It's not about the color of one's skin, but the color of one's music; Pepper Adams skin might be white, but his music is "hard-bop" all the way. Check out his solo on Mingus's Moanin.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=__OSyznVDOY
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
Alex, those are the most incredible photographs of the musicians I have come to idolize; I never knew "Lady Day" was so beautiful. I have a lot of those photographs in many of the books I have. "Jazz On The Rocks" is a must have album; it epitomizes "West Coast" jazz for me. In my circles, which was at that same time, there was never any conflict between hard bop and West Coast; that would have been at the top of the heap when it came out. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cFU-FJzPE80 |
Ghosthouse, the "eyes" tell the story in a photograph; the guys who are looking into the eyes of "Misty Miss Christy", are lost in a trance, including that guy standing next to his girl friend, who (girl friend) is the only person there who is not captivated, but giving her guy the look that he had better get his eyes back in his head. That must be his buddy over his right shoulder who's looking at him with a big grin on his face. |
I wasn't quite in my teens when "Bird" died at Nica's apartment, and nothing but horrible things were said and written about her. Of course I believed them because that was all you got. Now that I can gather all the information, and think for myself, I realize who the really horrible people were. "Bird" never claimed that Nica was his girlfriend; she was a friend who he always treated with respect. All the jazz musicians who knew her, gave her the respect that a "Baroness" deserved. Now, I also forgive myself for believing the things they said about Nica at that time. |
You certainly got that right Ghosthouse, but she did it her way; if you saw a half parked Bentley, in the worst part of town, (where there were jazz clubs) with a couple of winos lolling around on the plush leather back seats (her guard dogs), you were sure to find Nica. She would be the lady with the British accent wearing a mink, and sporting a long cigarette holder, nodding to the hard-bop; and when the musicians announced a song dedicated to "The Baroness", you knew you had struck gold. |
Quincy Jones had such a wide range that everyone should be able to find something by him that suites their taste. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T5ALPzS0QfQ |
Michel Legrand is another musician who had a wide range; he wrote soundtracks for movies, like "The Thomas Crown affair", and collaborated with Miles Davis on jazz scores. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pqbj6qTEHxE https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OohatUzO-gQ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qKV9bK-CBXo https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GV_ANDWNbNo |
Thank you very much Pjw for presenting the many different phases of "Donald Byrd" Where do you fit this one in? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8jpFtZ9KmvI |
I just thought of a new theme "Eternal Music"; that's music you seem to have been hearing all of your life that still sounds good; https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XjN5_cJDWHs https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iAxJ93LzaaA |
Without a doubt Pryso, and to think, he never learned how to read music. I have personally known a few remarkable musicians who never learned how to read music. They took that statement to mean it's not necessary to read music in order to become a musician. I have no idea what it takes to become a musician, but some of the worst musicians even have a degree in music. Personally, it's my opinion that some got it, and some don't got it; meaning it's a natural talent. Having said that, people who went to school and can read music will be more successful. Here is Errol Garner's most famous tune; https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P_tAU3GM9XI And my favorite version; https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OQ-JgK9h_MU |
I can say one thing for certain, we have touched on everybody's base in regard to music that can be accepted by this thread. While that's not my cup of tea, I hope whoever is getting their boat floated responds. Music of this nature needs herbs that puts one's hearing in resonance with the music, that's why it sounded ever so delightful once upon a time in a far away galaxy. (that's where the combination put you) I know yall remember them mosquito machines that rode around belching out horrible smoke that was supposed to rid the neighborhood of mosquito; they should have them to ride all over the world belching out good herb smoke once a week to put a smile on everybody's face. |
Have you ever been in a conversation where the subject always seems to be changing? I'm talking about where there are several different people in the conversation, and one guy chips in with "classic jazz", and another "fusion" of which there are several types. To be honest, I can't contribute very well or enjoy that kind of conversation. Dave, you seem to be interested in ECM, if so, why don't you contribute some of what you have enjoyed over the years in your collection. I don't specifically mean that record label, but in general that type of music. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V9vQ_y9JJ1E https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N6I02UdoT6w https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ULDI2_Gv77s As a child, I watched those freight trains pass by and counted the cars; now I have books about all sorts of trains. St. Louis to San Antonio was my longest train ride; not bad if you have a sleeper. I watched the weather change from Spring with green grass and yellow flowers, to Winter and snow piled up on a ride from St. Louis to Detroit; it's fun looking out your window and watching it happen. "Offramp" is my favorite album by Pat, and one of my favorite albums period. I saw him live on a big boat on the Mississippi River. |
