Today's Playlist (so far)
The Blue Note Swingtets -- Featuring groups led by
Tiny Grimes, John Hardee, Ike Quebec, Benny Morton and Jimmy Hamilton
Great playing throughout. This was, according to the liner notes, recorded during Blue Note's 'Swing' period.(1944-1946) A period greatly influenced by Quebec. He seems to have been a very influential advisor to the founder of Blue Note Alfred lion. Even brought Monk to Blue Note.
On this CD, eight of the numbers are by groups led by Ike. Very easy swinging blues rule these sessions. Ike contributes two of his own compositions: 'Blue Harlem' and 'Zig Billion'
Some of the all time greats appear: Milt Hinton, Oscar pettiford, Ben Webster, Barney Bigard and a lot of the Duke's men.
All recorded between 1944 and 1945. Some tape hiss and a little noise, but nothing that would bother a vinyl aficionado. Which I ain't.
I have not given Ike his proper due in my music collection. Only one CD. I will have to correct that. I am sure I have more of him on LP.
Great Liner notes by Dan Morgenstern. I just love it when the history of the players / music and background of the recording session is included.
Cheers |
When I watch a youtube 'video' with just a still shot of the artist, I think of the movie '1984,' and the pictures of Big Brother. Words being spoken but he never moves! hahahahahahah I felt like Ike was watching me!
Cheers.
'Heavy soul' did not get missed. That's why Ike is the topic of conversation. The Frogman and I commented on it. And I even listened to his work on the Blue Note Swingtet CD. Pay attention O-10. :) |
Jazz Aficionados:
I feel that I understood all the comments The frogman made about Ike Quebec's Playing technique.
The Frogman is a great teacher. His descriptions paint such detailed and vivid pictures of the points he is making. We can all be glad to have a person with his expertise in this discussion and forum.
Cheers |
Today's Playlist:
Charles Mingus -- Oh Yeah
with/ Booker Ervin, Rahsaan Roland Kirk, Doug Watkins, Jimmy Knepper, Dannie Richmond
On this set, Mingus plays piano, not bass. I think they needed him on piano.
I suspect there are a lot of 'tongue started notes' on this one. This is one of my favorite CDs by Mingus. This guy really has a good time and it is infectious. If you don't like this CD, you are beyond help.
How can a group have both Booker Ervin and Roland Kirk on tenor sax? Dosen't that violate some law of nature!! Of course Kirk plays everythiong else also.
Quebec might know what is coming after every phrase, I am not sure these guys know or even care! But it is great!
I would like to hear the Frogman's take on the Sax playing on 'Hog Calling Blues'. There was a time, (a lifetime ago) when I would just dismiss it as confused noise, now I hear it as just awesome!! No Filler!! Every tune a winner.
The last track is Mingus being interviewed by Nesuhi Ertegun. Your guess is as good as mine.
If you call yourself a Jazz lover, you gotta have it!
Cheers |
last of Today's Playlist:
Oliver Nelson -- Blues and The Abstract Truth
featuring: Paul Chambers, Eric Dolphy, Bill Evans, Roy Haynes, Freddie Hubbard and George Barrow
If nothing can be perfect, then it's just FLAWLESS!
But I do have a few comments:
Everytime I hear Eric Dolphy, his passing seems even more of a devastating loss to Jazz. What a Talent!
Why isn't Freddie Hubbard mentioned more often, when people talk of the Jazz Trumpet greats?
I have this on LP from back in the day. The liner notes / booklet with the CD is an outrage. Especially considering the importance / significance of this performance. Just a folded piece of paper with micro print.
You won't find better playing, writing or arranging anywhere else. If you ain't got it, the question is, why not??
Cheers |
Hog Calling Blues? We should also give a shout out to Mingus on Piano. I always zero in on that, have since the first time I heard it. To my ear, he was the continuity throughout the whole wonderful thing.
And the rhythm section was awesome. Hell the whole tune was great. No sense trying to disect it.
Why is the CD cover art of my 'oh yeah' different? It's lame also.
Cheers |
Regina Carter -- Rhythms of the Heart
One of the few Violin players in Jazz. Very enjoyable CD. 'Oh, Lady, Be Good' / 'Mojito' and 'Papa Was A Rolling Stone, with Cassandra Wilson on vocals, are the standouts. But, ALL is good. Supported by Kenny Barron, Rodney Jones and others.
After hearing this, it's hard to understand why the violin is not more common in jazz. Check it out!
