horace Silver to me when I heard him, which was every weekend for awhile at one of the clubs here. I always came to the club an hour before he went on, to talk jazz. He showed me a portfolio of photos where he played piano for the famous musicians we discuss when they came to town and needed a keyboard player. I was looking for something about Terry when I stumbled on this. The irony is; I remember almost every body and everything, but for the life of me, I can not remember Richard Martin, maybe he had a nickname they didn't reveal, but my memory is not as good as it once was; never the less, this article brings back a ton of good memories. https://stljazznotes.blogspot.com/2007/05/in-search-of-richard-martin.html |
Here is one of the greatest jams ever in the history of jazz, and not only do you get to hear it, but you get to see it; these are giants of jazz all jamming together. What I like, is the way they look at one another with admiration; https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OdMRrezUhJw |
"All Day Long"; I could listen to this all day long, and think of any other activity I could be engaged in "All Day Long" while listening. Life is good, but it would be a lot better if I was 50 years younger. This is the "creme de la creme"; it don't get no better than this, all these performers were at the top of their game. (mine wasn't too shabby either when I first heard this) This begins with a drum roll by Blakey, and Kenny B strumming on his guitar, before Lou Donaldson comes out blasting on that sweet alto of his (I love that tone). Kenny B. comes back plunking that most distinctive guitar before the most illustrious Jimmy Smith takes over. (I could distinguish these musicians by the sound of their instruments alone before reading the cover, can you? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=alqt77N0ne8 |