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.
orpheus10

Showing 50 responses by rok2id

Today's Listen:

Horace Silver  --  SERENADE TO A SOUL SISTER

Recorded in two sessions by two different groups of players.  Recorded in the crazy year of 1968, which is reflected in the notes.

Notes: Under the heading of, and in all caps, "MY PERSONAL DO NOTS OF MUSICAL COMPOSITION
 "I personally do not believe in politics, hatred, or anger in my musical composition.  I believe musical composition should convey healthy emotions....."    Horace Silver

I wonder what brought all this on?  

He also lists his personal guide lines to musical composition.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ih6TZVBMG5c 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NblTtO26r3s 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vrP3Yf1gZiQ  

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZWuuykxar6I  

Cheers




***** I think our man Horace may have had some conservative leanings.*****

No wonder he was so brilliant, talent and brains.   Rare combination.

He visualized 'Rain Dance' as Native Americans in a circle dancing for Rain.   I never understood if what we call 'Indian' music is really Indian, or just Hollywood.

Cheers
Today's Listen:

Stanley Turrentine  --  SUGAR
with Ron Carter, George Benson, Freddie Hubbard

One of the more memorable Album Covers.   CTI Label.

Yes, this is Coltrane's 'Impressions'.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OYeEuC9iDAM  

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0-kjTyu-ovs  

This is the 'Live' version of 'Sugar', a bonus track on CD.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NmTGxdNTxIo  

Cheers
Today's Listen:

Wynton Marsalis Septet -- BLUE INTERLUDE

Notes:...."Marsalis arrived in Jazz with both a technical fluidity that had little precedent and an acknowledged authority in European Concert music that no Jazz musician before him had ever possessed.  .....Coming from New Orleans he was immersed in the Blues tradition, but having grown up during the fusion era, he had no awareness of the importance of the Blues to Jazz".--  Stanley Crouch

WTF???

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-8nTqBea87o  

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I3AN4rVqQ54 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I67Z6EV2Dhg  

Cheers
Gary Bartz:

Nice clip.  He can play.  Could have done without the verbal noise.

This clip came up next.  Same player, older and wiser we hope.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6j1dFXbHtTY

Miles:

Sad case.   Too sad to comment.   A falling Star surrounded by rising stars?

Cheers

 
Carmen McRae:   Great singing and song.
Thurman is no where near as smooth as Carmen,  does not have her phrasing ability.   She is a diva in the making.   

I listened to Thurman's CD today.   Sitting here waiting for her sax solo, when it dawned on me that she was playing her solo. 

 When a tenor sax player solos, you know it immediately.  She just fades into the band.   Also, this is not the most cohesive band you'll hear.

She will get better with experience, but the talent is there.  Hell, she's in Wynton's band.  Not too shabby.

Some of the problems were caused by the Chesky recording techniques.  Not the best way to record small group Jazz.

Cheers

Btw, did Wynton get rid of anyone to find a place for her in the band?
No Billie here, but who is?

Notice she said "she calls it fine and mellow", not "called it fine and mellow".   I like that.   These folks don't die, they just go live somewhere else.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k3C9L6VzOdY

Cheers

Thurman should check these tenor sax players.
Today's Listen:

Camille Thurman  --  WAITING FOR THE SUNRISE
with / Cecil McBee(bass), Jack Wilkins(guitar), Steve Williams(drums), Jeremy Pelt(turmpet)

Oh yes!!  A year later, with a different group.  Chesky recording, optimized for headphones.  Binaural Series.

The Saxophone is a lot more up front.

Some of These Days
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pdUDK3U0PhQ    

After you've Gone
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nTfnYQPn5Hg  

September In The Rain  
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S7VRL4cR8Ac 

The Nearness of You
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OgsjA-uwV8U  

Cheers

All she needs now, is a little time and a Jazz label.  Blue Engine?

***** Presently, if you want a "Mega Yacht" you'll have to wait in line because they can't build them fast enough; what does that tell you?***

Lots of ship builders, and their supporting industries, have jobs.

Cheers
***** You are so funny Rok; Ha, Ha, Ha.*****

Glad to bring a little laughter into your day.


***** if you want a "Mega Yacht" you'll have to wait in line*****

A hedge fund manager works hard all week to make a billion, then he has to stand in a line to get his mega yacht.  What's this country coming to???   Where is the outrage????

