Rok, I saw a movie based on "time travel", and that's when I realized that nothing, and I do mean "nothing" could be more foolish than to play games with "time"; in the first place, it doesn't exist; can you touch it? can you bottle it? what does it look like like? Everybody measures it, but what is it? The "only" thing certain about "it" is that when the "moving finger" done wrote, nothing it writes can be altered one iota.
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
Rok, I saw a movie based on "time travel", and that's when I realized that nothing, and I do mean "nothing" could be more foolish than to play games with "time"; in the first place, it doesn't exist; can you touch it? can you bottle it? what does it look like like? Everybody measures it, but what is it? The "only" thing certain about "it" is that when the "moving finger" done wrote, nothing it writes can be altered one iota. |
Believe it or not, I had no idea those guys were related; too much talent for one family. Although I have enjoyed music made by them individually down through the years, I still didn't know they were related. We're keeping the music in Rok's favorite time frame, and while it's for sure the artists are not new, this music is most certainly new to me, and I'm enjoying it; keep it going. |
Feeling is what separates music from noise; it's that incomprehensible connection we share with other human beings on planet earth, that enables us to communicate when we don't share the same language. I am of the opinion that extreme "audiophiles" like sounds as opposed to music because they are obsessed with high and low frequencies where almost no music is found; that might also explain why they touch and go on this thread, and to further confirm my opinion, they never like components that expand the music, preferring those that can play loud at the two frequency extremes. |
After upgrading my "analog rig" I also have to redo the LP's to my play list in order to get full benefit; that's what I'm doing now. I've got quite a few Pat Metheney records that look brand new, and I don't know what they sound like; that's a bad sign. It means playing that record is a waste of time, because I'm not going to add it to the play list; especially since I haven't heard or played it in years. Today, I've heard a number of records that will be added to the play list that I don't own yet; all of those records happen to be "jazz jazz". I also subscribe to "Stereophile" because they practically give me the magazine. I think I bought 1 CD in 20 years, and don't even play that one. That lets you know how successful I've been in finding music there. The best way for me to select music is to let the music select me. "I don't fight the feeling", and experimentation is out of the question, this means I'm walking a well worn path to success; no more wasted money. ( I've got way too many records taking up good shelf space, that need the boot) "What possessed me to buy that record"? is what I'm asking myself over and over. The best path to success is "what ever works, and this is what's working" Enjoy the music. |
Frogman, as you know, that comes out every year and I usually have almost all of them that I want, (that hasn't changed) although this year has a better selection than most. When I mentioned "Stereophile" I was referring to the monthly selection of jazz albums. That's when they focus on "new" jazz as opposed to the best that's already in one's collection. Just setting the record straight. BTW, I don't have that Hank Williams Jr. either, but now that you're recommending it, I'm sure it's something special. Enjoy the music. |
Rok, it's amazing you should mention Joni Mitchell; I got a record where she was celebrating Mingus's Birthday with Mingus, and I bought anything I saw his name on. Who knows how many years have passed since I last played that record; I'm recording records to the playlist. After I recorded that record, I deleted it. That's who I thought about too. I'm going to do this everyday, but I'll give my opinion last. Enjoy the music. |
Instead of posting records from my collection, I'm going to post "Records to die for" from the selected collection of "Stereophile" writers, that are not in my collection, and we can get your opinion of R2D4 2017. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=635LnyveWi8 I won't give my opinion of any of these records, I want your unbiased opinion. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kZfWZCENO3o https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZXlaXbI0Eqg Without giving my opinion, I will say none of these records are "stereotypical", which is one of my favorite words of derision. Enjoy the music. |
I have stumbled on the music that was my primary interest before jazz; EXOTICA! This was when Martin Denny's music evoked pictures of far away places with strange sounding names where flamingos fly, and incredibly gorgeous women were all over the place; this high school student was going to get him one when he got there. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w9C2tHYZ3R8 Enjoy the music. |