Stephane who?
Cheers |
Assorted Swedes -- Jazz at the Pawnshop 2CD set SACD
After listening to both CDs, I have two questions.
1. what was all the brouhaha about?
2. WTF was I thinking when I bought it?
I have owned this forever. Listened once and put it back on the rack. I Fell for all the 'audiophile' hype.
I never even stopped to see who was playing and where.
For years I just assumed that the Pawnshop was a club in NYC. Well it turns out its in Stockholm Sweden. And the players are locals (I assume).
This is much ado about not much. Even the vaunted sound quality is not that special given the current state of the art. This is an example of Sound over Substance
I thought the sound was great. As I listened it occurred to me that seldom does great performance and great sound come together at the same time. That seems to be true across all genres.
I thought that this recording expertise could have been put to better use on other performers and performances.
I checked the reaction on Amazon, and one reviewer said the same thing. I guess we both wished we could get Charlie Parker recordings of this quality. It feels great to have similar thoughts with other Jazzers.
And not content to inflict this one outrage on the Jazz public, there are vols two and three!!! Due no doubt to the 'audiophile' element amongst us. They even assaulted Brubeck's 'Take Five'!!! Where there no Jazz police there???
I am sure the players are nice guys, and they play well. They are just missing that certain Something. Hard to define, but I know when it's not there.
Ain't got it? You don't need it, BUT, if you absoultely, positively have to have it, 'these sellers' will have it in your hands next week for a measley $90. $122 for the HD version! Good Luck!
Cheers |
'Ray Charles & Milt Jackson -- Soul Brothers / Soul meeting'
After listening to this CD at a more appropriate volume, It's even better than I previously stated.
Cheers |
Charles1dad:
You are absolutely correct. I guess the answer is, know your lane, and stay in it.
Cheers |
Today's Listen
Hugh Masekela -- The Best Of Hugh Masekela
Most of his greats are here. Including one I could have done without (grazing in the grass).'Chileshe', 'Don't Go Lose It Baby', 'Nelson Madela', 'Mama' and of course the madatory 'Stimela' and others. No filler. All very good. Good happy infectious music. The blowing and the vocals.
Masekela has one of the most beautiful tones I have heard. I could listen to his Flugelhorn all day. He has a very unique voice also.
The Frogman once enlightened us on the unique sound of Mariachi trumpet. I wonder if he or anyone else could do the same with African Vocals. The singers have a very unique sound, esp the background singers. Ladysmith is a good source to hear that.
The liner notes include a one paragraph synopsis of each song. I like that. I think these are the best of his recordings for CBS/Columbia. Production quality is high. Great sound.
I am sure The frogman and O-10 already have this, they being such stalwart champions of third world music/Jazz.
Highly recommended. BTW, His stuff on youtube has horrible sound quality.
Cheers |
Thanks for the kind words O-10. With you onboard, my readership has just doubled!
Today's Ray of Sunshine:
Louis Armstrong and his Orchestra -- SATCH PLAYS FATS
SACD only CD. Not a Hybrid.
Louis Armstrong Plays the music of Thomas 'Fats' Waller. In this realm of Jazz, King louis Rules. He don't need no stinking bebop!!
All of Fats' best known stuff is here. All have vocals. Is this New Orleans Jazz? Fats waller Jazz? Speakeasy jazz? Harlem jazz? No matter what, it's great, feel good, party music. Oustanding Booklet insert.
Of course Louis has the most unique voice on the planet. He can convey feelings like no other. Every song he sings becomes his own. We learned that from 'Hello Dolly'. Velma Middleton duets on some songs.
Half of the tracks are 'bonus' tracks. Alternate takes. Some from the 30's. Normally a turn off to me, but not in this case. The more the better. Great sound quality.
This SACD sells on Amazon new for 4.99! Hard to believe, esp when you consider the prices of all the noise and static on sale there.
For Armstrong / Waller fans, this is a MUST HAVE. For any other Jazz fans its an ought to have. For $4.99 what's there to think about? We have all spent a lot more for a lot less.
Cheers |
The frogman:
"Also, a serious lip injury caused his playing to be sub-par during his last active years."
I hope he was not another victim of Mingus' right hand.
Cheers |
Latest Listen:
Nat Adderley Sextet -- AUTUMN LEAVES (live at sweet basil)
Sextet includes two(2) Alto Sax Players. Sonny Fortune and Vincent Herring. I guess it took that many to replace Cannonball.
