Jazz for aficionados
Fellow inmates, I am an old man, I have been to a lot of places, I have seen a lot of things; but I have never seen anything even remotely like what I saw this morning, the normally busy streets here were deserted, it was like a science fiction movie. I went to Walmart, and found many empty shelves, no toilet paper. That should be placed under "National Emergency", it can cause more problems than you would believe. Let us enjoy our quarantine with good music, and stay safe. |
Mary_jo you're human, humans are going crazy where I am, and that's normal. These events are stretching some people past the breaking point, and it's just beginning. Stan Getz's horn has such a beautiful tone, and that's one of my favorite tunes. Good music is a necessity at a time like this. I just read about the difficulties you're having there; stay safe. |
Time is a limited commodity in this hobby. One has to focus on how to best spend it for their maximum enjoyment. Now that I have perfected the archiving process, each minute detail is presented, and I have to do everything all over again after I make any cartridge or analog upgrade. Presently I'm doing it all over again because I just crossed that significant barrier where you hear new music on old records; this was a result of new cartridge and phono pre. change, this is the last upgrade; it is another way to get a new collection, and it's quite rewarding. Our hobby never ceases to amaze me in regard to how we take different routes to reach the same destination; although the process, or mode of transportation must be as enjoyable as the end result; I can see how rummaging through bins would give you a great deal of pleasure. When I was in LA, there was so much good jazz on the tuner that you could live without anything else; not so where I live, but if it was, a tube tuner would be the way to go. Enjoy the music. |
Tablejockey, you should count yourself blessed to appreciate the music of "Billy Holiday"; not everyone can, she puts her heart and soul on display. Some people THINK this music we love is "objectively good", but it's not; some hear it, and some don't. I understand this very well, and consider myself blessed to be able to hear the music. Just as our rigs transform electricity into audio, those artists we idolize transform their life experiences into music; since sometime we have endured the same experiences, their music resonates with our soul; that makes the music that much more personal and enjoyable. As far as I'm concerned, this has to be her best record, because it vibrates everything in me that can be resonated; every cut on this album is a short story that she tells so effectively. "Easy Livin" is livin with the one you love, and nothing can be easier; it's on this album. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RX7TA3ezjHc&list=RDRX7TA3ezjHc https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=45YPO2FyXVI I like this last one; all she cares about is that he came home in one piece "Skip that lipstick" Enjoy the music. |
I got cabin fever and went to the park not far away; I just wanted to get out of the house for some air. There was a guy in a white truck talking to a guy in a black truck way on the other side of a huge parking lot. After they talked for awhile, and the guy in the black truck left, the guy in the white truck drove all the way to the side of the lot where I was. Sorry, I was not in the mood for company, which is very rare for me, but I left the park and came back home. I surmised that the guy in the white truck probably lived by himself, and under normal conditions still socialized with a lot of people, but under these conditions was stressing out from being alone, and wanted someone to talk to. |
Once upon a time I had to live where everything was happening, but now I live where you can hear the grass grow, and I like it. I have tried streaming jazz stations online and enjoyed the wide variety. When it comes to music, I'm mostly into "classic jazz"; although I've tried to venture out, I always come back, and there's a reason for that; you can't get any better than the best, and there are so many records and artists that fall into that category of "classic jazz" and at the same time, being the best, that it's impossible to get bored. Here's one that caught my ear today; https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nt_fmhtePoc My introduction to jazz began with this record; Harold Land blows so pretty on this cut, and the equipment has come a long way since that time, which means that with the right LP, it sounds even better today. Enjoy the music. |
It's amazing how this music became a part of my life, it was the backdrop to places and events, like the soundtrack to a movie, the movie of my life. Let me explain; while other people bought a record and played it on their record player, I put a quarter in the jukebox. I went from one lounge to the next in 72; there was a lot going on in my city, and I didn't want to miss anything. It's funny how I didn't have to take "Manu Dibango" with me, he was waiting at each lounge I went to. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aWK_Josc0Og From one event to the next, from one barmaid to the next; that's the way I rolled at that time and I met Manu Dibango at each pit stop along the way; youth must be enjoyed and savored, not wasted, and I have the memory of Manu Dibango's spirit and music enjoying those times with me. |
