|
"When was the last time anyone of us heard any of those records referred to as "the Gil Evans record ....."? Davis was the higher profile individual (to the public) as the rising star of the jazz trumpet world."
Why should they? Nothing new about this. The soloist always gets top billing. Miles did the playing. Evenas arranged and conducted the orchestra. He did not conduct Miles!
Think of Anne-Sophie Mutter playing with the Berliners. Who gets top billing? Not the conductor nor the orchestra. The person the public is paying to hear.
I have 25+ CDs by Miles, not counting his stuff on LP. Take away the Spain / birth of cool / Porgy Bess, CDs, and there is a LOT of stuff left. Before, during and after Evans.
And my little collection is puny compared to his total output. He was just great. Evans was just a minor stop on the way.
Cheers |
" but I would bet you my copy of that LP that Evans DID "conduct Miles" quite a bit."
I'll call that bet, and raise you my rare and prized copy of ' Corky Siegel's Chamber Blues ' That should show you how strongly I feel about this!
Cheers |
****" When Mutter puts out yet one more version of the Beethoven concerto, it does nothing to shape the direction of the music "*****
You are correct, but,
When I used a similar argument when we fought about errr.... I mean discussed, the 'influence' of various cultures on Jazz. You dissed it then.
BTW, Your post was excellent.
Cheers |
O-10:
With a review like that, how could I resist. Esp when the word 'gospel' is used. Only one left, I hope I get it. Thanks.
Cheers |
Some more recent purchases:
Nina Simone -- The Best of the Colpix Years
Nina is great as she always is. The sound quality is hit and miss. The song selection is ok, but this being a compilation, the songs and the sound quality is disjointed.
She sings 'Fine and Mellow', I always thought that song belonged to Billie. After hearing Nina, it still belongs to Billie. The critics seem to feel that she did her best work at Colpix. If the title of this CD is correct, I disagree. I like the Philips output much better.
Branford Marsalis Quartet -- Four MFs Playin' Tunes
Who Dat?? Who Dat, say Jazz is dead?? It is alive and well, and this CD is proof. I am not familiar with his quartet, but they are great. Esp the piano player (Joey Calderazzo). But all are great. I think this is where the be/hard bop guys were heading. It's fresh, new, and progressive, with it's orgins/roots firmly planted in the past. This is the new Jazz! Don't need no Koreans or Arabs or any of the rest. I think Branford might be better than his brother.
Joe Henderson -- Our Thing
with/Joe Henderson, Tenor sax / Kenny Dorham, trumpet / Andrew Hill, piano / Eddie Khan, bass / Pete LaRoca, drums
Good Blue Note outing. Professionals at work. The liner notes of the LP, and the Remaster, this is a RVG CD, are something to behold. I had to check to see if they had been written by The Frogman! I wonder how many Jazz fans think of, and 'hear' the music the way Messrs. leonard Feather and Bob Blumenthal perceive it?
Dizzy Gillespie -- Dizzy's Big 4
with / Dizzy / Joe Pass / Ray Brown / Mickey Roker.
Typical OJC sound quality, which is very good. Dizzy continues to amaze me how he can play in the upper register with such ease and purity of tone. He is without peer doing that. 'Be Bop' is my favorite. They take it at light speed!! Birks Works is also very good. Another Norman Granz production. I am currently reading the Hershorn book about Granz.
Cheers |
O-10
The 'Best of the Coplix Years' contains 19 of the tracks from your Rhino CD set. And it is on the 'Roulette' label. Generaly, you can't go wrong with Rhino compilations. They do it best, so yours might sound a lot better than mine. Some of the tracks were good, but the sound quality was sub-par, as were the song selections compared to say, 'Four Women'. IMO, as always.:)
Cheers |
Pnmeyer:
Have not listened to 'Soultrane' in years. I will play it now.
Thanks.
Cheers |
O-10:
I will try a 'used --very good' rhino colpix set from 'these sellers' on amazon. 15 dollars. She is one artist that I want to have all her best stuff.
Cheers |
(I assume we all know what MF stands for).
Mellow Fellows?
Cheers |
O-10:
I found your comments on the Three Sounds to be very interesting.