The Frogman and his friends, ain't got no time to be standing in no line for their mega yachts!!

Cheers
Nardis:

I have a LP by Cannonball titled 'Nardis', on the riverside label.  I am usually suspicious of any Jazz album known for it's sound quality, (Jazz at the Pawnshop)  but you being the OP of the Jazz Aficionado thread, I can trust your judgement.

Nice tune.   Written by Miles Davis.   Seems to be somewhat of a Jazz standard.   I don't have anything by Patricia Barber.   I will have to check out her discography.

Thanks

Cheers
Acman3,

Nice clips.   This is not the type of tune that you could hear and will recognize immediately.   Hard to find the melody.

Wiki says Bills Evans has recorded this tune 'repeatedly'.

Cheers
there are as many realities as there are people.

Nonsense I say.   The sum of it all is THE reality.

Cheers
Thurman vs Lundy:

Not a fair comparison.  Lundy is 32 years older than Thurman.   Lundy has a much better band and record labels.   Much more experience.

All the greats, were not great on day one.   But, Thurman has the voice.  She may have to choose between singing and Saxophone.  She will probably choose singing, although, she is a member of the best Jazz band on the planet.   There is always that.

 she paints her own cover art. Does that count?


No.

Cheers

At the worst, we have an embarrassment of riches.  Nothing wrong with that.

 I guess my point is to ask why Thurman is getting all the attention and backing at this early point in her career.

She has the talent, and this is the stage, career wise, that the help is most needed.  She may also have the personality.   Being liked, never hurts.
She will be great.  Esp if Wynton is involved in her career.

Billie on now, singing, "I Got A Right To Sing The Blues" :)  Puts everyone and everything in their proper place.  Lawd.

The songs Lundy sings tend to  sound a little too 'New York-ish' for my taste.

Cheers
In one way, singing is very hard, if you look at it that way, because I think that is 'easier' to play and express emotions (even if they do not mimic yours) than to sing them...


Both are hard and take great dedication and talent.  Since the human voice is the most expressive of instruments, I would think singing your emotions would be easier, assuming of course, the person can sing.

Cheers
This should clear up any residual  noise in your ears.  Maybe the best pop singer ever.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pgYEJHJXFB4&list=RDpgYEJHJXFB4&index=1

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PmvT7B3u7II&list=RDpgYEJHJXFB4&index=3

Vanessa Williams CDs?   I have no idea, but she defined what Miss America should be.   And yes, she can sing.

Cheers
Miss Houston was more than just beautiful.   An extreme talent.   I get angry when I see her.   What a waste / loss.

Cheers
Anything positive said of the Canadian armed forces, is BS, regardless of who said it. Check the facts.

I'm sure this was spoken in a effort to build or maintain wartime morale in a multi-national alliance.

Cheers
Today’s Listen:

Wynton Marsalis -- MR JELLY LORD - STANDARD TIME VOL. SIX

Wynton in his element. So, all you would be trumpet players may now pack’em up and store them in the attic.

Notes:
Of this, his latest effort, Wynton Marsalis says, "I wanted to once again reiterate the contemporary power of even the earliest Jazz. Jelly Roll Morton’s music proves that all Jazz is modern. His music captures the full range of New Orleans life. Jelly Roll Morton’s music however, still applies to the New Orleans of today. It is dated neither in form nor feeling." --- Stanley Crouch

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2-ZqgzGeKIY

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CJ1vF2-7CsY

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=68hgDS5dM2w

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xmBHMTsy2BY

The last word in every track’s title is either, Blues, Bump or Stump. :)
Lawd, Lawd Mr. Jelly!!!!

Best when played LOUD!!!

Cheers
Everyone is not an Aficionado like yourself. The best way to get the attention of the Jazz unwashed, is to do well known tunes, standards, with your own twist. She did the right thing. I am sure it will change as she grows into it.

has been done a thousand times before; only much better. I’m left with the feeling “what’s the point? who cares?”.

you realize you are condemning most of Jazz music. Think of all the standards that have been done a billion times. Autumn leaves? Are you saying once Miles did it, Peterson, Harris, Jamal, et al. were a waste of time? And what about the folks who did it before Miles? Does that make Miles a waste of time?

Standards lend themselves to creativity a lot more than originals do. Simply because there is nothing to compare an original with.