Dave there is no decorum here, you just do what you feel. I was speaking of the way music affects me personally; I can't hear fusion, after listening to classic jazz. When the groove is changed radically too many times, I can't hear the music; fusion sounds like noise after getting into a classic jazz groove. Whenever the "groove" is changed, I try to go with the flow. We seem to be in an ECM groove now in honor of Abercrombie. I don't know offhand if I have anything with him as leader, but I have him as sideman. Ghosthouse understands that "groove" shift thing, occasionally he finds some "new" music that is unappealing at that moment, (sounds like noise, but might be OK in the next moment) If you like it, submit it. It has been alleged that I don't like a lot of new music, but that should have nothing to do with what you submit. What I don't like is radically changing of the groove (subject). After all is said and done, I would say it's your turn to submit music, whatever floats your boat. BTW, no one has commented on the last music I submitted. |
Dave, it's good to respect what you don't know. That made me aware of the responsibility I have to inform. We all have our crosses to bear, I hope to help lighten your awesome burdens. My mother-in-law gets crazier every day; she left in 6 degree below 0 weather one night, and had us worried enough to call the police. Some good samaritan saw her, and knew an old lady had no business out in that weather at night. Fortunately she knew her address, and they brought her back home. I'm impressed by your ability to hear "classic jazz". Imagine the music as an FM radio station, and we as FM tuners; we have to be on the right frequency in order to hear the music; not everyone is tuned to the right frequency. As far as classic jazz, you can go back through posts, and pick an artist or specific sound you want to expand on and we'll delve into it. The 100 Greatest Jazz Albums is a very good start, and I imagine you already have that. Stay safe from the hurricane, and I'll look for you after all is straightened out. |
"Ghosthouse", I know exactly what you mean by "walking on a cloud" after leaving that PMG show, I had the same feeling. Somehow, his group caught the feel of the moment; you were not in yesterday, or tomorrow, you were in that exact moment in time. I'll listen closer to his albums that I haven't heard in awhile. I'm not tuned to "Watercolors" this morning, but the music expresses "Watercolors". |
Pryso, "Timeless" and "In a Silent Way" are very interesting comparisons; both are laid back, but Miles horn punctuates "In a Silent Way" in a fashion that gives it "drama". The biggest difference was the musicians; each one on Miles album made significant statements. 'Timeless', just "droned" on like a train moving down a railroad track at a moderate speed. It did not have enough "drama"; I could not get into it. |
Dave, I'm hearing the music a lot better, that's enough to give you reason to follow my example. Things are "shitty" but my time here is limited, and I enjoy music; that's why it is my responsibility to listen to it more intensely. In regard to my problems; I'm no longer giving them any more thought than is essential. I'm giving the music the intensity it deserves. |
"Trombone Shorty" got it going on; he got "Nawlins" in his music, in his soul. As close as I can come to explaining that is food. "Nawlins" is like a very special spice, and you have to be from "Nawlins" to have it, but all you have to do is add this spice to whatever you're cooking, or music you're playing, and it's "cookin". |
Dave, I missed "Familiar"; that was so far into the pop bag, that I wouldn't consider it jazz. Trombone Shorty is on a thin line between pop and jazz; sometime it's clearly "Pop", and at other times there's so much "Nawlins" soul that it can be given the jazz call. The way he's taking his music to the bank, I don't think it matters. |
When you get that feeling it's time for some more music, you can either go new or old; I decided on new. Today, this decision is based on a record review. Chris Potter "The Dreamer is The Dream"; performance got 5 stars and sonics 4 1/2. Either that should be in my collection, or cancel my subscription. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BTvYURLbRew https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BbONTltHalY This is interesting enough that I will add it to my collection; what do you think? |
I wonder if it's the music, or all the memories I have associated with the music; it's impossible for me to tell. I was listening to "Wine Light" by Grover Washington, and thinking what a really nice album that was. If this music sounds as good to you as it does to me; then it's the music, but if it doesn't, it's all the memories I have associated with the music. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1KOb8lphO-Y&t=103s |
