Jazz for aficionados
@schubert Your boys on parade. They come from the largest Battalion in the German Army. Some companies active, some not. All stationed in Berlin. I guess they do this very, very often. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=35WyzcqQIZw Cheers |
Are you saying that technique and phrasing, trumps the voice? Within reason of course. When I think of her voice’s decline, I think of this song. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ImXVzNINKig Still compelling. Cheers Btw, Webster, Edison and Kessel are the players. |
Billie Holiday: I just received this box set, 3 CD, Billie Holiday -- THE ULTIMATE COLLECTION. Good sound quality and good selections, but, no ’Fine and Mellow’. In the notes, in response to the critics, that said her lifestyle had harmed her voice, Ms Holiday said: "Anybody who knows anything about singing says I’m for sure singing better than I ever have in my life. If you don’t think so, just listen to some of my old sides like "Lover come Back" and "Yesterdays", and then listen to the same tunes as i have recorded them in recent years." She said this in the mid-50’s https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yczvZyzOXKA 1944 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RRUlxvdy1iw 1952 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BVKyUJVjZf8 1939 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_DdK7il-NQs 1952 A case for an ’Aficionado’ decision if there ever was one, esp since some of you may have been at the performances. :) Cheers |
Today's Listen: Modern Jazz Quartet -- A CELEBRATION MJQ plays with guest artists. All great, I listed three. Bobby McFerrin https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QeCoX9YjR7g Phil Woods https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T9b_7qVaUuk Wynton Marsalis https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rYokT-IOnFI Cheers |
Questions To The Frogman: I have noticed, for some time actually, that when I listen at my sweet spot, which is an equal distance from each speakers, the left channel always seems to be the dominate channel. Most of the musical information seems to come from the left speaker. This was true with all three different systems. The center of the sound-stage seems to be slightly to my Center-Left. Between the left speaker and the equipment rack, which sits in the middle. The classical recording I played did not exhibit this. (Norrington's LvB 9th), but all the pop recordings did. After a search, this has been discussed online, so I am not alone. Is this a common situation? And why? Comments? I did switch the outputs cables from my tuners, and the dominance went to the right. Cheers |
Today's Listen: Jon Hendricks and Friends -- FREDDIE FREELOADER Some of the friends: George Benson, Al Jarreau, Turrentine, Wynton, McFerrin, Al Grey, the Count Basie Orchestra,......... Miles https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q3-wvcStsoo Hendricks https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ddbLKq_Xs_E Armstrong https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8sDtgFTTblc Monk https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CkWgNjCv698 The booklet sets the standard for what CD booklets should be. Words to all the songs listed, plus generous narrative on each tune. Cheers |
Today's Listen: Paul Chambers Quartet -- BASS ON TOP with / Kenny Burrell, Hank Jones, and Art Taylor Obviously one of the best ever Jazz Bassist, but I keep waiting for the Trumpets / Saxophones to come in. Conditioning. Still, If Chambers can't sell the bass as lead instrument, then no one can. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pT0wEDDiKfA https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sjujhTjC3Z0 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q-f96wioSPg Excellent SQ. RVG Blue Note. Cheers |
Today's Listen: John Coltrane -- SOULTRANE with / Red Garland, Paul Chambers, and Arthur Taylor https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3-wFdTZcQbo https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G4cQkkObYDY Well, you knew it couldn't last. Now, The Trane we all Know and Love. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ELDHvZDjzzs Cheers |
More Blues for Queen Mary: Charles Mingus -- OH YEAH Rahsaan Roland Kirk on ’Everything’ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=donDOIiuWc0 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dkV1SpPD6mo https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eaeVLd4G1Zg Btw, Mingus plays piano on this recording. Check him on Hog Calling Blues. Cheers |
@schubert I thought you might find this interesting. There are 7 episodes. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hqFm7G0hnqE Cheers |
Mary Jo, that's really deep soul music. I was listening to this today as I drove around doing errands. Sort of in the same vein. Southern Soul, which I suspect is a lot like Croatian Soul. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=112BIpVq3Zk Happy Valentine's day to you also. Cheers |
Today's Listen: Walter Davis Jr -- DAVIS CUP Davis' debut as leader. All tunes written by Davis. And, as the notes point out, these are 'real' originals, not lifted from another genre. Apparently he was very promising back in the day as a composer, his name being mentioned in the same sentence with Ellington, Monk, John Lewis and Jelly Roll Morton. I am not sure his career lived up to the promise. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dPVnYJ_yck8 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y2gQSJ20rvo https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KMVB6iEEIqk Cheers |
Today's Listen: Cyrus Chestnut -- EARTH STORIES Chestnut received a degree in jazz composition and arranging from The Berklee School of music. Seems to have weathered the ordeal with his Jazz instincts intact. Deeply rooted in the Church. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=22wmlsttHg4 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wKHBooKFpqo https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IiHB-CHP2Z8 Cheers |
