Today's Music:
Afrocubism -- Afrocubism
Cuban and Malian Musicians. Think of Ali Farka Toure and Buena Vista Social Club playing together.
Sometimes it hard to sepeate the African from the Cuban.
Features, what has to be, the entire Diabate family and Elidas Ochoa on guitar and vocals. Jose Angel Martinez on Double Bass. Chorus vocals done by Cuban and Malians.
Seems as if Mali and Cuba have a history. Musicians from Mali, after independence, went to Music schools in Cuba.
I liked the 'Cuban' music the best. The Mali music was good, but in places, exhibited that repetitive 'sameness' common to a lot of Toure's music. A little goes a long way. But the entire set is well integrated. Excellent recording.
All in all a good session. 'Al Vaiven De Mi Carreta' was my favorite. Ochoa sings on this one. One measure and you know it's Cuban.
Does the Bass, the instrument, have any special place in Cuban music as compared to other Latin music??
The link is to a short documentary thingy made in the studio. Interesting. The music from the CD is on youtube also.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dDe47kNWsYE
Cheers |
Thanks for all the info on Cuban bass, Players and technique. Sort of like what The Frogman said about Mariachi trumpet, the Bass playing readily identifies Cuban Music. Or at least some types of Cuban Music.
I have the Cachao 'Master Sessions vol one' CD. I will have to give it a listen today.
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O-10:
I liked the Blakey cut from the Drum CD. I have that on LP, but I will now have to get it on CD, Seems like everytime you post, it costs me money.
What other music do you listen to besides Jazz? And will someone pleeaassseee comment on Dr John's 'The Monkey Speaks His Mind' I have mentioned it several times over the months, to total silence.
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O-10:
I see my Dr for my regular checkup today. I thought I should play this, just in case. :)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A91pY1L9meQ
The Trumpet playing starting at around 5:20, Oh Lord!
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I felt the trumpet was 'commenting' on the lyrics of the song, or, talking to a seperate audience as DR John was telling his story.
Simple playing, but taken in context, it is awesome!! The inflections spoke of 'outrage' or 'are you kidding me?'
Probably just me. I love it. Cranked up in my car, wow!
Reminds me in a way of Marsalis on Layla. Simple but wow!
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A great song off of a great CD. 'The weight' and 'Patches' are two more gotta listen to..
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cAA_LUCb0QE&list=PL14CE19C53F9D9B06&index=6
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Speaking of great music. Currently watching 'HIGH NOON'. What would that movie be without the soundtrack. Just good, not great. Great commentary on human reaction to fear and pressure.
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Call and response. I should have said that. Considering how much Gospel I have heard in my life.
Thanks for your input.
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Speaking of famous solos:
Would anyone care to comment on Paul Gonsalves' 'Interlude' :) on 'Diminuendo in Blue and Crescendo in Blue'? Ellington at Newport.
I will assume we all have this! If not, turn in your Jazz Aficionado membership Card.
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I can't turn my back for five minutes, and you guys are right back in that third world stuff. I thought you had all been converted to the real deal. Remember, it don't mean a thing, if.........
Looking for Religion? May i suggest this!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wOU38qRJPok
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Normally I own all the CDs I 'review'. These are exceptions. But not for long. High quality Video, Audio and Performances.
I recommend anything by Bebo Valdes. I Discovered Diego El Cigala thru BBC music magazine article. He and Bebo are awesome together, as is Bebo and Chucho Valdes. These guys are 'serious' musicians. No jeans with holes in the knees here. Check it out.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iJGPlSrbUbg
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qzKhwmFq6jM
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Olatunji: Now that's a blast from the past. I have that tune on his 'Drums of Passion' CD.
I listened to him back in my Dylan, Baez, Saint-marie, (the young have all the answers) Phase.
The drumming is good. I just get tired, and quickly, of the repetitive chant. Esp since I have not a clue as to what he is saying.
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O-10:
Very good. I like Dorothy Ashby. I listened to 'Misty' and 'House of The Rising Sun' along with the link you sent.
The harp did not sound out of place in the least. She had good players in the group also.
Music like this and you just know there are / will be, many CDs.
Some tunes / groups, you just know you are listening to what will be their entire output. I will have to get some of her stuff and read her history.
Thanks for the tip.
Jazz makes up about one third of my toatal number of CDs. So Like you, I listen to other stuff also. This thread got me back to Jazz more than I would have normally.
Today, it was, Haydn- The London Symphonies Vol 1 and the A Cappella group, The Persuasions.(A cappella soul) Both Great!