On page 422, Cgoodwin tells us that we can not call ourselves "jazz aficionados" if you can’t even list artists from this century. You, Frogman, have trouble with the word and description. First, you and Cgoodwin should reconcile your differences in regard to the word "Aficionado". Shortly after this thread began you had a problem with the word and I suggested you start a thread of your own and name it whatever you like. That was then; you have contributed a lot to this thread and I’m not suggesting that now, but if you have a problem with the title of the thread, I can’t think of anything else for you to do. Maybe you and Cgoodwin could come up with something more constructive than this thread. Since the dictionary has no problem defining the word, I don’t know why you have such a problem understanding that definition. This thread has gone on for years accommodating not only different tastes in jazz, but even different genres of music. If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it; that’s my motto. If you can’t stand the heat, get out of the kitchen; that’s another one of my mottos. If you don’t like what’s going on on this thread, find one that suits you (I just made that one up) not really, this is not the first time and it won't be the last time; it's kind of like a marriage. Frogman, I can not count the times you referred to someone as great, and I disagreed with you but let it slide; that’s not even worth mentioning in my opinion. In conclusion "Soul Makossa" really floated my boat, and I dropped a quarter in the jukebox to hear it in every lounge I went to when it was popular. That was the way I rolled, and I didn’t ask anybody’s permission then, nor am I asking it now. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aWK_Josc0Og |
Pryso, I select a "play list" from my "hard drive" and listen to that; almost my entire collection is on the computer drive. Occasionally I tune in to FM jazz. We listen to the same time period; that's because we started listening to jazz at about the same time. Today, I enjoyed "One Night With Blue Note" on DVD; it's fantastic. |
Thank you Mary_jo for a sensible post, it might stop my ranting and raving, I was about to go on another rant before I read your post. People my age are dropping like flies; that's not exactly good news, plus I'm not feeling well after going out yesterday, but that's not totally unusual. (not feeling well) Now they're arguing about ventilators! If I need a ventilator, the next guy down the line can have mine, I prefer someone to say the last rites. |
"Smooth Jazz", not smooth jazz, George Benson is one cool dude; he ain't no Kenny G.. There is a reason this thread is named "Jazz for Aficionados", and you just hit upon it. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ox1Bu1HECQE Enjoy the music. |
Any day is a good day for new "Aficionados", but Fathers Day is better than most for me; it's a day where I have confirmed an especially important friendship, the one with my son, who gave me an especially funny card that I will share with you, but back to another important bond for now. After we have gotten older, our "face to face" friends have dwindled, and the one's left we may not invite to our audio room because that's not what we have in common;consequently, our "on line" friends assume a place of uncommon importance because they share our passion for jazz; not any jazz, but the very best jazz available. My son's card: "Dad, when I think about EVERYTHING you've done for me, and all that you've given me, I REALIZE there's NO WAY I could ever repay you. I'm COOL WITH THAT, if you are. He could hear me laughing from down the hall. Happy fathers day! |
You are quite welcome Tablejockey. Since we are discussing two guitarists, let me throw in another "jazz guitarist" to put what I know into perspective. Before Grant Green went to "Blue Note", he was on the St. Louis local scene. The place where he performed on the weekend, was also the place where we (me and my buddy's) hung out. Grant would come through on a quite night (Wednesday), and somebody would turn the jukebox off, and he would play; not for us, but for himself, and leave with very little conversation. This gave me an inside track on Grant Green's most intimate guitar; that was when he was playing for Grant Green and nobody else. I am one of Wes Montgomery's biggest fans; I'm talking about "Nap Town Wes". That was when he played some of the coolest guitar you ever heard. After he became the famous "Wes Montgomery", I was still a fan, but I understood the difference. No matter what a person does for a living, paying the rent takes on a high priority. If Wes had lived longer, we would have heard a lot more of "Nap Town Wes", because that's when he would have been able to shift his priority to what pleased Wes. Down through the years, I'm not certain what my priorities were, but now I'm certain it's collecting the very best jazz available. Enjoy the music. |