The first time I played the 8 Classic set I compared it to my only copy of them on Blue Note. I put one of the classic cds in one player and the blue note in another player. Both were playing thru the same amp.
I just toggled between them and decided that the piano on the Classic cd sounded flat, just as you said. I went back and forth until I was sure. Yep, flat.
Then I went to the kitchen for coffee and talked a while with the wife, then came back into the listening room. The two players where still playing. The lights on the amp were defeated, as they always are. I had forgotten which CD player was selected. I sat there looking at two cd players, both on, with the counters counting, but I had no idea which one I was listening to. I had stumbled into a blind test!
So I concentrated as hard as I could. grrr, grrrr, grrr, and decided that the piano was flat, so it must be the classic cd. Wrong! It was the Blue Note Playing thru the SA8001.
What does this prove? Nothing. Just food for thought. I then wrote my 'review'. I stand by it with the following understanding:
My review is for the The Three Sounds only. I would not buy any of the heavyweights, Miles, Coltrane or Rollins etc... But for groups that are not that important to you and ones that you would not normally buy, the classic sets are a good buy. After all, I only had one Cd by the Three Sounds. Much more on LP. As several reviewers have said, their music has a sameness about it. Nice lounge music. I do have a lot of Gene Harris.
Thanks for your comments.
Cheers
I think my brain knew I was listening for FLAT, so it provided FLAT. That happens a lot of this site. I just admit it. When I knew which Cd was playing it was easy. When I didn't know, things got a lot harder. |
O-10:
Are you sure we are talking about the same Cd?
' The Three Sound Eight Classic Albums. Real Gone Jazz. RGJCD285'.
I am listening to it as I type. No way I can hear booming bass! And BTW, CD vs LP, upstairs / downstairs is not a valid comparison test, but even so, the CD should sound OK.
I guess we will just have to agree to disagree about this one.
Cheers.
BTW, you just destoryed my rep as a 'reviewer'. Thanks! |
Speaking of 'Nuance', may I recommend the following:
Jimmy Scott (vocals) -- All The Way
Probaly unknown to most on this forum, but he this man is an awesome talent. If you like singing at the highest level try to find a way to listen to this cd. Try to YouTube him if you can. I think The Frogman will love his style.
His voice is almost feminine. I have had this CD for years. Listened to it last night. Great late night singing esp with that special someone. His personal story is a sad one.
Ella Fitzgerald -- For the Love of Ella Fitzgerald
Two Cd set. A tale of two CDs. CD #1 swings the other one is mostly Ballards. I like the swing stuff best. Of course there is no sense trying to describe Ella's performances anymore. Hell, it's Ella. That's all you need to know.
She is backed on one song or another by almost everyone in Jazz. From The Duke, Basie, Louis, Oscar to Nelson Riddle. Her performance of 'Rockin' in Rhythm' with Duke's band is awesome! She scats thru the whole thing. Duke and Band are out of their heads. The brass section in particular. They get 'up there' and stay up there for a while. With Clark Terry , Ray Nance and Cat Anderson on trumpets, what can you expect! Man, I love this stuff!
The ballards are just run of the mill awesome! The woman does anything so effortless!
And please, no comments about flat pianos! :)
BTW, O-10, I received my copy of 'Trio Tres Bien' today. I will report later. I noticed they used the term 'Jazz Aficionado' in the liner notes. You didn't write them did you :)
Cheers
Give Jimmy Scott a listen. And Ella also. I looked on youtube, I saw her doing rockin in rhythm, but not with the Duke.
Cheers |
"Maybe I should join "EAA", that stands for "Extreme Audiophiles Anonymous". After putting such people down, I've discovered that "Maybe I are one"?"
Maybe you is! |
Rknight:
Folks don't wade thru Braxton's mind, they go via 4 wheel drive hummer!! :) Otherwise you might end up like the guys in the old Tarzan movies, up to your neck in quicksand. Good Luck!
Cheers |
Today's Playlist:
Walter Davis Jr.(piano) -- Davis Cup
w/ Jackie McLean / Donald Byrd / Sam Jones / Art Taylor
Straight-Ahead, Hard Bop, Blue Note Session. Some critics say one of the best ever! All tunes written by Davis. Great supporting cast. Very enjoyable record.
