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

Showing 50 responses by acman3

What does everyone think of the new Wayne Shorter? It is only on CD and vinyl, as far as I can tell, and I have not heard it yet.

 I really enjoyed the concert from Frogman in a jazz orchestra setting, but here he is in a completely different setting, which to me is more difficult. I will need to hear it.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EeKcRo8xLQY
Michael Leonhart put out a really nice record in 2018 called "The Painted Lady Suite"which is not on youtube. Sounds something like this.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lx3GcVYCTYo
Schubert, Thanks! I could not help but notice how fit the young ladies are from their dancing. Do you know if the boys are in the band, but not pictured.
Frogman and Schubert , I was listening to the John Hicks-Frank Morgan recording yesterday, in comparison to Montreal Memories. Both are great! I did not realize he was so close to the end.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hVlxTy3Xzio
Just making it easy for others to compare the two. Very different performances, and always personal. 

I remember Paul Motion saying towards the end of his time with Evans, he was playing with brushes real quietly and being told he was too loud. 
Interesting Frogman. Of all the "Miles stories" I have ever heard, I don’t remember any, where he was kind or did something for another person. Just tried to find some real quick with key search words, and just got some of his attitude in phrases. Miles and Kind = " What kind of crap  was that".
Schubert, do yo think your preference has something to do with the time each player is keeping?

It seems to me that Evans does not play a set time. Bill Evans tugs and pushes around the beat, and Eliane Elias and Ms. Horn, while quite different tempos, have a more set time, with Ms. Elias even providing the song with a sort of propulsion.

Another excellent pianist who plays around the notes, but still seems to drive the song.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tffhDpEmsp8