Your quite welcome Tablejockey; although I know one aficionado who's saying "I heard that one before". (smile) It's even a mystery to me as to why I don't have Grant Green LP's, especially since there were no CD's back then, but as we speak, I'm listening to "Idle Moments" which is one of his best records that's on LP. "I would just smile and feign interest. As a teenager, I just didn’t "get it" Way over my head as to the significance Western Ave had on west coast Jazz." You will have to explain that to me as well Tablejockey. "You Tube" is what I like best about these times; you can search for all those albums that you don't have. Enjoy the music. |
I'm sure LA still has a thriving jazz scene. St. Louis is "Style and profile", if you want to go to a swanky club to see and be seen we have them. Although the music is right up to date, apparently I'm not, because I could live without it. After looking at all those DVD's available, I don't know where to start. They sound better when you're watching them perform; I witnessed that from watching that "Blue Note" DVD; Herby Hancock never sounded so good. From what I can see, I want all of the DVD's. Enjoy the music. |
Mary_jo, now that you convinced me that my illness was "psychosomatic" I feel a little better. If everybody who goes out into the "corona wilderness" for the first time thinks they caught it and brought it back with them; then that's what I had. Now I don't ache so bad, plus my headache is almost gone. More and more I feel like I'm playing a part in a science fiction movie and I don't know if I like my part. "Hey scriptwriter fellow! Let me look over all the parts, I might want to change with someone else". How does this movie end anyway? You don't know? Cut! Cut! Cut!; I want out of this flick, pay me what you owe me, I'm going home right now. |
Steve Kahn is a name I've heard before; I'm sure he's on some of my records, not classic jazz for sure. Tablejockey, when I hear a relatively new name that sounds interesting, I like to follow it up and see what else he has that we might like. When we do this as a team, we get quick results. If you have any thoughts on how we can increase our collections of the best jazz available, don't hesitate to chime in. Enjoy the music. |
Tablejockey, the name didn't ring a bell, but I like what I'm hearing on this album. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tlb54WO_PhA&t=22s I just down loaded an LP that's only on LP. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0kxuAZictJ4 https://www.amazon.com/Rubaiyat-Dorothy-Ashby-DOROTHY-ASHBY/dp/B012INFJ6G Enjoy the music. |
Frogman, I was just thinking what you posted; Alex posts those forgotten musicians, while I have been posting the best, which any aficionado should already have in his collection. But that was for the benefit of people viewing this thread who were not genuine aficionados. In the future, I will assume any one coming to this thread is a genuine "aficionado", or they can read back posts to come up to date. In reference to "Honky Tonk Part II"; one would have to have been on another planet not to have heard it in 1956; that was when "Chi Town" was the hippist place on Earth. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jGmTHTacq7c How about cruising "North Shore Drive", coming into view of the skyline, in the back seat of a blue and white convertible 56 Chevy, with an armful of the prettiest teenager ever born (my girl friend). https://www.google.com/search?q=56+convertible+chevy&tbm=isch&tbo=u&source=univ&sa=X... Alex, I didn't remember his name, but I will never forget his sound; enjoy all the good music and the memories it brings. |
Tablejockey, I appreciate your honesty; when I strike out, let me know it. Nobody was pleased by my "Rubiyat" post and it wasn't new to anyone. (Thinking out loud), trying for a new direction, I will not go for the best. Maybe good stuff by the best artists that you may not have heard, but for certain, it can not be a "repeat", I feel like I'm listening to my own echo. "Sonny Criss" is an artist I don't think has been submitted. The first thing I notice about "Sonny Criss" is that he has a unique tone; it's like a foggy blue night. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9qckz-Jy1qQ Sonny Criss lived in LA, but I would not consider him a West Coast musician, because his preferences in music were more from the East. Never the less, if you live in LA, some of it rubs off whether you like it or not, I suppose that made him sort of a nice hybrid. The reason the music has a "West Coast" flavor, is because the musicians he had to choose from in order to cut an album were from LA; consequently, it had West Coast sound. Here's one I definitely like by "Sonny Criss", check it out. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H4CoFpdrYtY |
Alex, that worked out very well for both of us; did you hear how "hybridized" that music was, it wasn't hard-bop, or West Coast, but a combination of both, and a lot of things that sounded good. I'm sure I've got more of Sonny Criss in the collection. His horn has that "far away" sound I've been trying to find, will continue the search. |