Only four numbers. They are long, but do not get tiresome. They will hold your attention. The sextet is totally engaged on all the songs. No throwaways, filler or blowing just to be blowing. That is getting to be the highest compliment you can give these days.
All solos are excellent. Well constructed and played. Esp the Saxophones, but I am not so sure about their tone. Seems like they squeak and squawk a bit. But fine playing all around.
Nat does take the lead role (muted) on the title track.(autumn leaves)
Good, but brief, liner notes. Talks about the Adderely brother's Southern roots.(florida) How the church influenced their musical development. I didn't know that, but I always felt it in Cannonball's music.
Although they were Episcopalin, it seems as if they were most influenced by the Baptist church, as a result of just passing by it on sundays and hearing the music within. hahahahahahaha Now, that's INFLUENCE!
All in all an excellent effort. One of Nat's best.
Highly Recommended.
Cheers |
Today's Listen:
The Timeless All-Stars -- ESSENCE
The all-stars are: Bobby Hutcherson,(vibes), Harold Land,(ts), Curtis Fuller,(tb), Cedar Walton,(p), Buster Williams (b) and Billy Higgins.(d)
I have had this one for decades. A great CD to use as an introduction to high quality Jazz playing.
Improvisation at it's best. All playing and songs are of the ideal degree of complexity. They grab your interest and hold it.
The Bass player, Buster Williams, is awesome throughout. Very intelligent playing as soloist and in support. I am sure his intonation would even meet the approval of The Frogman.
Most of the tracks were written by members of the group. 'Messina', by Hutcherson, is my favorite. Excellent sound. All digital. No Hiss.
Higly recommended. Check it out.
Cheers |
O-10:
http://browse.delosmusic.com/Essence-The-Timeless-All-Stars-p/de%204006.htm
This is the one. recorded in 1986 Delos label 4006 |
Live broadcast from the New orleans Jazz fest:
Wayne Shorter, Dee Dee Bridgewater and otherss are on today. Check it out. Last day I think.
WWOZ 90.7 FM New Orleans.
http://www.wwoz.org/blog/218226
Cheers |
When you sent me the post on Mardra & Reggie Thomas, you sort of made a comparison of her style with McRae and Ella.
It occurred to me how tough it must be to be successful in the music business. One of the major reasons being, the Great artists never really go away. They are still here, on LP and CD.
So if a current player is talented enough and lucky enough to record for a major label, their CD goes in the bin right next to the Ella's and Coltrane's' of the Jazz world. A new artist is always in direct competition with the greats of the past.
I guess classical composers suffer the same way. Of course this is stating the obvious, but your post just brought it home for me.
BTW, I am not sure that 'ESSENCE' is the Timeless All-Stars' best work. But it is good. 'These Sellers' want mega bucks for their other stuff.
Cheers |
"I didn't like the "Timeless" I found;"
The title of the CD is 'Essence' the group is called the timeless all-stars. Hope you followed the link.
You are right about these guys getting old. I always think of them as they appear on the CD covers, some of which are almost 30 years old. All my Hutcherson CDs show him which a full head of hair. Not gray either.
Cheers |
This is the prefect example of why Wynton is under attack.
http://www.thedailypage.com/daily/article.php?article=29820
It has nothing to with his playing, it has to do with his definition of Jazz. That's what they cannot stomach. He does not cave to the free / avant garde / world, crowd. He sees them and calls them for what they are. The want politican correctness, they get brutal honesty.
At the risk of sounding like a broken record, he is defending the music!
Read this article carefully. Really carefully. And then tell me what is this guy's complaint. He speaks for all the Modern, free, and world, noise makers.
The envy and the hatred is almost palpable!!
With this article as evidence, I rest my case. He says it all. I assume all he said about the awards etc.... are correct.
He made the case FOR Wynton in the process of trying to discredit him!!! Desperation!!! hahahahahah
Cheers |
****'You would be surprised'****
Nope, don't think so. I stand by what I said. When it comes to the REAL blues, you might be surprised.
**********but IMO, if a jazz lover doesn't know (for example) that most blues tunes are 12 measures long, I would suggest that the love doesn't go quite deep enough.******
I am not offended in the least. I know about the Blues thingy, but I am surprised you would use that, because a lot of the Jazz that you have presented on this forum,as being your favorites, has no blues element at all. Which pretty much sums up what's wrong with so-called MODERN / WORLD Jazz.
