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 nsp
frogman Funny joke!! I also like Miles Live At The Blackhawk http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=jpDc5Cp1jLU I really like Mobley's solo. |
pjw Tough decision on live Soft Machine as I have 7 live discs just from the period 1970-1978. Different lineups, different drummers. I think your input might be a factor. Could depend on which drummer you like they are very different. Give me a couple of days to go back and listen .I will come up with recommendation(s). I was listening to King Crimson's Lizard and noticed R Fripp used some top notch British Jazz musicians on the record. Several of them also played on Soft Machine's album Fourth, one of my favorites. |
mary_ jo Your Pepper "You Go To My Head" would not play on my PC or Ipad so I have posted this version (not sure if it was your pick) that I have always liked. I remember reading Pepper's bio where he stated somewhere in the book that a great jazz musician had to have musical knowledge, technique ( ability to play the instrument of choice) and ability to convey emotion. He certainly had all 3, especially the emotional part. http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=9KKR66FiBLU |
acman3 xlent vid posts by early Weather Report , especially the second one. It had a "Bitches Brew " feel to it with great interplay .They had two excellent free jazz musicians on this date , John Surman and Alan Skidmore.This represents jazz fusion experimentation at it's best. This was Weather Report's best period IMHO, before J Z AND Jaco took over and somehow Wayne's contribution disappeared and they commercialized the music as time went on. http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=76KbasbPm9Q |
orpheus10 My thoughts and prayers go out to you, think positive. Let the music ease your soul. http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=E57SMan1-uA |
frogman"Invitation" is perhaps my favorite standard tune. I love the version w/ strings which opened the movie posted by O10. I believe this song was featured in another movie from the same era but can't remember. the name. To me the song has a certain exotic feel with an air of mystery & longing. I had forgotten the versions you posted by Coltrane and Henderson. I own both of those lp's . both versions are stellar but for this listening session I enjoyed the Henderson version. These are 2 of my favorite versions http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=3pvMy9OuOIw http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=1f2gSQmD5h0 |
frogmanIt took me several listens but I got it. K Weill's is conveying the "essence" or mood/feel of the song through his interpretation.You never said it was the "best" and also hinted at his limitations. It's not easy to get past the age of the recording, his limited singing abiluuty and his accent.Obviously orpheus10 could not. It's his loss . |
frogmanI like Albert Dailey's comping supporting Getz as it is different and mayb he moves Getz to other choices in his playing.this version is a faster tempo for the song than I like but still a good version. For me Dailey's solo stands out it's inventive,he searches for new melodic ideas.There is a big band KC FBoland version of "Invitation" that I tried to post twice but it didn't play.Wow!!! Glad to find another fan of KC FB BB. They are my #1 favorite BB. I have all their lp's and cds .Very popular in Europe, but not in U.S. as they never toured here."Sax No End" is excellent lp (great cover), buf not anywhere near my favorite. I think the album's music gave a strong nod to the swing era as did some of their earlier work but later lp's had rich,modern orchestral wtiting from Boland with great solos from an all star lineup.I will post something when I have more time and if I can find it. |
http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=homVZSEqkyo http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=u1Nb3et3rxA frogmanI don't think Getz had a problem with Dailey's playing because I knew they recorded an lp of duets ,of which I included 2 songs. On "Confimation" I hear the same effect where Dailey's comping does not seem normal to the ear but it works. Is it possible he is comping in a different place than others might do and this seems to set up a potential clash between them?On "Spring Can Hang You Up The Most" I find Dailey's underpinings very sensitive and seems to fit Getz like a glove. Of course I can't say enough about Getz his solos are beautiful. |
frogman Yes Getz came up in the swing era and did retain stylistically from that early learning. And yes when Dailey is providing diffferent ( dissonant) chording you would expect the tenor to respond but it was probably difficult to get Stan out of his stylistic tendencies. But within his style was he ever so good. The Huey Lewis cut was different for Getz but probably because the music was written that way. He is only recognized by his tone. Here is another example where he deviates stylistically somewhat. In fact the music was written for him but not in his style as Boland wanted him to play differently. We have been talking about Getz and the KC FB Big Band . How about both together!! http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=pCGg11AHT4o http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=s_Nr6U0SGgU |