Dave, it seems that my memories are the most important aspect of "Winelight" when I listen to the music (according to you). Although this might be true, those memories are worth a million bucks, and if that music, which not only enhances, but brings those memories back in sharp focus; that makes the music priceless. However, there are quite a few people who will disagree with you in regard to the music. Personally, if you think "Grover is a little Kenny G-ish" you wont get any argument out of me, because you are entitled to your own opinion. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Winelight |
Remember Ghosthouse, your best characteristic is your honesty, even if it hurts somebody's feelings. Now I know why the dress kind of reminded me of the TV Batman. http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0059968/videoplayer/vi561884953?ref_=tt_pv_vi_aiv_2 |
I'm familiar with all those musicians except Jon Christiansen, and I have liked them on some records, but not this one. I'm wondering what kind of mood do you have to be in to like this record; maybe it's because it's August and this is a Winter record that my receptors aren't receiving it. I'll put this on the shelf for the Winter Solstice. |
Acman likes jazz, Ghosthouse likes new age, Pryso likes "classic jazz", Dave only likes the best of the best, whatever it is. I'm going to pick music for each of you, to see if I can come in on your wavelength. Since Acman and I like a lot of the same music, he will be the easiest. Ghosthouse will be the hardest; sometime we can like the artist, but not the same music. I can put on a blindfold, and just pick something out of my collection to satisfy Pryso. Now I'm going to work, and I should be back in an hour at the most. |
Ghosthouse, this "Bud" is for you; https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aQY0rA5W574 Acman, hard driving jazz is for you; it's not new, but it's the best I could do. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hA7f9HIXox4 Pryso, this is "Senor Blues", but this is the best; the cats blow on this one better than the rest, and Silver's piano solo is longer. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t8jFGFwOm7k Dave, you are definitely the hardest to pick for because I don't have enough information yet, but I heard you mention something close to this; https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NHold6ylvEM I want you guys to let me know how close I came to picking what floats your boat. |
I want everyone to know that I didn't recommend anything that's not already in my collection, or that I don't consider "boss". Ghosthouse, I leave it to others to categorize the music, I only listen and determine whether or not I like it. In the case of Shadofax, I have several albums by them; "A Thousand Teardrops" is one of my favorite cuts. I didn't think of it as "new age". I knew you didn't like most jazz, consequently I didn't even touch that category, maybe that's what kept me away from fusion; but I like a lot of fusion. Chick Corea "Return To Forever" comes to mind; I especially liked Flora Purim's vocals; also "My Spanish Heart", that's two albums. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HKJtfSFn7W4 Now that I know that "fusion" is your favored category, I'll remember that. |
Pryso, the only thing in your entire post that I disagreed with was Miles, our collections would be quite similar. I bought Miles out of habit, until I discovered I didn't like what he was doing after "Bitches Brew", but he made so many albums, that now I'll have to wade through them, and see what I should have bought. I think "Kenny Garret's" solo is quite special, I wonder if Miles complained about how long it was? ( his biggest complaint with "Trane") That "Senor Blues" is quite special to me for the reasons stated; that piano solo is longer than on the record, and they were really into the music. Sometime live music is so fantastic, that the group couldn't repeat it if their lives depended on it. |
Ghosthouse, I re-read your post, and discovered you didn't actually comment on "1000 Teardrops". You mentioned "Shadowfax" and New Age, but you didn't really comment on the music. It seems the music was nixed because of it's association with the aforementioned entities, Shadowfax and New Age. If the music had been labeled "Old Age", it would have possibilities. |
Sometime, I go so far out that you would have to send "Han Solo" to find me. Today is such a day. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X01bSO44_Cs We haven't heard from Acman or Dave. Rather than a complete evaluation could everyone give a thumbs up or down on all the other submissions? |
Pryso, the factors that determine what music we like are many, and incredibly diverse. It's easy to understand how someone steeped in jazz, would not care for anything "New Age". As far as "The Crusaders" go, I liked them better when they were "The Jazz Crusaders". One of the local musicians who was a pianist, could play as well as Silvers, and I questioned him as to why he stayed local. To make sure that I understood that staying local was a personal choice, and that he could have gone on the road with ease; when he saw me come in, he began to play Silver's most popular tunes. I sat there with eyes closed enjoying the music, and for that time, it could have been Horace Silver himself there on the piano. Since then, I have learned going on the road and becoming a famous jazz musician is not all it's cracked up to be; I thought that rich automatically went along with famous, but it ain't necessarily so. |