Alex, I've been in a "Sonny Criss" groove, and I'm liking it; he's so comfortable with himself, and never tries to get out of recognized boundaries, he also likes to be surrounded by other jazz masters. Back to the album "Criss Craft", the one with the boat on it, plus the "Isle of Celia". Allmusic gave it a review of 4 1/2 stars, which I agree with. Sonny Criss - alto saxophone Dolo Coker - piano Ray Crawford - guitar Larry Gales - bass Jimmie Smith - drums Those musicians play as if they could read each others mind; this music is an aficionados dream, it just flows from one cut to the next, with no desire to change any thing. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RqyyyIO4ZlQ The tone on his sax, and this group of musicians were made for this song. Now for the vocal by Nancy Wilson https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=clt-KRtGTUw And the best music goes on. |
It's only been fairly recent that I got into Mary Lou; that's because I thought she was of another generation that I couldn't relate to, but I discovered differently. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z4THBVc47ug https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0e8AOox_prE These two posts remind me of old black and white photographs that are so old they're turning brown, but they have a special significance I can't quite put my finger on. Tell me what you can find in her music? |
I was just perusing some CD's debating whether or not to review them. I know Alex has been through the extensive review we did of Mary Lou Williams, but you might not be familiar with her works Tablejockey? Since what I have lined up for review is "classic jazz" there's nothing else to question. Mary Lou in or out? |
For me personally, Mary Lou's music has a very unusual appeal; like a memory that you can't quite remember, because maybe you were too young, but it gives you a pleasant feeling. Music affects us in more ways than we can put into words, maybe that's why we enjoy it so much, and seek to be able to hear the inner depths of every song. |
Kenny Burrell was such a prodigious artist, that I'm sure I don't even come close to having all his best works. He is the next recommendation. I suggest we submit our favorite works by him that will include his work as a sideman as well; that's how I first became acquainted with his guitar. Here's one of my favorites from favorite LP. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mP0flneNfaQ&list=PLC6556E715379CC6D |
Chico Hamilton is an unusual artist; when he hit's it's a knockout, but when he misses; you take it from there. I was listening to one where he hit; "Headhunters", it's on LP, but worth looking for. Here's a very nice one that's known and liked; https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2hivG5Cc4z4 Here's one that may not be well known, but I like it. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X3EUVFB7NUw Alex, I don't why, but I have been assuming you have these in your collection, and hesitant to post them. I won't make that assumption in the future. Pass on those bargain CD's |
Tablejockey, yes, I have the LP of "The Dynamic Duo". https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=evmQXtlxTzw This is one of his best albums; long live the B3. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=evmQXtlxTzw |
mmai, I've been reviewing your selections one at a time. George Arvanitas -- 3AM, passes muster. As a matter of fact I like him; 3AM is quite an appropriate title for this album, it sounds like that time at some of my favorite watering holes; that's the time when only the thoroughbreds are hanging out; I can smell the smoke, beer, whisky and wine; I can even visualize the nightclub. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kDw_31Ojmyc Ray Brown was rather moody. It's early morning and I'm not in that mood, maybe later, but I'm sure it will be interesting when I get in that mood. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aUzknDfC_eQ Serge Chaloff -- Blue Serge; https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dkmLumocMlE Welcome, I'll look forward to more of your selections. |
West Side Story is a musical with a book by Arthur Laurents, music by Leonard Bernstein, lyrics by Stephen Sondheim and conception and choreography by Jerome Robbins.[1] It was inspired by William Shakespeare's play Romeo and Juliet. The story is set in the Upper West Side neighborhood in New York City in the mid-1950s, an ethnic, blue-collar neighborhood (in the early 1960s much of the neighborhood would be cleared in an urban renewal project for the Lincoln Center, changing the neighborhood's character).[2][3] The musical explores the rivalry between the Jets and the Sharks, two teenage street gangs of different ethnic backgrounds. The members of the Sharks, from Puerto Rico, are taunted by the Jets, a white gang.