Walter Davis Jr. -- In Walked Thelonious
Davis playing solo piano. All of Monk's tunes are here. At least 14 are. Mapleshade Production, so you know the recording is excellent. Think of it as Davis' take on Monk, without all the 'clutter'. No flat piano here!! This man didn't record much, and this is one of his best, along with the one listed above. Get them both. You won't be sorry.
Now, The Piece de Resistance!!!
Rahsaan Roland Kirk -- Blacknuss
He plays everything from Motown, to The Old Rugged cross!! Not a weak, or throw a way, track on the CD.
He is funny, serious, profound, silly and absolutely brilliant, all at the same time! He also sings and plays several instruments at the same time.
This CD is a MUST HAVE!! You know you have to have it, so if you ain't got it, git it!!
I have another one of his I will 'review' tomorrow.
Cheers
|
Frogman:
"Notice how they both approach it from below which gives certain sung notes an ever so slightly flat intonation until they are brought up to the pitch center; gives the singing a subtle tension-and-release quality that is very expressive."
I pulled out my copy of Nancy and Cannonball. I listened for what you described. I think I know what you are talking about. I will now go back and compare her to Jimmy. BTW, she didn't sing long enough, before Cannonball and the boys took over the CD. :(
I would have never noticed that on my own. First I would have been too involved staring at the CD cover photo. Then listening to her wonderful voice.
It's good to have a person with your background in the group. Even I, might be able to learn something!
She is one of the few big time singers I have seen / heard in person. Constitution Hall in D.C.
Thanks for the insight.
Cheers. |
Acman3:
I was just kidding about the thread hijack thingy. Just messin' with the Frogman. After all, I am the Last person on this site to complain about hijacking a thread. I used to do it all the time. But only to those that needed to be hijacked. :)
I just pulled out my CD of Mingus' 'Town Hall Concert'. Will listen and give you my thoughts tomorrow. Thanks for mentioning what you are listening to. I am listening to a lot more Jazz since this thread was started.
BTW, did you know Etta Jones was / is married to Houston Person? Person just has to be the most underrated and under known player in all of Jazzdom! I have him on the CD 'Jazz in an R&B Groove, vol 1' One of the most enjoyable Jazz Cds ever!
Cheers |
Heard Today:
Etta Jones (vocals) -- Don't go to Strangers
She should be more well known and highly regarded. She can sing with the big girls. Does 'fine & mellow'. Only Billie could do it better.
Andrew Hill (piano) -- But Not Farewell
Plays with a quintet. I like it, better than I used to. Has been on the 'save for later' shelf for years.
Gonzalo Rubalcaba (piano) -- The Blessing
Trio with Charlie Haden and Jack DeJohnette. Not two of my favorites, but they are a good fit here. Nice version of 'Besame Mucho'. Another Cuban Virtuoso.
Murray Perahia (piano) -- Bach Keyboard Concertos Nos. 3, 5, 6, 7
Not Jazz? Hmmmmmm, maybe. But great Music and I did listen to it today.
Cheers |
By Jove, I think, he thought, he was perfect!
If consider this being 'busted', then we can say you have a rap sheet as long as your arm!!
Cheers |
Acman3:
Glad you liked the mellow fellows. I listened to 'Town Hall Concert' Today. It's a great CD. A sad reminder of what a great loss Eric Dolphy was.
You are correct about Mingus being on the edge as a composer, but his groups were always very well rehearsed. I could always follow his music. His music never sounds arbitrary or without direction. 'Mingus At Antibes' is my favorite.
Cheers |
Pnmeyer:
I don't have the 'Awakening' by Jamal. I will have to find a way to listen to bits of it. I do have several of his CDs, that you have just put me in the mood to listen to.
Glad you liked Scott.
Cheers |
O-10:
Ref 'Trio Tres Bien' -- Nice music. As you said, sort of hard to stop listening once you start. I heard it all the way through.
One thing that sort of spoiled it for me was the packaging. Seems sort of amateurish.
A player should never have his picture on a Jazz Cd sitting at a portable electronic keyboard. Or holding a snare drum. They appear to be a group for local functions, weddings, birtdays etc.....
