Coleman Hawkins:
I have both CDs. WOW!! He was considered great for a reason. He was!!
Cheers
I have both CDs. WOW!! He was considered great for a reason. He was!!
Cheers
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 rok2id
Mary Lou Williams: O-10, I purchased a CD by Mary Lou several months ago. THE ASCH RECORDINGS, 1944 - 47 2CD set, 35 total tracks. Very minimum packaging, no notes, no nothing, except a small call that says, it you want to know the track titles, times and personnel, go to the Smithsonian internet site. WTF!! The CDs themselves are transparent. You can see through them like clear glass. This all falls under the heading, we did it because we can. All this in a very, very thin cardboard thingy. But you can find them all on you-tube. Not the best recorded sound. Cheers |
VaLaida Snow: A peer of Mary Lou Williams. Trumpet Player. Had the misfortune to be touring in Denmark when Germany declared war on the United States. Arrested as an enemy alien and spent some time in a prison in Denmark. A year or so later, she was exchanged in a prisoner exchange between the U.S. and Germany. Pops always called her the world's second best trumpet player, and then displayed his famous grin. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A8oWpBOa8vM https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r6e7ye-fiJA Cheers |
When the atmosphere is just right, FM radio can sound heavenly . This song came on, and I realize what a great singer Sinatra was. Not only could he sing, he sang songs that really touched you. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TeDfgUvyKHk Those of you not blessed with Polk speakers, results may vary. Cheers |
Today’s Listen: Carmen McRae -- CARMEN SINGS MONK https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N3qK3mpaSPE https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qYADfnI-iSs https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HFE6GiMcL7g https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dnjFkuxwpFY Charlie Rouse on ’Get it straight’ (straight, no chaser), Clifford Jordan on the other tracks posted here. Cheers |
I have that CD also. Carmen did a lot of 'tribute' albums. I think part of my problem with past Jazz Divas, is that Dee Dee Bridgewater, has redefined or transformed my idea of what a Jazz diva sings and how she sings it. Not a lot of that 'songbook' stuff. She makes a lot of my old favorites seem dated. Cheers |
Who else can you even imagine doing this? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bSFdm82X70Q https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VIxpdFcJxRk Cheers |
Live at Yoshi's: I have this one also. Had to get up and get it to see who was on organ. On the back cover is a picture of the band, includes Ali Jackson on drums. He looks like a teenager. Recorded in 1998. It's the kind of CD, esp since it's live, that makes you wish you were there. They seem to be having a great time. Cheers |
Dee Dee's Feathers: You get 'House of the Rising Sun' only on CDs ordered from Barnes and Noble. Mine does not include that tune. Why? I have no idea. Must be some Nawlins thingy. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6sOygJsLDc4 Cheers |
My thoughts exactly. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VIYEekrJNEA Cheers That Frogman sure don't like facts. |
Today's Listen: Sonny Clark -- SONNY'S CRIB With Coltrane and Byrd, poor Sonny was almost lost in the background. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pcu4v24P8eU https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZDd_0FuenDc https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v_t3MW-2vI0 Cheers |
Remember, the Good Book says, man can't live on be-bop alone. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YJvgQSa6D2Y Cheers |
Today's Listen: Theodore "Fats" Navarro -- THE FATS NAVARRO STORY One of the all time greats. Was considered a peer and equal to Dizzy. Died age 26. 4cd set. These clips are from disc one. with Billy Eckstine and his Orchestra https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Js0J6Vt9z10 with Kenny Clarke and his 52nd street boys https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VSBr4QOSF24 with the Be Bop boys https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OfcCvxGA05I with Coleman Hawkins and his Orchestra https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JWghK0Exagg As he progresses in his career, the names in the bands become more recognizable. Cheers |
James Carter’s Giant Steps: My point was that Carter can play GS anyway he wants to play it. That’s what Jazz is all about, individual freedom. Freedom from the written page. from the notes of THE FATS NAVARRO STORY they are discussing Fats replacing Dizzy in the Eckstine band. Fats played his book and you would hardly know that Dizzy had left the band. "Fat Girl" played Dizzy’s solos, not note for note, but his ideas on Dizzy’s parts and the feeling was the same and there was just so much swing. Same with GS. It out there for all to play. As I sit here, you-tube is playing Ahmad Jamal doing ’Poinciana’. It’s the one at the Olympia in Paris. Great stuff. But, it’s not the one he played at the Pershing. Does not have to be, and maybe it shouldn’t be. Cheers |
nsp, I played trumpet from middle school through college and we never had a girl in the trumpet section. Don’t recall seeing any in other bands either. Just seemed normal to me. My sisters played piano, clarinet and flute. After listening to Ms Clora, I think the boys just didn’t want the competition. Or didn’t want to get their heads cut by a woman. She can play. Cheers |
Questions to Mr Know-It-All, oops errrr I mean The Frogman Carlos Kleiber / Vienna / Beethoven’s Fifth. Why is this considered the best recording of this work? Is it the playing, Conducting or the recording engineers? I can hear more of the inner goings on, whereas in other recordings there is just a wall of sound. Cheers |
A blast from the past: Was really into this guy and folks like Quincy Jones, doing my first steps into Jazz. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bUea2OLUa7A https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TflwD_-V4Eg Cheers |