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http://www.pbs.org/newshour/businessdesk/2013/06/how-to-conduct-beethoven-and-m.html
Very interesting. There was also a segment on PBS today concerning the pay scales and job oppourtunities for classical musicians, dancers and singers in the US. I could not find it online. it's worth searching for.
Bottom line, you do it,(classical artistic stuff) because you love it, cause you sure aren't going to make any money doing it. Europe is an exception. Seems as if 50% of our best go work there.
But at least we got our RAP!!! So there!
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*****very few people realize what RAP is. It's not music***
You joshing me?? hahahahaha
Well based on your statement, I am one of the chosen few!
Cheers
BTW, saw a thingy on tv today about local RAPPERS in the Republic of Georgia. It's everywhere, it's everywhere! |
Malaguena -- was on one of the first Classical records I owned. A 101 strings LP. One of my favorites. I am am now searching for an up to date recording , orchestral, of the great Spanish music. The CD of the 101 strings' 'Soul of Spain' sounds horrible.
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I think we can say that RAP was hijacked. In the beginning it was good, even great. Sort of like an urban version of Dylan.
Then folks figured out you didn't much to do it. No talent or musical training. Anyone with a loud foul mouth could do it. Lot of money to be made with little overhead.
But if you don't understand the 'RAP' phenomenon, just remember the advice of Deep Throat, 'Follow the Money'!
I have a CD by Ice-T and Quincy Jones that is not too bad. Even has 'Birdland' on it. Ice-T raps.
If you want the real deal, try 'The last Poets'. I warn you, not to everyone's taste, but great and painfully accurate commentary on inner city life. From the 70s, but sadly, still revelant. And they point the finger at the correct people. Truly urban Dylan.
Currently listening to Woody Shaw's WOODY III. Will report later.
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O-10,
If you disagree with my post, Read my first sentence again. If you are in agreement with my post, then never mind.
The poets were rappers. They just talked about different and important things with intelligence, using street language. What they created was later 'hijacked' by the thugs who turned it into the ho thingy. Just as bebop somehow ended up being 'FREE'.
The thing is defined by the first, not the current. They just corrupted it.
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Ghosthouse:
Sorry, but it does not ring a bell with me. That was a 'crazy' time. lots of folks, saying lots of stuff. But a very creative period.
My sister sent me the Last Poets LP as a gift a lifetime ago. I later got it on CD. If you ever need an example of what being 'political Incorrect' means, this be it!!
I think they were from Philly. Sorry I could not be of more help with what you are looking for. Thanks for the post.
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*****Frogman was the last person to submit music on this "music" forum******
Well hush my mouth.
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The Frogman:
EXCELLENT!! This is one of the most refreshing and encouraging things I have seen from the young folks in years. The Nicholas Brothers circa the 21st century!?!? The great stuff stays great forever!
The Jazz was great also. But it was hard to seperate the music from the dance, which is, as it should be. A Seamless performance.
My Father used to have shoes like those. He had Black and White and Brown and White. My job, shine them!
Great clip. Thanks.
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*******Glad to see you back Rok.*******
O-10,
I never went away. Lately I have been doing a little more Baching than Bopping.
But, The Frogman pulled me back in! Godfather III. :)
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******* Miles greatest talent, was recognizing talent in new musicians********
I always thought that title went to Blakey. Just glancing at the Miles CDs I have on the desk, 'Milestones' and 'Round About Midnight', the lineups read like a who's who of the Jazz world.
Coltrane, Adderley, Monk, Mulligan, Garland, Chambers etc... I think Miles got the best to play with him because if was mutually beneficial to all. A win / win situation. He was a star, so everyone wanted to play with him, and they made him a bigger star, while gaining a rep for themselves.
Just one man's uninformed opinion. :)
Cheers |
Acman3:
I listened to it all the way to the end. I consider this to be sound generation. Sounds can be enjoyable and fun.
Also hypnotic / mesmerizing. Sort of like like voodoo folks dancing in the movies.
The sounds are designed to just carry you away. No thinking allowed, just get wrapped up in the sounds, esp of the drums and rhythm sections.
I liked it. But I would not like it on CD. It's the sort of thing you have to SEE to really enjoy. Sort of like Sun Ra.
But Miles is soooo cool, he can do anything and make it at least interesting, if not profound. I did not recognize any of the players, except Miles.
That twirling sound you heard at the end, was POPS spinning in his grave.
Nice clip. Thanks
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O-10:
What is the cause or motivation for this 'elvolution' in musical style? Is it something within the player to move in a different direction, or is it some deliberate effort to stay relevant/ popular with the current generation.
Cheers |
Quincy Jones:
Cannot be limited to any one genre. Great composer and arranger. Always stayed 'young'. Great personality. I became aware of him when he played with Ray Charles and later, during his 'Killer Joe' days.