I could not get this outta my mind as I listened. Took away a little from the music.
But, they can play.
Cheers |
Frogman:
Firstly, I was stunned into speechlessness!! The thread has apparently been highjacked by entrepreneurs engaged in the manufacture of silk purses!
Also:
A certain FRAU, has decreed, that weekends will be reserved for listening to 'Hits from the Fatherland'! So I have been jamming to the three B's. Beethoven, Bach and Brahmns. So I am behind in my 'Reviews".
The thingy on Jaco was interesting. I wonder why Jazz of all genres arouses such controversy.
Cheers |
Hamiett Bluiett -- What does one say? I have several WSQ CDs and he is part of that group.
On the tune you sent, It was not too bad, because I knew it was 'a night in tunisia'. While he was playing his thing, I had the melody going on in my head. Like he was soloing over my tthoughts. That made it all a little easier to follow. His skill on the horn is not in question!
I know I bash these free Jazz folks alot, but at least they are in the arena doing something. They deserve credit for that. Hard to understand music, is better than nothing to understand.
Cheers
Thanks for the posts. |
I am still listening to the Brackeen youtube thingy. Lord, she is good. I hope I can hear the point you made, about around 4:30.
Cheers
she does need a new hairdo. |
I have read of it somewhere.(Lulu) Most likely in one of the music magazines I buy. I didn't pay it much mind. I havee noticed that all opera seems to be getting 'modern' in appearance. Wardrobes etc.....
I decided that when it comes to Opera, it's better to buy DVDs than CDs. The Aural and the Visual are both just too vital to getting the impact and meaning of the performance.
I will find a way to hear/see it.
Cheers
You realize, 'mind bending' can be good or very bad! :) |
Frogman:
I am sure you have probably seen this, but here it is.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ot_EM7C_9C8
I think I might like this Lulu!
Cheers |
Frogman:
I found the metro / Levine. You failed to mention JULIA MIGENES!! I love that woman! I have her doing Carmen. They did a 60 minutes thingy on her years ago. What a babe.
Thanks
Cheers |
Frogman:
Ref Brackeen
Can't the change at 4:30 be thought of as the beginning of the second movement? I noticed it but did not think it was a bad thing.
Cheers |
"If there's any interest in some recommendations lemme know!"
Well, that is the purpose and point of the thread. What are your recommendations? |
Today's Playlist:
Terence Blanchard -- A Tale of God's Will (a requiem for katrina)
Very beautiful, Moving and reflective music. Blanchard plays for his home town, New Orleans. This could have been a disaster, but was very well done.
Most of the tunes written by Blanchard. Also includes the backing of the Northwest Sinfonia, and, a guy playing the Tabla and the Happy Apple!!
Not sure it's Jazz, but Blanchard is a Jazz player from the birthplace of Jazz. That's good enough.
Oscar Peterson Trio -- At Newport (July 7 1957)
A tale of two LP sides. Side A has the OP Trio in their usual outstanding form. This man does not make bad recordings. Just some are mo'better greater than others.
Side B is when Roy Eldrige, Sonny Stitt and Jo Jones join the party. WOW! What a difference drums and horns make. All is good, the tunes with Stitt and company just take it up a notch.
The liner notes mention that Stitt started his career on alto, but since Bird was still alive, he switched to tenor. When Bird died, he went back to alto. hahhahahhah Live at Newport Festival.
The Paris All-Stars -- Homage To Charlie Parker
The All-Stars include: Dizzy, Getz, Roach, McLean, Phil Woods, Milt Jackson, Hank Jones, and Percy Heath. All Stars Indeed!!
Great playing throughout. The Sax players sort of take over on the last three tunes: Cherokee, Night in Tunisia and OO PA PA DA. Outstanding playing from all three sax players. Dizzy sings on the last tune, and it is a riot!! Great Stuff!! Live in Paris.
Maynard Ferguson -- Conquistador
Stop all those boos, and cries of outrage!! I haven't said anything yet.
Commercial claptrap at it's worst!! Sellout!!! Non-Jazz!! One reviewer said that 'Mister Mellow' was the worst song he had EVER heard!!