schubert, The Brits in Texas. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mQD0q7-6IA4 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=otExCEHr73g Not quite the homecoming the guys from Nam got. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z4w4lguSAuU Cheers |
Jacky Terrasson: @schubert I have two by him. His first two recordings on Blue Note. Back then he was considered the future of Jazz. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=btDHv7hI_Cs https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M8utvlx9mtw Hard to think it's the same pianist. The drummer on caravan was on fire. It was something to see, I think it could have used a little more 'Caravan". Same with Besame Mucho, but, it's Modern day Jazz. The young folks are happy. Help, I'm stuck in the 60's and can't get out!! Thanks for the clips. Cheers |
Today's Listen: Sonny Criss -- PORTRAIT OF SONNY CRISS with / Walter Davis, Paul Chambers, Alan Dawson (drums) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HDbblYlZwtg https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Msn4OA8YNww https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UHoeH2oZsl0 Cheers |
The Dutchmen were good, but what's up with that drummer? Got stuck in a time warp at Woodstock? Cheers Btw, The impetus for all Vietnam protests was the Draft. Since the draft was ended, we have been almost at a constant state of war, with hardly a discouraging word from anyone. I guess the protests were related to who was doing the fighting / dying. Food for thought. Cheers |
Today's Listen: Benny Carter & Orchestra -- FURTHER DEFINITIONS The liner notes are so tiny you would need a microscope to read them. I did make out that this session reunited Carter and Hawkins once again, they had played Honeysuckle Rose in Paris in 1937!!! That's 82 years ago folks. Fairly decent Saxophone section. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FgatnU6AakM https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ftyPAFt5RVs https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S-zIGpaxcRE Is there any better sound in Jazz than a great sax section playing in unison? Cheers |
Different Branch, Same Tree. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-ovrMbF6FyM say it, say it, say it, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2jW8d88SPM8 might be the devil, might be 1st Cav, you gotta serve somebody https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NEiW5YMiNvI Cheers |
@frogman Problem found. It's the local FM station. All systems play just fine, that is, all amps and CD players, except when the tuners play. Assuming all three can't have the same problem, and the problem moves when the RCA cables at the tuners are switched, it has to be the broadcast signal. The pop CD that I mentioned is part of a 2 CD set of compilations, and are just badly recorded. Thanks for your response. Cheers |
Today's Listen: Cannonball Adderley Sextet -- LUGANO 1963 This was recorded in Lugano, Switzerland, of course. The note writer, Norberto Gimelfarb, actually had the audacity to take a swipe at Wynton. "You can instantly tell what separates them: as far as I know, Cannonball only preached through his horn". "But there are common features. Cannonball carries in his approach the entire Jazz tradition as much as Marsalis does- or pretends to..." Wow!! I guess Wynton must have said or done something that irritated the 'Professor'. So much for auslander critics. The music: Lateef on sax, flute and oboe https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o5YC7N7biTo https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mpk6AFwqhQw https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ew2tnZIodgw Cheers |
@schubert Soon there will be none left. https://news.sky.com/video/dame-vera-lynn-spitfires-salute-forces-sweetheart-12025638 Cheers |
Today's Listen: Maynard Ferguson -- CONQUISTADOR somewhere in this are: George Benson, Randy Brecker, Joe Farrell, Patti Austin, Bob James, Jon Faddis, and a cast of thousands I don't know. He doesn't just hit high notes, he plays entire tunes up there. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pulI3in1UgI https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_v1J-kGxXds https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3-DKHMTV3NQ He designs his own trumpets. This is the only recording I have ever heard that I thought was a live band playing. I couldn't see the rig, just heard it from a distance outside. Sony APM speakers and Phase Linear amps. A must own for any Trumpet player. Cheers |
Today’s Listen: Count Basie -- KANSAS CITY SHOUT with / Joe Turner and Eddie ’Cleanhead’ Vinson vocals Both Joe Turner and ’Cleanhead’ Vinson were way past their prime on this recording. Still better than most. Of course Basie was always in his prime. Vinson on Alto Sax also. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EplnmoOtVFY https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AV1zpgM9Y9k https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=05KOyeaMtSE have mercy, Percy https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2-sOrRxii8E Cheers |
By Royal Command: say it BB, say it https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bxJ7JCppdvM&list=RDdebDGhfzz-c&index=2 Cheers |