The 'Wynton' of his day??
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O-10:
*****The last time I saw a live performance of Miles, he looked like Sinbad out of "Arabian Nights". *******
EXACTLY!! Great description. I have seen pictures of him appearing the same way.
**** although he said Trane played too long ******
I'm sure you have heard the sory about when Miles, Coltrane and Coleman Hawkins were just standing around talking music, and Coltrane was going on about his solos, and how once he got started he just didn't know how to stop playing.
Miles takes a drag off his cigarette, and in the raspy voice said "take the horn out your mouth" ahahahhahha
Priceless!
Guess I will have to put 'Bitches Brew' in ther player today.
Cheers |
Latest Listen:
Harold Land -- A Lazy Afternoon
orch arranged and conducted by Ray Ellis
Some wonderful Tenor Sax playing. No fireworks, just standards played in a very lyrical style.
Normally I think orch(with strings) + jazz soloist = disaster. Bird and Nat Cole come to mind. But this recordinmg is very well done.
Ellis has worked with some of the best jazz vocalist, Billie Holiday, Lena Horne etc.... and he arranged for Land exactly as if he were a vocalist.
The orch compliments Land perfectly and never overpowers him.
Land has great tone and articulation. The Frogman and O-10 will love it. I think this is what is known as 'tasteful' playing. He stays true to the standard's melody mostly, but does get in a little improvisation.
You like melodic sax playing? Then you have to check this one out.
The tune lineup is first rate. All well known Jazz standards
Cheers |
For all music lovers. Don't like it? Shame on you!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gUP-fcFjqyk
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I traveled from one end of South Korea to the other to find this CD. It got me thru the tour.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=08CqZaP0EuA
Cheers
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I'm sure you guys can 'suffer' thru one more.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jEVeIyE0KcE
There are more videos with her singing in person, but I thought this one had the best sonics and this is the one I own. Finest Babe in Badedom!!!!
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Acman3:
I saw that clip with the Stones earlier. I was stunned! :)
I have finally realized why I am not a big fan of most rock music. Because, most/a lot of it is focused on the guitar.
Fast, Loud, distorted, Guitar. Grates on me.
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Acman3:
I agree, she should have been bigger. But, in this society, everything is profit driven and numbers count.
The exposure goes to the ones that are liked by the segment that spends the most money. Classical and Jazz are not mainstream genres. Teenagers could not even know they exist.
I have two(2) rock CDs. One by the Stones, and the other by the Eagles. I just had to have 'Sympathy for the Devil' and all the other Stones classics and just about all The Eagles' stuff.
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I guess my Grandma was right. She always said it was the devil's music.
http://now.msn.com/kim-cheol-woong-branded-as-traitor-for-playing-jazz-in-north-korea
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Orpheus Lives!!!
Welcome back. I guess I can tell the boys down in Narlins to cancel the parade!
Speedy recovery. When I had my wisdom teeth out, they gave me some Goooood stuff. Made me wanna do it again!
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I've found 'Doo Wop' to be the best reovery music.
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Jimmy Scott -- MOOD INDIGO
A truly unique talent. The epitome of a Song Stylist. 10 songs, all well known standards, from Mood Indigo to How Deep is the Ocean.
Backing group includes Hank Crawford, Cyrus Chestnut, Joe Beck etc....Gregoire Maret does great work on Harmonica.
Crawford and Chestnut are the perfect type players for Scott's style of singing.
Scott had a rough time of it in the music business. He often times didn't even get paid. His trusting and honest nature seems to come thru in his voice. Great for his art, but very bad when dealing with the sharks in the music business.
Every Jazz fan should own some Jimmy Scott. I have several CDs and they are all exceptional performances without a weak track in the lot.
Give him a listen.
Cheers |
O-10:
I will keep you in my prayers. Posting will not be the same without you, so I'll wait until you are back.
Get well soon.
Roy |
Acman3:
Nice clip. She is very good. She does remind me of Ella in that she does everything so 'Effortless'. It just flows out of her.
I also listened to her do 'Yesterdays' and a very funny, 'I only have eyes for you'. I guess the white frame glasses are her 'trademark', but I think she should ditch them for Jazz. Ella, and the other truly greats, always looked serious.
She has quite a few clips on youtube. All great standards. Thanks for the posts.
I have no idea about O-10. I hope he is ok.
Cheers. |
From the July Issue of BBC MUSIC MAGAZINE:
Miles Davis- Live in Europe 1969, The bootleg series vol 2
Performance got 5 stars, the recording 4 stars. This is the last recording before Bitches Brew. Reviewer says it was a 'road test' for the bitches brew music.