And lastly, there is no prerequisite or requirement, to have any formal education, or training, or experience, or talent, in order to appreciate music, or any other art form. If there were, the concert halls and art galleries would be empty.
But in the end, it is the non-musical, the non-artistic, who are the final arbitrators. They decide who is great and not so great. They decide who is saying something and who is not. Lack of knowledge of the blues notwithstanding.
So the consumers of all this effort by the creative musicians, are the most important folks in the entire scheme of things.
Your post was very informative to me. Rudimentary or not.
Cheers |
******"On the right equipment, classical music sounds very good. I suppose that's why classical musicians are always into the high end."******
Not so fast my friend!
All music can be appreciated on almost any system worthy of the name. Even table radios. I remember many enjoyable sunday afternoons listening to classical music broadcast by Bayerischer Rundfunk on a portable / table Grundig radio. All the in-laws gathered around.
Stereo review once did a series on the stereo systems of professional musicians. I was shocked. My little run of the mill stuff was the equal of them all, at least price wise.
Do not connect or associate music appreciation with the so-called 'high end'. The two are not related in the least. Those people have done enough damage as it is.
Music appreciation of the 'high end' seems to stop at 'Kind of Blue', and then only if it's an 'audiophile' pressing. Just saying.
Cheers |
The last paragraph in your post. I have no problem with it, if you mean:
The players sort themselves out, declare someone DA MAN, then the kingmakers weigh in, and select the ones that they think can make it all the way, and make money for everyone, then I agree.
BUT, if the anointed ones do not impress the public, then the process starts all over again, until they find a more acceptable candidate. Not more talented, not more respected by his peers, but more acceptable to the ignorant, fickle, know nothing, public.
So in the end it still comes down to the public. (me) Musicians / Artists HATE this. Too Bad! That's the way of the world when it comes to the Entertainment / Music business.
BTW, I am not a musician, so I find it curious that you think I would be offended by not knowing the details of music theory.
Cheers |
Kenny G
Kenny was a one hit wonder. Not the first or the last. I own a Christmas CD by Kenny G. Given to me as a Christmas present. Nothing else. He got lucky with a catchy tune, and he never claimed to be a Jazz musician.
BUT, If I had to be locked in a cell with a choice of Kenny G or Ornette Coleman playing non-stop!! Guess what?
Cheers |
I googled Kenny G. I cannot belive it. You are right. It's hard to believe there are 75, let along 75 million people, on the planet that would buy his stuff.
But it is interesting, that you know a lot about Kenny G! :) hmmmm get that duotones outta that CD player. You are busted!!!
I was wrong. Your recommendations have been almost as good as mine. And blues based. OK?
Cheers |
********"Are you kidding me? What was the very first recording I recommended in my first post to this thread? "Blues And The Abstract Truth"; and many others have their roots in the blues. Focus, man, focus :-)"*******
After considerable focusing, I Seem to recall certain folks talking about, and singing the prasies of the ARAB and the SPANISH and the AFRICAN influences in Jazz. Seems like I remember YOUTUBES of examples of these 'influential' folks flying back and forth. The term 'World Jazz' was used a lot.
Some how, Southwest Pakistani Folk 'Jazz,' comes to mind.
All in all, not exactly hotbeds of the blues.
Could I have imagined it all???
Cheers |
"Who wants to listen to Grandpa's music?"
Me.
I did notice how totally disinterested the audience was. Or maybe they were in a stunned stupor. Not Jazz. But, it could be Polish Jazz.
Cheers |
If you are going to listen to 'Carmen,' then there are many good performances. I prefer Callas.
If you are going to WATCH Carmen, then the only choice is Julia Migenes Johnson, Placido Domingo, Orch National De France / Maazel.
Julia Migenes Johnson, has the 'assets' to do 'Carmen' justice. She also has a great voice.
Cheers |
******** this is hip, the muse has taken jazz to poland, and I like it.********
You seem to be a lot more enthusiastic about that music than the folks who were there.
Cheers |
*****post them in declarative sentences *******
A simple, well written declarative sentence, is to an 'audiophile', what kryptonite is to Superman.
Cheers
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O-10:
**********"Rok, my favorite movie was "Apocalypse Now", it's good they don't allow weapons at the VA, cause them fightn words.**********
On my military movie BS scale, Apocalypse is at the top. Nice soundtrack.