As Chief of Jazz Police for Central Texas, I have to stand by my fellow Aficionados.
I just don't understand how, or why, I wore out two LPs playing this mess, and then bought it on CD!!! Hmmmmmm
Wanna hear how high a human can play a trumpet? This is it. It ain't Jazz, but it's very enjoyable music. In fact, it's the only record I have ever heard, from a distance, that I thought was a live band!! Still remember the time and place.
BTW,
Like R&B?
Like Country?
Here it is on the same CD. 'Rhythm Country and Blues'
Very well done. Check it out.
Cheers |
Orpheus10:
I was just messin' with you about the 'reviewer' thingy. None of it was serious. I am not a 'legitimate' reviewer and never claimed to be. Just all in fun.
Me, an Audiophile? Surely you jest!!! After a few exchanges with The Frogman, I find myself listening for Bass player intonation and piano left hands etc.... Can hardly concentrate on the music anymore.
Cheers
BTW, my next playlist contains some real shockers!!! :)
Stay tuned. |
Today's Playlist:
Dorothy Donegan -- Dorothy Romps (a piano retrospective 1953-1979)
Frogman, check out this left hand playing!
She lives up to the name on the CD. She Romps!! She does it all, Boogie-Woogie, Stride, Blues and Bop. The booklet that came with the CD is excellent reading.
She was quite an independent woman / player, which didn't set well with the Jazz old guard. She being a woman and all.
George Shearing refused to share a billing with her. Oscar Peterson would, only if she used his trio. But interestingly, both Ellington and Basie INVITED her to play with them. I guess class does always tell. Did I mention she plays boogie-woogie? I love it.
Hampton Hawes -- Hampton Hawes Trio Vol. 1
with / Red Mitchell on bass, Chuck Thompson on drums
Very fine piano playing. Hawes is supposed to be a West Coast guy, in the coast wars. A coolster? I think he is just a fabulous piano player.
His music is intricate, but accessible, the ideal situation in Jazz. His playing is a joy to listen to and follow. OJC recording so you know it's good.
Lena Horne -- Being Myself
Lena was 81 when this was recorded. Her voice shows her age in any objective, technical evaluation. But, in an emotional sense, she is right on target.
All the tunes are standards. If you want her at her best, get her much younger. But if you can visualize her, or know anything about her, this is just fine.
I read a story about her once. She was at a Military base performing during World War ll. The audience consisted of Black G.I.s and German prisoners of war. Of course, due to the prevailing 'conditions', the Germans were seated up front. Lena promptly left the stage, walked back to the first row of Black soldiers, and began to sing! With the uber alles boys at her back.
In the 1940's that took guts. Esp for a woman. A black woman. In show business. Where her livelihood, depended on the whims of others.
This is her last recording. It's important to me, because she was
Such a beauty! Such a talent!! And a Great and Brave American! I am glad she did this CD. Glad it's on Blue Note. And I'm glad to have it.
BTW,
She looks 35 on the CD cover!
Cheers
|
Ref: Paquito D'Rivera
Its seems as if 'Portrait of Cuba' is my only CD with Paquito as leader. I do have him with Claudio Roditi on a CD entitled 'Milestones'
Of the ones Chazro recommended, I think I'll try 'Who's Smoking' and 'A Night In Englewood'.
I wanted REUNION, but it does not seem to be on CD.
This guy was in all types of music. From Classical Orchestras, to the Cuban Army Band. I am sure this background influenced his approach to Jazz. He recorded a Jazz Chamber thingy also.
Cheers |
Frogman:
I have a question. I don't know if it's legit, or just my imagination. But if I hear a trumpet playing Mexican Music, just a note or two, I can tell immediately that's it's Mexican music. Not because I recognize the music, but just by the sound / tone of the trumpet. I think this might be true of some other genres as well.
Does this make any sense? If it does, what is the musical explanation for this. Talk about it.
Thanks
Cheers |
Frogman:
Thanks for the prompt and informative reply on the Mariachi trumpet question.
Paquito Vindicated!!! This guy can blow / bop with the best. I listened to 'Milstones' with Claudio Roditi, Paquito and Kenny Barron Great record. I guess it depends what you are playing and where and with whom. This set is live at the bluenote.