Holland, shorter, dejohnette and corea on board.
Mixed reviews on amazon. Sound quality the main problem. But it does say 'bootleg'.
From the Orchestral Section:
Ellington - Black, Brown and Beige Suite, Harlem, three Black kings Ballet, the River, Take the A Train.
Performed by the Buffalo Philharmonic - Falletta.
$10 on Amazon with great reviews on Amazon and BBC.
4-star performance and 5-star recording. Naxos.
I think I'll give this one a try.
Excerpt:
Asked if his concert works were really 'Jazz', Ellington retorted,"I don't see how this thing called Jazz takes precedence over me." hahahahahha, messing with the wrong guy! He recognized two genres, good and bad.
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DEAD?? As the world's foremost authority on Jazz, I find that very distressing.
And just what am I supposed to do with all my, as yet to be posted, 'reviews'?
My public, demands to hear my take on Ray Bryant's "Potpourri" and Freddie Hubbard's "Ready For Freddie" and hundreds of others.
I cannot be responsible for the backlash / outrage, if you silence my voice. Please reconsider.
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The most impressive 'pit players' are the guys that play for Ballets and Operas. IMHO, of course.:)
Last night, I watched and listened to The Nutcracker -- The Royal Ballet and Orch of the Royal Opera House. Miyako Yoshida danced the Sugar Plum Fairy.
To see the dancers movement and hear the band in the 'pit' is just awesome. Perfect sync.
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Roland Kirk -- BLACKNUSS
What can one say? Some soul, some Blues, some R&B, some gospel, some other stuff and a whole lot of Roland kirk.
The man is a magical genuis. All of the songs except the title track are covers of well known songs.
All are done in a manner that could only be done by Roland. "ain't no sunshine" and "old rugged cross" are my favorites.
This youtube is an example of the 'other stuff'.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PV4CBG6I58g
Done by Princess Patience Burton.
Cissy Houston also sings on "never can say goodbye".
It may not be Jazz as we expect it, but it is Roland Kirk, and that's good enough for me, and should be enough for any Jazz Fan.
Watch the youtube thingy. You'll like it.
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Chick Corea -- Solo Piano STANDARDS
The title says it all. Corea playing standards. Normally solo piano gets sort of tedious after a few tracks. Not this time. The recording, playing and piano are all top notch.
A lot of Monk and Bud Powell stuff here. I favor the Monk tunes : Monk's Dream, Blue Monk, Ask Me Now and 'Round Midnight. Corea also does a delightful interpretation of "Brazil" to close out the set.
Played at the proper volume, i.e. LOUD, this is an aboslutely wonderful record. Great dynamics.
This is the second CD of a 2-CD release. Th first one is entitled "solo piano Originals" I don't know why I didn't get it also. I will now.
Check it out. Not sure youtube will do it justice.
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Bringing Bobby McFerrin into the conversation is like opening up an entire new genre. He does not fit in any box.
I have him with Yo-Yo Ma on the CD "Hush". Every track is unique.
He does "Spain" with Corea and "Another Night In Tunisa" with the Manhattan Tranfer. Both are exceptional.
That's one of the best things about mentioning any artist, it allows / reminds us to see what they have done lately. There is a lot more to McFerrin than "don't worry be happy"
In many ways he reminds me of Roland Kirk and Nina Simone. Kirk, because he is so uniquely compelling and Nina because, like her, he says so much, and says it with minimal accompaniment.
After visiting Amazon, I put a few of his in my cart.
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I enjoyed reading the lyrics more than I did hearing June Christy sing them. She is a good singer, but the music and her voice had no dynamic range. Didn't reach out and get my attention.
Chris Conners? Sometimes 'Cool' Jazz can be a little too 'cool'. There has to be a little fire and heat. Billie excelled at that.
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I can't understand why Ry Cooder's music would make a person want to kill themselves. However, I fully understand why living in East St Louis would. :)
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The Frogman:
******The Beethoven Rehearsal*****
He was almost as slow as Bohm.
Wunderbar! Vielen Dank.
Cheers |
For those who want to hear it as it's supposed to be done, look up the CD "Jazz in a R&B Groove vol 1" I could not find it on youtube. One of the best CDs I own.
But I did find one of the singers that appears on that CD. Irene Reid. See the link below.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xaf0oPqtp8U
As Acman3 alluded to, and I have said many times, the group backing the singer is EVERYTHING.
That means the ultimate would be Ella backed by Basie.
But, do check out Miss Reid on the link. If for no other reason than to hear and see the Basie band.
On the 'R&B Groove' CD she sings 'what a difference a day make' instead of 'day makes'. Used to drive me nuts for a long time. I don't even hear it now. :)
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