[4] The young protagonist, Tony, a former member of the Jets and best friend of the gang leader, Riff, falls in love with Maria, the sister of Bernardo, the leader of the Sharks. The dark theme, sophisticated music, extended dance scenes, and focus on social problems marked a turning point in American musical theatre. Bernstein's score for the musical includes "Something's Coming", "Maria", "America", "Somewhere", "Tonight", "Jet Song", "I Feel Pretty", "A Boy Like That", "One Hand, One Heart", "Gee, Officer Krupke", and "Cool". The original 1957 Broadway production, directed and choreographed by Jerome Robbins and produced by Robert E. Griffith and Harold Prince, marked Sondheim's Broadway debut. It ran for 732 performances before going on tour. The production was nominated for six Tony Awards including Best Musical in 1957,[5] but the award for Best Musical went to Meredith Willson's The Music Man. Robbins won the Tony Award for his choreography and Oliver Smith won for his scenic designs. The show had an even longer-running London production, a number of revivals and international productions. A 1961 musical film of the same name, directed by Robert Wise and Robbins, starred Natalie Wood, Richard Beymer, Rita Moreno, George Chakiris and Russ Tamblyn. The film was nominated for eleven Academy Awards and won ten, including George Chakiris for Supporting Actor, Rita Moreno for Supporting Actress, and Best Picture. Before it was a play or movie, it was an LP with just beautiful music. |
Not much music can withstand the vicissitudes of time, but this music sounds as good today as it did in 1957. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tg73uI7QHZU |
The pick of the litter for the day, with incredible sonics from an old LP; I wonder what a new one would sound like; https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6hkKxu57uWA |
Neither Ahmad Jamal or "Poinciana" will ever get old. I had the good fortune of seeing him in Chicago in the late 80's. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cytUz9KkK9M |
Someone mentioned "Andre Previn", and this is the one I will have to get https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5lhcfphoQIk&list=PLE9gqyVuPLZuF-PqdjdsqE-M8PF6tYnb8 |
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia. I posted this for those who are unfamiliar with "Geri Allen"; namely me and a few others. Born June 12, 1957 Pontiac, Michigan, U.S. Origin Detroit, Michigan, U.S. Died June 27, 2017 (aged 60) Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S. Genres Jazz, post-bop, blues music, funk, gospel Occupation(s) Musician Professor Record producer Instruments Piano Years active 1982–2017 Labels Motema Music Polygram Storyville Blue Note Telarc Associated acts Timeline Website www.GeriAllen.com Geri Allen with Trio 3. Geri Allen (June 12, 1957 – June 27, 2017) was an American composer, educator, and jazz pianist, raised in Detroit, Michigan, and educated in the Detroit Public Schools.[1] Allen worked with many jazz musicians, including Ornette Coleman, Ron Carter, Tony Williams, Dave Holland, Jack DeJohnette, and Charles Lloyd. She cited her primary influences to be her parents, Mount Vernell Allen Jr, and Barbara Jean Allen, and her primary musical influences to be mentors Marcus Belgrave, Donald Walden, and Betty Carter, as well as pianists Herbie Hancock, Mary Lou Williams, Hank Jones, Alice Coltrane, Cecil Taylor, Thelonious Monk, McCoy Tyner, Bud Powell, and mentor Dr. Billy Taylor. Allen was an Associate Professor of Music and the Director of the Jazz Studies Program at the University of Pittsburgh. Geri Allen was one hell of a musician, and I will become familiar with her works. Well aficionados, I've given you a lot of information on Geri Allen, and those who are enticed to get more familiar with her works, can go to work. Enjoy the music. |
Pryso, in general, our tastes are about the same; I spent my summers with a cousin in Chicago in the mid 50's to 60, who was a jazz fanatic, and that's where I developed my fundamental taste for jazz. Why don't you post some of your fathers music, or the music he liked; I know I would like to hear it. Enjoy the music. |
As good as that is jafant, I think it's been posted on this thread too many times, but I'll submit "What's New" anyway, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TQvIvb1S1EM |
Here's another Jimmy Smith hit; https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BUtkr4rndZk This was on jukeboxes, and you had to punch 2 records to get the complete 45; part 1 and then part 2. Part 2 is where they kick it up a notch. |
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia Ramsey Emmanuel Lewis, Jr. (born May 27, 1935) is an American jazz composer, pianist and radio personality. Ramsey Lewis has recorded over 80 albums and has received seven gold records and three Grammy Awards so far in his career. This is someone I've liked for along time; he's not a "deep in the pocket" jazz musician, as you find in hard-bop, but he can still swing. I'm going to present you some of my favorites by the "Ram". https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7pmBnT4mmDU https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tT_W2NEwy3Y https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5vu2tyk8cvc This is music to make you shake yo boody, can you still do that Schubert? |
Acman, it still swings and it's some fantastic sounding music. I no longer categorize, but simply listen to determine whether or not the music meets my qualifications as good sounding music that I would want in my collection, and this will be added if it's not already there. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ppNFJbMrOHw |