Cheers |
*****Rok, I'm not sure we're communicating when we talk about "Blues", because I never liked what we called "gut bucket" blues. As a matter of fact we're talking about a whole different culture of people, not just music. Many people who like "gut bucket" blues don't seem to be aware of that.*******
The Blues is that music tha seems to have started in the Mississippi Delta. It gave rise to, at the very least, Jazz, R&B and Rock & Roll.
BTW, The blues is what was missing from the polish thingy.
'Gut Bucket'???? never heard that term before. Several 'types' of blues were 'invented' by the music industry, so that more wannabes could win Grammys. Otherwise John Lee Hooker won win them all. :)
Cheers |
******"Music appreciation of the 'high end' seems to stop at 'Kind of Blue', and then only if it's an 'audiophile' pressing." If I hear that mentioned one more time I'm going to have twins.********
Sorry. It falls under the 'Sad but True' category.
But don't take my word for it. There is entire thread going on now about just one tune: Kind of Blue.
Truth is stranger than fiction.
Cheers |
Jazz bargain alert!
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004NTVMLA/ref=s9_psimh_gw_p15_d0_i3?pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_s=center-2&pf_rd_r=1E08A228AES4ZYXJWV1T&pf_rd_t=101&pf_rd_p=1630072182&pf_rd_i=507846
Lot of good sets here.
Cheers |
******Mine is just another opinion, how boring is that.****
Seems as if you are waiting for some GURU to come along and tell you what to like and why you should like it!!
When it comes to what music you like, what could be more important than your opinion based on personal experience. This is music, not gear. No all knowing oracle here.
Besides, people do not run out to buy whatever you recommend, but they might youtube it, to see how thay like it.
Cheers |
******My use of the word 'you' was inappropriate. I should have used the word 'one'. My post was not so much about you at all, although I can see why you might have thought so. My apologies.******
No apology required. I thought you were talking to me because it was addressed to me.
Cheers |
******FWIW, my main interest is in classical music. While still fairly ignorant, I know just enough to enjoy participating in those threads in which I do have considerable exposure, and some knowledge, so long as the thread is not just about personal favorites and the best of whatever.**********
Going from Jazz to classical is like going from the frying pan into the fire. If you are reluctant to speak your mind in a Jazz forum , you will really be inhibited in a classical setting.
Of course, you can take solace from the fact that most of the other posters probably don't know what they are talking about. So you needn't be bashful. In my 'opinion', few of us are qualified to critique folks like the top tier Orchestras and Conductors. They end up doing just what you seem to be trying to avoid. Just saying what they like. Stating their opinions!! Which is what I do.
Cheers |
Messrs. Frogman & Learsfool:
I mentioned LvB's 7th due to the horn playing. I was trying to say, that I could 'blissfully' enjoy them all, while you might be grimacing and frowning on a few. Seeing as how you are a horn player.
This is a example of the 'ignorance is bliss' thingy.
BTW, the horn is One of my favorite orchestral instruments. Must be that childhood Lone Ranger thing.
Cheers |
O-10:
The Johnny Smith performance was great. I listened to a few more of his. Misty was one. His playing was flawless to my ear. However, I have been trying to figure out why some music, even if the music is perfectly played, just seems to lack something. I think I know what it is now.
Dynamic Range and Tension. I hope these descriptive terms pass muster with the Frogtman and The learsfool.
I would try this Moonlight In Vermont: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6ikl8pnHz6k
and you can also youtube Vermont by Billie Holiday. Her voice is almost gone, but not quite. It will grab you.
These youtube thingys are getting to be habit forming to me. The make it so easy to compare artists.
I listen to the Emily Remier cut, and then off to the side was a clip of Wes playing with Monk and Coltrane. Although I didn't see or hear Coltrane.
But the difference was striking. Of course not being able to match Wes and Monk is nothing to be ashamed of.
It is very sad that she died so soon. The girl on the B-3 is great also. I hope she is still with us. What a lot of these folks need is a cooking rythm section.
Cheers |
*******Rok, I was wrong about that music, it originated from Dallas Texas, not Poland********
Now I am depressed! Didn't sound like anything I have ever heard in Texas. Myabe that's the reason they were in Poland! :) I suggest they stay there.
My 'review' schedule, and train of thought, were totally disrupted by my attempts to 'review' LULU. Blame it on The Frogman. I will be back on track and LULU will be back on the rack, today Time to get back to Jazz. With a Classical question for The Learsfool from time to time, if that's ok.