The Tikiyaki Orchestra - Exotique; out of R2D4. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hYEVq0xhRCE Duke Ellington, different and nice; https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PY4aVohFLZs Keith Jarret and Charlie Haden; https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7ff2HTMvfCU I have presented 3 albums from "Stereophile R2D4" without any consideration of my personal likes or dislikes; you be the judge. Enjoy the music. |
Something old has been at the top of my list for quite some time. Something new, Brad Mehldau - "Blues and Ballads" is sure sounding good. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ssgnCeomQFM Thanks for the tip Dave. |
Dave, having excellent taste is an important component for the acquisition of a boss jazz collection. Not many newcomers would have selected "Soul Brothers" in the beginning stage of getting into jazz. You couldn't have picked a better time; thanks to "You Tube", and a little help from your friends in jazz, you'll have a boss collection in no time. |
I'm continuing with Stereophile's list of R2D4. Buddy Collette played sax, clarinet and flute; I primarily knew him for his work on flute. He grew up with Mingus in LA, but I can't think of any musical similarities between the two. Buddy Collette Big Band In Concert; https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AS6HZoTt1TM Sonny Rollins, "Alfie"; https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5_moRogiog0 The last selection isn't jazz, but it was in R2D4, and I know somebody will like it; I wouldn't be surprised if he has it in his collection already. The Neville Brothers "Yellow Moon" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZlVxx3HVW24 Enjoy the music. |
Without a doubt, that would have been better with a southern choir; everything goes better with biscuits, butter and molasses. Which reminds me of a joke, "How can I have Mo-lasses, when I aint had No-lasses"? Somehow, sophisticated Northern soul is not quite the same as southern "Nawlins" soul. I've got one more cut to conclude R2D4, and it's one that's probably already in everyone's collection; "Grace, Passion, and Fire", features three of the worlds greatest guitarists. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X3iGy4ErYNE Enjoy the music. |
Rok, for me, that's universal, ageless music, it never gets old, and also has good recording quality; that puts it over the top. There was another piece of music that fit in that category, and we both liked the way they danced, but I can't remember it right now; it was a traditional dance, maybe you can remember and find it. |
Good morning Aficionados, we have a new member to this thread, "Dave - dlcockrum"; who is a very sharp audiophile that has personally helped me to upgrade my rig substantially. If I cover ground we've already covered, it will be to bring Dave's collection up to speed. I was listening to Shirley Scott, Queen of the organ, and thinking, "What a good place for Dave to start", she's so connected to other prominent jazz artists that every aficionado has in their collection, that he can't go wrong here. Enjoy the music Dave. |
I was listening to Marvin Gaye's, "What's going on" and thought about when I was partying in Detroit in the mid 60's, when it was the richest city in the world in per capita income. Although at that time, I most certainly did not have time for statistics, I couldn't help but notice all the brand new shiny cars. I have never seen so many new cars on any city street before nor since. In one of the nightclubs we visited where Aretha Franklin was performing, the people were so well dressed, the place looked like a fashion show shoot. "And the band played on". This is not the forum for such a discussion, I was just sharing my musings of how the times have changed, nothing else. |
Dave, I thank you for your compassionate stance, but I'm beginning to see the other side. We like to know your musical taste, that way we can recommend what you like best in jazz. Jazz is incorporated into every genre under the sun, consequently, anyone who doesn't like jazz, doesn't like music. While some among us (raise your hand) have a very definitive definition of jazz (I don't) we call "JAZZ Jazz", which is also "Jazz" in a specific time frame, this music is broad enough to accommodate your musical taste without too much change. Since I recommended Shirley Scott, I'll give you one with her husband at one time, "Stanly Turrentine", that I like. This will start things off. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4G4pR4jKEFg Enjoy the music. |
To me, other rankings are irrelevant; I am a "jazz aficionado" and I make my own rankings. When I go to the record store, who pays the cashier, me or the person who made the rankings? As to who is tops, that's based on something indefinable deep within; it seems that me and Nina connect emotionally. I connect with that green light that you see glistening down a railroad track late at night, it's a lonesome thing. |