PjwAfter listening to my Soft Machine live discs here is my recommendation for one as requested: Soft Machine Live in Paris May 2 1972. Lineup is same as SM 5 from half of that recording: Ratledge,Hopper,Dean& Jo hn Marshall on drums. 2 disc cd set, most of 5's songs included and best songs from SM six. Also included are long versions of 3 songs from SM 3. Sound quality is excellent with good soundstage.Hope you are enjoying your other SM discs. |
mary_jo Glad to hear you are getting into Charles Mingus. It's always exciting to discover new artists. Mingus was one of a kind : a great composer, bassist and bandleader. You can't go wrong with any of his music but may I suggest as a starting point the albums " Tijuana Moods" and "Mingus Ah Um". I agree with your comments on Chet Baker. His singing is ok but as you said" his trumpet is beyond his voice". ; |
pjw It's refreshing to hear you say you want to learn more about how to listen to jazz and are thinking of turning to books for help. I too reached this point many years ago and did that. I believed this reading and studying enhanced my jazz listening experience and believe me when I say I also have a long way to go . Give me a day or so and I will mention some book titles you may be interested in. I know that even if someone is not a musician you CAN increase awareness and enjoyment of the listening experience. |
frogmanI enjoyed the Lester Young cut you posted on 10/19 where he barely txouched on the melody. I would like to obtain/be exposed to more of his music as he is an important player who influenced many others who emerged in the bebop era.But I recently purchased a You ng date from the 40's with terrible sound (probably transferred from a scratched-up 78rpm disc).Also considering his declining health in the 50's i don't want to purchase something where he was in mediocre form.So I am looking for recommendations I can search out including good playing and good sound.I saw 2 albums mentioned in his bio( Pres and Teddy, The Jazz Giants,56) would these be candidates? Would appreciate some help. |
frogman Thanks for the recommendations I will search them out. Will probably start with later recordings although Iwould agree his earlier work before his physical demise may indeed be better. At least now I have a starting point to examine the work of a major swing era player who influenced many. One of my books lists no fewer than 23 players he influenced including: Parker, Zoot Sims, Konitz,Warne Marsh, Getz,Kamuca,etc. Thanks for the link/cuts on Mal Waldron. I am in process of watching the doc. Iam a huge fan with large disc collection of his . Will have more to say this week. |
PrysoIt's been a long tine since I've seen Round Midnight. I renember enjoying it a lot and I have a copy of the soundtrack ,also quite good. I think the main character i s a composite of several jazz figures.I remember reading the character was also based on Bud Powell.Another jazz movie I enjoyed recently is "Sweet Love Bitter" a little known 60's film, the main character based on Charlie Parker. The soundtrack is moody and was composed by Mal Waldron. A realistic portrait of th e"jazz life" . |
pjw3 book recommendations :Jazz Styles History and Analysis by Mark C. Gridley . Exvellent now in 11th edition . An accompanying cd set can be purchased. Has a music an alysis section in rear of book geared to musicians but simple enough for non-musicians.Jazz: A Listeners Guide by James McCalla. Excellent book go es b ack to th e beginning with lots of music selections to s pecifically analyze.Listening to Jazz by Jerry CokerXlent book for the non- musician All available on amazon |
Motown-lI can't compare Charles Mingus music to Beethoven as I am not a classical fan and don't have any experience listening to that genre. I do most certainly agree with Mingus desribed as an immense talent who wrote unique multi-layered compositions whose music did not fit the usual descriptions of jazz at that time ( bop,hard bop,cool, soul jazz,etc.). His music defied category yet ,as you say , was acessiblle and also commanded your attention to listen on a deeper level.Mingus also demanded the most from his musicians and pushed & prodded them to higher levels. |
frogmanI have always enjoyed the playing of Booker Ervin, especially with Charles Mingus. I can understand you saying you didn't like his playing initially. He has a very strong tone which to me can border on being harsh to the ear. Somewhat similar to my perception of Jackie McLean on alto, whose tone is strong and I used to perceive as harsh. But both of these players tones make their music very distinctive and they are instantly recognizable. The two albums you posted also show Ervin's great ability t o tell a story, especially on the songs "Cry Me Not, "A Day To Mourn"& " uranus", and also a sensitivity in his playing despite the strong tone. |