Today’s Listen: Gene Ammons’ All Stars -- THE BIG SOUND with / Coltrane (alto), Quinichette, Pepper Adams Another outstanding Saxophone grouping. Jerome Richardson (flute) Only four tunes, so I posted them all. Notes by Ira Gitler. Mr Gitler says that this was Coltrane’s first recording on Alto. He switched to Tenor while in Dizzy’s band in 1951. Gitler went on to say that Coltrane, on the tune ’The Real McCoy’ "showed a little rust in handling the lighter, faster horn tonally". I would like to hear The Frogman’s comments on that. These critics sure have nerve. First Wynton, now Trane. next? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hcCuEkphSvU https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TH07y7nLF1g https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xPycViCDXjg https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UuH9Q3BxRuM Cheers |
Today's Listen: Harry "Sweets" Edison and Eddie "Lockjaw" Davis -- IN COPENHAGEN - SWEETS AND LOCKJAW with / local rhythm section https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=55C1uZhrLCc https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=usymlLNQocY https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bC2rEwSvk24 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pxWu0A-ttso Both played in the Basie Band. Its shows. Cheers |
Today's Listen: Toshiko Akiyoshi Jazz Orchestra -- DESERT LADY FANTASY featuring Lew Tabackin on tenor. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7BpQcwe4ncs https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_JvUQeelTwc https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5vqVzVtlCXE Not that familiar with her, but here is her story according to wiki. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Toshiko_Akiyoshi Cheers |
Left channel dominance: This subject has appeared on Audiogon before, back in 2012. Many articles on the internet. I sought to solve it by playing my Chesky recording of Wycliffe Gordon. Thinking this would eliminate any questions of the source. It did. Results indicate that my system, Hearing and speakers are all OK. It is the recordings, including those on FM radio. This can be corrected with the balance control, but I hate using controls. https://forum.audiogon.com/discussions/why-my-left-speaker-sounds-louder-then-my-right I asked The Frogman because I thought it might be the recording process that was the problem. If you visualize an Orchestra, most of the action is to the left. The violins, any guest soloist, singer of instrumentalist, always stand to the left. Then you throw in the guys in the mixing room and ... https://forums.stevehoffman.tv/threads/why-is-there-more-sound-concentrated-in-the-left-channel-than-the-right.133009/ Frogman, play a few CDs on your system and then comment. Cheers Most often, even the four soloist used in LvB's 9th sit to the left. |
Diane Schuur: I have a few CDs by Miss Schuur. Great voice. I like all three tunes you posted, but I felt the band was lacking something on "The Man I Love". The Band Just didn’t seem / sound right to my ear. Maybe The Frogman could comment on "The Man I Love". Nice posts and your interpretations of the song’s meaning were spot on. Cheers |
Today's Listen: Betty Carter and Ray Bryant -- MEET BETTY CARTER AND RAY BRYANT I think the first Jazz LP I ever purchased was Ray Bryant's "Slow Freight". Carter did "Baby It's Cold Outside" with Ray Charles. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FDv2eEmMRpE https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oSyyDMbVIcg https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EGteXTYVW-U Jerome Richardson on flute. Cheers |
John Coltrane: 'Spiritual' shows why this man was so great. He was a complete master of the Tenor Saxophone. If he could think it, he could play it. Remember in Nica's book, several guys 'wished' they could play what was in their heads? John Coltrane could. Favorite Things: I think McCoy should get at least equal credit for this tune. His piano playing sort of took over the tune. Both great, of course. Nice clips. Cheers |
Miss Jordan is trespassing. That song belongs to John Coltrane. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qWG2dsXV5HI One exception: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BwT93ARAVlE&list=OLAK5uy_mrqGh0j15Q5awB8FNaicSJNcVdUnrUJy4&index=11&t=0s Cheers |
Frogman, thanks for your very informative response. I remember reading about dissonance when I was 'studying' music from my book, which I seem to have misplaced. I listened to the tune again, and it almost seems as if the band and the singer are performing two different tunes. Can you post a clip that demonstrates dissonance used in an effective way? Can a song end on a dissonance chord? Cheers |
Staton and Lynne: I remember both of these singers from way back in the day. The Staton LP was one of the first my brother got from a record club. I spent a lot of time staring at that cover. Remember 'Misty' very well. I also remember Lynne and that song. Now, maybe you understand why I am stuck in the past, because that's where the good stuff lives. Nice clips Cheers |
Casandra Wilson: You don' t know what Love is: Way too slow. Distorts the song. Check out Etta James and Miss Holiday. Black Orpheus: Nice enough, but even through she is from Mississippi, she is hit and miss. As if she is searching for her place in music. Billie's Blues: Great!! A lot of the impact goes to the arrangement and the band. But she nailed it. All we need is a CD full of stuff like this. Nice clips Cheers |
One of the great Blues Classics. Does not have quite the same impact when sung by a woman. Song by Son House, another great from the Delta. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AFvnT0X9eFQ Cheers |
Almost two different songs. bass alert!! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=theMDrkhLN0 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F9vEKTRLnUI Cheers |
Barbara Cook: She does have a great voice, and surely has that ’Broadway’ vibe. We always give credit to the Blues and other genres for their influence in the creation of Jazz, but maybe Broadway and the ’Great American Songbook’ deserves a lot of credit for the growth and sustainability of Jazz. Because a lot of a Jazz, is ’borrowed’ from other genres. Nice clip from a lady I was not familiar with. Cheers |