Dave, you're getting special treatment; I don't know if you know that Frogman is a professional musician, who is also a walking music encyclopedia. Presently I'm working on my "Vinyl play list"; I hope you have that analog to PC down pat. In this process I'm making discoveries; if you like "Grace, Passion, and Fire", you can focus on each individual guitarist, and expand your collection in a most pleasing fashion. I have a lot of Al Di Meola on very well recorded LP's, and none of them sound repetitious, which is what you run into recording one Lp after another of the same artist. While not "Jazz Jazz", it's good music. If you make known what kind of sound you like in jazz, the other aficionados will chime in and help to build your collection; hope to hear from you. Enjoy the music. |
Rok, I don't have much "Pops" in my jazz collection because until this thread,I considered him more of an "entertainer". That also goes for some of the other artists you have presented; I'll have to get busy and start adding. It's funny that one of Acmans friends called the music you presented; "Cartoon music", and it's true, they used that music in a lot of old cartoons; that was a misuse of the music. I could hear the "Nawlins soul" in Pops horn, and that's always good. Enjoy the music. |
Frogman, there is more than one segment; RMAF16: Analog Tape: The Ultimate Format Rocky Mountain Audio Fest, plus the future of vinyl should be in analog, while the other segments would fit in different forums; Misc audio sounds good for the rest of the segments, why don't you post it there. My opinion of that whole thing has been stated; for example; there is no better waste of money than a $200. turntable, unless it's for a child. |
Frogman, after going through R2D4, I noticed there was no current or even fairly recent jazz there. While there is good music being made currently, good jazz is so debatable, that it's not worth the debate. Mediocre, yes; but good would be stretching it a bit. Mediocre is fine for live, if that's the best you can get. Nothing falls in or out of existence without a reason; the kind of jazz I call "fantastic", only exists in the past. If you can find some current jazz, that I would call fantastic I'll agree to that. |
Rok, those amps over $100K get into something that has nothing to do with audio; that gets into people who are bored, and they just discovered "High end audio". While stuff like that is nothing new; I ask you, "Why is it that all of a sudden, we have so much of this stuff"; that tells me there has been an increase in the number of people who can buy such stuff, and it comes along at the same time as an increase in poverty? |
Rok, I'm glad you finally got my point, and I have done more than allege such stuff, I've laid it all out in black and white, simple math, 2+2 still equals 4. When they allowed "Goldman Sachs" to become a person, that signed, sealed, and delivered it. Now we're going to have some more "De-regulation", and those pills Grand ma ma can not live without, will be $200, while heroin will go down to $5 bucks a fix. My suggestion is to get Grand ma ma enough dope to send her to Glory-Land, and watch her bid farewell with a big grin on her face. |
Rok, that most certainly was not the type of person I was referring to, plus the most important factor would be the number of people purchasing $185K amps, plus the most expensive interconnects and wire, and you name it, to go with the rig. If you went further and queried the person I'm speaking of, he would know very little about the high end; but such people always remain ANONYMOUS. I saw a young man get berated, ( who was a born oligarch) because he was speaking out about family secrets. They didn't even want his name known. While being an oligarch is most certainly no crime, allowing politicians to use your wealth to manipulate markets, is most certainly a crime; politicians who are supposed to protect us from such, makes it even more of a crime. Extreme audiophiles with the finances to afford such are not new, but if all of a sudden the entire high end manufacturing business seems to have changed, and so many new buyers that magazines are going "ultra high end", something is different. I enjoyed that clip; although I would have tubes as opposed to SS if I had finances that would allow such; or maybe not, that's too much headache putting, and keeping it together. (G G is in the background "Sometimes I Feel Like a Motherless Child") Enjoy the music. |
I told yall about the time when I went to the store for computer parts, and a salesman told me he had some speakers he wanted me to look at. Since I didn't have on a badge, he couldn't tell that I was an "Audiophile", I understood that. "Maybe I'll look at them on my way out" I told him without stopping. Looked and looked, but couldn't find the computer part. Sure enough, he was almost blocking my path to the exit door. When I looked at the price tag, I said gimme a deuce, the fact that they're Polk is our secret. I put them in the workshop, and they were the best sounding little speakers I ever owned. Enjoy the music. |
For a short while in the middle of that segment, Branford Marsalis became John Coltrane live. "Trane" played differently live than he did on his recordings. I checked to see if Branford had ever seen Trane performing live; since he was 7 years old when "Trane" passed, it's doubtful; but there he was in the middle of that performance blowing exactly like I saw "Trane" blowing live at the peak of his career. That whole segment was almost hypnotic for us devout JC fans; it invoked the essence of "Trane". Enjoy the music. |