I get LULU today. Can't wait to see and hear Miss Julia.
Cheers |
Fellow Jazz Lovers:
Wynton has become the 'goto' guy in Jazz for the non-Jazz world. Need a guest on a talk show to talk about Jazz? Who you gonna call? Who gets the coverted gig at Lincoln Center? He is the face of Jazz in this country, actually the world. Don't like it, or agree, too bad.
Some feel he is not the BEST Jazz / trumpet player or indeed not even the best in his family. That does not matter. What he has, is the appropriate / required SKILL SET to represent the art form. He has it all. The education, personality, speaking ability and abouve all he KNOWS the music and it's HISTORY. And, like you said, he can play! He is a modern day Louis in that respect.
Now some players resent all this. There are not many perks in Jazz, and Wynton seems to get them all. I understand this, even if I don't agree with their attitude. The fans, are as you said. Hippness and possessors of some insight the rest of us po souls don't have, is their motivation. I understand them also.
I respect him more than any other player. He is in the arena, doing all he can to grow the music and keep it alive and relevant in today's music world. Hard to do with all the noise, static and easy undeserved money out there.
And lastly. He looks like a Jazz player! Talk about Cool and hip? That's Wynton. We need more like him!
Cheers
BTW, O-10, I get Ray and Milt today. Will Report. |
I agree with all the positive comments about the Ray Charles / Milt Jackson recording. Very good. No filler.
I also pulled out the Lee Morgan CD, 'The Cooker'. Agree with O-10's review. But, I would have given a special shout out to Bobby Timmons and the rhythm section. They almost stole the show.
I only have Shirley Scott on one CD. That's with her husband Stanley Turrentine. CD entitled Hustlin'. I have a lot more of her on LP. She was gifted.
But since you mentioned the B-3, I will have to inflict a Jimmmy Smith 'review' on you people.
Cheers
|
Frogman:
I 'assume' you think the Freddie and Clifford playing was better. I might agree, on this one instance, but I am sure they could all play it many, many ways. that is one of, if not THE, essential component of Jazz. Improvisation.
The classical piece was great. I have Wynton with the great soprano, Kathleen Battle, on 'Baroque Duet'. I also have him doing Trumpet Concertos by Haydn, Hummel and L. Mozart. Great playing.
As I have said before, he is more than just another Jazz player. He is a multifaceted Musician. At home in any genre. He can play Cherokee anyway you want it. Or he wants it.
Cheers |
Frogman:
I was just listening to the CD, 'UGETSU', Art Blakey and the Messengers live at birdland. This is the 'review' everyone has been clamoring for me to write, and surely awaits with bated breath.
Outstanding Cover photo. But the club seems to be very small. However, any and everyone who is, or, has ever been anyone, has played there.
So, my question is, how does a group make money, playing in a place that small. Then I started thinking about who makes or made money in Jazz. And how much, i.e. how high a standard a living? Say, from the golden era of bluenote to the present.
Based on your personal experience and knowledge, can you speak to this? Of course in a gerneral sense.
Thanks
Cheers |
O-10,
Very nice singing. I listened to every snippet and they all were well done. The two songs written by her husband were good also. As you said very nice voice and a good song selection.
I youtubed and googled them. They do a lot of good stuff exposing and teaching young people to Jazz. This in itself is most important thing. He is also a faculty member in the Jazz Studies Dept at Michigan State. Also works with Lincoln Center projects. Impressive. We need more people like this at the grass roots level.
I noticed they are from the St Louis area. Same as Trio Tres Bien. Is St Louis your stomping grounds also?
http://music.msu.edu/faculty/profile/reginald
Cheers |
For you youtube folks.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RvNIivHdy0Q
If you don't get the trumpet solo on 'Layla', then you are hereby banished from the Jazz Aficionados faternity.
Of course all the other players are great also. Check out 'just a closer walk with thee' also. Hell, check out the whole CD.
I find that I am a lot more receptive and sympathetic to music when I can see the players as they play.
Cheers
Wynton makes a million a year? Tiny Tim made that much in one day singing 'tiptoe thru the tulips'. And they say there is no justice! |
O-10:
I think we can agree that
1. Wynton is not the best Jazz player in the world.
2. Wynton is not the worst Jazz player in the world.
So, that begs the question, why are we talking about him?