Nica's Dream: Both clips were great, but since Horace Silver was actually playing on the messenger clip, and with that lineup, it's no contest. However I do think Dee Dee's 'Tribute to Horace Silver' CD is one of, if not the best example of vocals put to Jazz tunes. The entire CD, each track, is a winner. Contrast her effort with Carmen McRae doing Monk. No where near the energy. Of course we could say the same when comparing Silver to Monk. Two completely different styles. I posted this on the other thread. Another great effort to put words to Jazz. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TiceSi25xJA He reminds me of Nina Simone in that, he does a lot with minimum backing. Cheers |
I agree with you on Shepp. The ones you posted were really very good. But I guess players evolve in what they think is a positive direction. When they do, they lose, and gain fans. One of the comments on one of my post said "this is the greatest Jazz tune in history". Takes all kinds. Don’t get me started on Gospel. Your clips were great. These are some I listened to today. Today I was watching a political event that took place in Colorado. This was playing of the PA system. Had to look it up. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z5XaKmUsqoc I think the good folks at Abyssinian Baptist in Harlem are a little more authentic, but this sound is better. Baptist in Brooklyn?? Sounds incredulous. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KNw04iBZnR8 The lead singer can get irritating, but the groove is great https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vZMwVj4cVyw Cheers |
Today’s Listen: Art Blakey, Dr. John, Fathead Newman -- BLUESIANA TRIANGLE Windham Hill Jazz. Expect the unusual. Used to hear and sing some of these when I was a child. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z7B7Yv61PAA https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JhR5cX4tS5g https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A7aINNmnlng Aren’t we all glad Blakey chose drums over singing. Cheers |
This is more like the Archie we all know and 'love'. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VTwssAfBgvo https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w_qRyVkVaaw Cheers |
@jchiappinelli
I remember him from my LP buying days, and I think I may have owned a few, but not any now. He seems to have been a part of the 'free' Jazz movement. That would explain why I didn't really get into his music. I spent a few bucks on Cherry and Shepp before I learned that you can't, and don't have to, like everyone. Cheers |
pjw, some gospel / spirituals that may interest you. Chanticleer -- HOW SWEET THE SOUND https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=elucuKKfda0 WITNESS Original cast recording -- THE GOSPEL AT COLONUS https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wOU38qRJPok Chanticleer -- WHERE THE SUN WILL NEVER GO DOWN Fairfield Four -- STANDING IN THE SAFETY ZONE https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SCwl7MT5tfA Fred McDowell -- AMAZING GRACE https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BDVb5wRn4ng More ’urban’ style: Original Cast Recording -- SAY AMEN SOMEBODY https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OQuYTx4PYww Dixie Hummingbirds -- LIVE https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aHIP7-KaP_Q (this is what you would hear on the radio on a Sunday morning in Mississippi). Cheers |
The Staples: Its on all my music memory sticks in both cars. great driving music. I also have this version by Bebe and Cece Winans. Bought it at a store in Montgomery, Alabama. Don't why I remember that, I just remember the time and place I purchased certain CDs. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vSkkyNR173k They sound very similar. Cheers |
Today's Listen: Joe Wilder -- WILDER' N' WILDER This guy has been around a while. Played with Dizzy in the Les Hite big band back in the early forties. Assistant Band master in the Marine Corps. The entire CD is Monaural. For you youngsters, that means no stereo. You only needed one speaker. Ah, those were the days. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dn2sN46qbLc https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HfxTdcQv3AY This guy has a fantastic tone. Just the opposite of Dizzy. Age quiz. How much money is 6 bits? No Cheating. I bet only the OP will know. Cheers |
Today's Listen: Randy Weston / Melba Liston -- VOLCANO BLUES Very talented duo. She plays trombone, sometimes, and does all of the arrangements. Although they do seem to spend an inordinate amount of time and effort trying to recreate a nonexistent connection between American black music and Africa. All vocals by Johnny Copeland. Weston played this at Billy Strayhorn's funeral. Spot on. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oGNJWWeApJg Who the heck is 'Rheinhardt' https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yc88YI0ZIPs Beautiful https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7QPaJQG3Et0 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UlTurF-3c60&list=OLAK5uy_nagRFmDie08YY3tYwke_0nceKOUEFm7dI A Count Basie tune. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=157DzDQuiaA&list=OLAK5uy_nagRFmDie08YY3tYwke_0nceKOUEFm7dI&index=5 In the notes, some very strong statements concerning The Blues and Jazz. Some by Langston Hughes. But I dare not start a 'Ruckus' Cheers |
Wanna hear drums / percussion, you don't have to leave the country. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bZTJYst1bjM https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vmDDOFXSgAs https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oNBm5_f7gKc https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WFmCCxMp7BE Much much better. Cheers |
Today's Listen: Oliver Jones -- A CLASS ACT A Canadian pianist. His international reputation is far greater than his rep here in the USA. I love his playing. He is like another Canadian Jazz pianist, Oscar Peterson, in that, he is not a creative innovator, but a very fine player. A Class Act indeed. His career shows the importance of being fully merged into the Jazz scene in this country. It makes a difference. Here are three tracks from the CD, two written by Jones and one by Bill Evans. All very easy on the ears. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oLvSLL5aSAM https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fKd9_H6248Q https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c6XMqToof4c Cheers |