Some time wasters:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TiceSi25xJA

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=en6kmiX0SDc

you get the drift.

Cheers

Better buy Thurman while they are cheap, before they become collector’s items.

New York-ish?? Think Sinatra
Rachelle Ferrell "First Instrument" excellent album!!!

One of the few by her I have. I discovered the video clip before I realized it was on the CD.

Cheers
Anybody hear anything from Learsfool?

Still pouting.   He has taken it to new heights.

Cheers
if they become collectors items, they will be remastered every other month and they will find more "new" formats to sell them to us.

Sad but true.   However I stop at CD.   That's the end of the road for me.     I have 7 disc spinners.  I can go thru nuclear winter on CD. 

I had forgotten about Salvant.  You know, we could have a glut of young new Jazz divas.  Maybe a new golden age is upon us.

Cheers
Jazz Queen:

I liked  'O Jednoj Mladosti', 'People', and 'Tebi Putujem' the best.  I didn't get the wig and costume on Tebi.

I guess almost all music sound better in the native language.

Cheers
Salvant:

One of my favorites of her. Too short. It seems as if she should have come back in after the solo by Kisor, The Frogman said nothing is amiss.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GnshBIuu97Q

Is Dan Nimmer the most under-appreciated pianist in Jazz?

Cheers
Today's Listen:

Cannonball Adderley  --  SWINGIN' IN SEATTLE

Recorded live at The Penthouse 1966-67, released Jan 2019.
Excellent Booklet with interviews of band members and Julian's wife.  Great photos also.   Of course Cannonball talks between each track.  I love that about his live recordings.

Tune by Jimmy Heath.   Recently deceased.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v3DHgYY-zcA    

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yOPJ2q2I-tI  

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EXXh_WMDbWU  

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ePptkP7YI5Q  

Cheers


OP,

Which is the best way to enjoy the music, attending a live performance or listening to recorded music in your home on your rig?

Cheers
My thoughts exactly. I ask because, I remember a family member of mine that could always get free tickets to the Dallas Mavericks home games, (unless MJ was in town), and he found that he enjoyed the games better watching them on TV.

Cheers

Free from corporate America.
From my imaginary thread called 'The Good Stuff'.   I have it on a PentaTone SACD.   Loud, if you please!!!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T2Vpb9mRsOM

Cheers

The good stuff is always appropriate.
O-10,

'Pledging my Love' and 'Little Bitty Pretty One' are still on my playlist in the F-150.   Last heard just a few days ago.

My passion wagon, back in the day, was the Ford Galaxy 500.

Cheers
I have mine on memory sticks.  almost 800 .wav tunes on each stick.  Didn't Johnny Ace kill himself playing Russian roulette?   Was incomprehensible to me, then and now.

Cheers
The prices on amazon can be absurd.   I have several CDs that I paid the usual 12-15 dollars for, that some idiots on Amazon have listed for 496 dollars or more.   I don't think they actually get any takers.   Just following the hype.

My max limit for a single Jazz CD is 20 dollars.  I guess on average, I have paid around 8 dollars for most of my Jazz CDs.    BMG record club.   I did break my rule once, and paid close to 40 dollars for Oscar Peterson's "Girl Talk".  Japanese.

How much for Classical?   Don't ask.

Cheers
Milt and Ray:

The notes:
after giving a short rundown on Milt's career,...... "And Ray Charles is the wonderful, refreshing pianist and saxist known previously as a major "name" (his) in  the commercial music field."  -- Gary Kramer

I wonder if these guys ever go back, read what they wrote, and cringe.

Cheers
Today's Listen:

Oscar Peterson  --  1951

20 tracks!!!  5 less than two minutes in duration, only 3 over three minutes.   Recorded in 1951 for the Canadian Broadcast Service, in Montreal.
Notes by some arrogant, pompous, French nobody.

"He plays with taste, and with the knowledge that he was playing to an intelligent audience.".....Although he occasionally takes the easy way,(as in Pennies from Heaven), he generally exercises good judgement".

I added a clip of Pennies, maybe someone can tell me what he's talking about.

I think I like this 'short and sweet' approach.  Done in this case to meet the radio folk's requirements.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tP-ye3LnJfo   

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Uti7hG5vXqw  

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dbp8faF4mjc  

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qabYzjatHUg  

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kYtWeZXNgKY   

Cheers