You answer that, think before you answer, and you are on the road to understanding what this 'wynton' thingy is all about.
hint, hint, Skill at Improvisation has nothing to do with it.
Frogman: Your comment about Branford was really funny!
I betcha Wynton would not have missed a beat!
Cheers |
Shirley Horn, I have her CD 'you won't foget me'. That one includes Wynton, Branford and Miles. The lady traveled in good company. On another one she has Roy Hargrove. She has a thing for trumpet players? The clip you sent was indeed special.
Cootie Williams played with the Duke. So of course he can play. Wynton's solo on the Horn song was him doing what the song and the moment required.
Your comments on personal perferences and appreciations are right on target. Well said. Even me, with my big mouth, cannot think of anything to add. You Nailed it.
Your comments on the Wynton/Clapton CD? Extremely Close, But No Cigar.
You are not considering the total situation. I.E. the context of the playing. This was not a 'blowing' session. It was written arranged music, promoted as Wynton and Eric play the blues. It was not a head cutting event. The audience got what they came to hear.
All music arranged by wynton. No leader dominating the solos. Everyone played. All Had their moments. This was not a JATP thingy.
Considering the moment, the song, the location, the event,... the solo was perfect. The Shirley Horn tune called for something else, so he did something else. When he performs with Kathleen Battle doing Mozart, he again, does what is called for.
A few things to remember about Wynton.
He plays to please the audience. He actually wants people to like Jazz. So, sometimes he meets them halfway.
He is not from the 'mean streets' of anywhere, he is a memeber of a highly accomplished and respected Jazz music family, born and raised in the birthplace of Jazz.
He plays to give enjoyment and pleasure to the listener.
I have him playing and singing (scatting) on a CD by Jon Hendricks. Doing the same on a CD with Willie Nelson!
And of course the Clapton CD. Name another Jazz player that could do that. You want to know where he is coming from, think Louis Armstrong.
Some Jazz players, usually the unsuccessful ones, play for themselves. And others, the ones that do well, play for their audience, while exposing them to new things.
I ignored your 'IMO' thingy. That's understood and applies to us all, and if that was the final word, we could close the thread now.
Cheers |
Frogman, we have no argument. I never said, or at least never meant to say that Wynton is the BEST anything. I am just reacting to the Wynton bashing that is out there. Not from you, but from many. If he is not the WORST Jazz player, then bash the guys whom he is better than! Just for a change.
Cheers
Clark Terry has been my favorite for years. Even when everyone else was going gaga over Miles. Maybe because I played Flugelhorn in concert band. |
Charles1dad:
Smart Jazz players and fans support Wynton and his efforts to expose new people to Jazz and increase the fan base of the music. And in order to do that, the music must be accessible. Not a job for the Ornette Coleman's of the world.
It's sort of like Tiger Woods. Although all golfers want to win and try to win, they know that if they can't win it, it's better for them all if Tiger does. The more he wins, the more money for them all.
I have never heard or read of a Jazz player bashing Wynton. I think they know better. Too bad the fans don't.
Thanks for the words of support.
Cheers.
BTW, lest there be any doubt. I do not consider The Frogman a basher. That type of thing would be beneath a person with his musical knowledge and background. |
I was just messin' with The Frogman.
Cheers |
"in some cases today, a solo is "composed" in the mixing room by taking the first four bars of the first take, the middle twelve from the third take, the bridge from the fourth take, and then back to the first take for the last sixteen;
This is depressing. Frogman you have shattered all our illusions. What's next? That was not Miles blowing on 'kind of blue'. Miles was sick that day, his cousin Jerome took his place?
Like watching sausage being made. It's best not to watch or know some things.
And all this time I thought I was listening to spontaneous improvisation. So instead of jamming with 'Mingus at Antibes', I was actually jamming with Igor Fixitstein, the control room guy!
Too Much Information!
Cheers |
O-10
Very good 'bluenote' session. I love his tone. I have his 'Blue And Sentimental' CD. He was another player with greater potential derailed by drugs.
Cheers |