prysoThanks for posting Sheila Jordan.I was aware of her but did not know sg e was off tgge jazz scene for so long rai sing her family. She has done 2 recordings on th e MA label in duet with bassist Harvie Swartz wh8ch I recommend. Great playing from bot h and excellent sonics. http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=jC42nNCbvNo |
pjwI saw that high price but it will not deter me. I have been selective and have not purchased much in last few months. I have been digging into my vinyl and cd collection and listening to stuff I own. This set is 5 discs and has a lineup that did not record in the studio. The clips i heard were very good. |
frogmanOk got it.Makes sense. Bill Evans found a way to communicate through his music.Without any doubt Evans is absolutely my favorite pianist. And I can name at least 20 other pianists I enjoy listening to but he stands alone at the top IMO. How lucky you were to have seen him live. I pull out my box set of "The Secret Sessions" to hear some of that live Village Vanguard beautiful music he was so capable of. |
frogmanI have to agree i am not a big fan of long drum solos . I more appreciate tgge accents, fills, etc. That the drummer provides in bvacking the musicians. I AM a big fan of songs where th e drummer trades 4's or 8's with other musicians. This gives them the opportunity to showcase themselves and mak e a statement in a short time period. In other words if you can say something in 4 or 8 bars he or she keeps it interesting staying within the format of the song. |
shubertI love Buddy Rich he is one of the few drummers I could listen to his solos anytime.But he really should be appreciated for how he drives the BB he is playingWith. Will have to check out some early youtube clips of Rich & Krupa . Absolutely melody and rhythm go hand in hand. People talk about the changes in melody and harmony created by bebop but the rhythm changes that the drummers found and created is equally important to bebop. It's all connected. |
pryso re: your 11/26 post all members solo on every number at live shows. I think this practice besides being monotonous also is cheating the paying customer . Most shows or music sets have a pre-determined time for the act to perform. If every player solos on EVERY song it stands to reason that the group will play LESS songs for that set or show, thus exposing the listener to less music and variety. i think this cheats the customer. My feeling is bass and drums should get solo exposure occasionally but not all the time. It's a good point you make. |
frogman The guy who wrote that article ,Kurtz, claiming LaFaro hijacked the Bill Evans Trio ,is either a troll trying to instigate others or is biased against bass players. LaFaro in no way tries to overpower or "hijack" the trio. In fact the counterpoint he plays is not loud and complements not contrasts with Evans. As you said that trio is historic for the opening up of the way trio members interacted. Listening to how the bass and drums were freed from the tinekeeping role and were able to play with nuance and shading adds to the listening experience, not detracts. About his comment on Lennie Tristano read Chuck Israel's response. Israel played with both Evans and Tristano and preferred Evans. I own and have listened extensively to Tristano's style of music and it is quite different than bebop but is very interesting. BUT when listening to Tristano it is obvious he preferred a drummer & zbassist with straight timekeeping. Using Tristano to bolster his theory is foolish due to his personal bias towards how he expected rhythm section players to play. |
two Italian piano players I really likeshttp://m.youtube.com/watch?v=qzvtm6zFEX0 http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=_xaqrvxCIZE http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=Nxccv3_QgU4 |
acman3+1 on Woods/Pieranunzi duo. Have that cd gets frequent play. Another Woods duo , he plays clarinet:http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=3tx4Ki9HePU |
acman3 If you like Piersnunzi's Live in Paris music you may also like his 2-cd Live in Japan cd. http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=HQjQ5ceGwng |
acman3 Thanks did not know Baker cut more than one cd with Pieranunzi. Found this Baker cut from I think "Live in Tokyo" great Baker solo had to post. http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=UOEIQKczRPY |
frogmanReally enjoyed that "Thank You" TJ ML BB cut. I has the same feeling that it had the Ellington/ Strayhorn sound. Do you happen to know what LP this cut came from( obviously an lp as there were clicks and pops throughout the song)?I would like to get some TJ ML BB back in my collection. Must admit I foolishly sold several lps of the band many years ago. |