Cheers |
Isochronism, good tip.
Not only is she a talented young, and beautiful, Jazz artist. I found a music teacher also. :)
Now this woman has her head in the right place. I will have to check out more of her stuff. I like the way she talks about Jazz. Finally a promising YOUNG player.
BEBOP lives!!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4j0qLksgXDE
Cheers |
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GGVXr4Ji49o
Had to send this. A german Drummer namer jo jo meyer!! it has to be worth a listen. This is so wonderful to see YOUNG folks paying their repects to the past.
She is good.
Cheers |
We also have to give a shout out to Barbara Dennerfein on B-3 organ. Good stuff. check her 'boogie woogie' youtube thingy.
Not earth shattering, but it's so good to see young players play this type of stuff.
Cheers |
Acman3:
I didn't realize she had passed. That is sad. Seems like the really good ones die young.
Thanks for the info. From excitement to sadness in five minutes. |
Music Lovers:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XWIGu6-r67Y
Not Jazz, but a great song by a great singer, that some how evaded my sensory net until now.
Listen from the beginning and pat attention to the piano at 2:18 - 2:19. I always smile and say YES!!!!!.
It's little things like this that make music so wonderful to me. The small nuances.
Cheers |
Today's Listen:
Billy Bang (violin) -- A Tribute To Stuff Smith
with / Sun Ra (piano), John Ore (bass), Andrew Cyrille (drums)
Stuff Smith was one of the premier Jazz Violinist. Died in 1967.
As the title says, this a tribute to him from Billy Bang. All the tunes are standards, which is unusal considering the lineup. Most of these guys played with Sun Ra before or after this recording date.
Bang plays well throughout. In fact he dominates all the tunes. I had to listen twice to concentrate on Sun Ra's contribution. It's there, just not up front. He may have already been in countdown for launch to Alpha Centauri!
These guys are known as Free or avant garde Jazz players, but during this session they acted right. Everything from Jerome Kern to Duke Ellington.
I am not sure the players were a good match. I think Bang would have been better served with more conventional boppers in the rhythm section. But, it is an enjoyable disc. Check it out.
Recommended, if you like Violin in your Jazz.
For some reason they (jazz violinist), all remind me of Stephane Grappelli and Sweet Georgia Brown, Which in turn reminds me of the Globetrotters, Which is not the worst thing a person can be reminded of!
Cheers |
The Frogman:
They, Smith & Getz, seemed to be focused on playing 'moonlight in vermont'. Almost, but not quite, note for note as a singer might sing it.
I think Person and Defrancesco just used it as a good place to start.
Although Person went further away from the melody as the tune progressed, I never forgot they were playing 'Moonlight in Vermont'. To me, this is the genius of Jazz. Besides, Defrancesco was there.
On his Cd 'Boppin' at the Bluenote', Jon Hendricks does the Lerner & Loewe tune 'Get Me To The Church On Time', from My Fair Lady.
When he finished he said, "I bet THEY didn't know THEY wrote THAT!! The THEY being, Lerner & Loewe. The THAT being his 'take' on 'church on time'.
Cheers
BTW, there are much worst places to be musically, than a Baptist church. Some good stuff there. |
Ella? Alpha and Omega, of Jazz singing.
Cheers |
Frogman:
Great clip. I visualize her in Duke's or Basie's band. Not out front, but sitting with the guys. They solo then she does her solo. On vocal, Ella! hahahhahha No wonder the boys in the bands resented the Girl singers in the beginning.
Ella, she don't need no stinking lyrics!
Cheers |
Today's Listen
Ahmed Abdul-Malik -- Jazz Sounds of Africa
Abdul-malik (bass - Oud), Calo Scott (cello), Andrew Cyrille (drums) and others
Now this is a fine example (maybe the only one) of 'World Jazz'. This is high quality playing that leaves you wondering if you are in Nairobi, Rio or Havana. We hear smidgens of Calypso, Mambo and Samba. No 'traditional' peasant's banging and chanting here. This is Jazz, the real deal. With a world flavoe.
No filler, all good well thoughtout tunes. The cello is a surprise. It sounds much more 'suited' for Jazz than does the violin. Several African and Asian intruments are used, and they blend in with the music perfectly.
The liner notes are great also. I will copy a snippet and send in a moment. It addresses a topic of discussion we had on this forum some time ago.
Good sound. Recorded in 1961-62.
Looking for new music? Give this a listen.
Cheers |
