Jazz for aficionados
Today's Listen: Ellington and Coltrane -- DUKE ELLINGTON & JOHN COLTRANE An unusual pairing. Both men showed up with their own bass player and drummer. They divided the work. Not too sure how that worked out. Another Van Gelder recording. The Notes: (There is always an interesting nugget to be had in most notes) "In actual fact Duke Ellington was put into the Jazz world to separate the men from the boys. His grasp of harmony and instrumental voicing is more advanced than anybody else in the entire range of Jazz, and the reason why many modern fans are unable to accept him is not that they are too modern for Duke, but that Duke is too modern for them."----Benny Green "I'd really like to get into all Duke's songs, I have a feeling there's a lot to find out in his music" -- Coltrane I'm sure The Duke grabbed his scores and ran. :) Ellington https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NmkpJD8Ew9c Ellington https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m6HltqebkT8 Coltrane https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VyDZQs8jNmM Strayhorn https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Au4sopMai2s Cheers Of course the main question for SOME aficionados will be "whose album is it?" Well, the Duke is listed on top, all the songs save one, were by The Duke or Strayhorn, but, I have it filed under 'C' for Coltrane. The Frogman and The OP can sort it out while they stand in line for their "mega yachts" |
pjw, I have had the HD 650s for 14 years. Thought it was time for a change. The 660S is supposed to lift the infamous Sennheiser ’veil’, which I never heard. I use headphones almost exclusively for classical music. These are supposed to have the drivers from the HD700. Better than the HD650?? Which are damn good, We shall see. Cheers |
Today’s Listen: John Coltrane -- DEAR OLD STOCKHOLM Great album cover. Van Gelder recording. Notes: the notes seem to be mostly about Roy Haynes, and how he came to be the drummer on this set, instead of Elvin Jones. "When I worked with Trane -- I’ll tell you this, the intensity was so high...it stayed high. so I stayed with the intensity, I didn’t necessarily play differently than I normally play, but John’s solos were longer, and I didn’t want to play the same thing throughout his solo, so I’d have to think of more things and get ideas from what he was playing. When I’m with Trane, I don’t want to let him down -- I want to keep him inspired." --- Roy Haynes Seems to be a recurring theme with Coltrane sidemen. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gr8z5guIH24 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tl3MSV2qIEw https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E9-zgx_8d2s https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MGvSUKWDOBM Cheers Btw, ’Dear Old Stockholm’ is a reworked Swedish folk song. I wonder if the Swedes would recognize it. |
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my rig might seem expensive to you, but it's near the bottom rung of the high end; plus it's the cheapest that you can get to deliver Class "A" sound.***** My entire adult working life was in electronics. IBM and The US Army. These experiences have prevented me from buying into High-End audio. I wish I could, it seems to be a lot of fun. Btw, my Marantz PM 7200 plays 'Class A' for the first 25 watts. :) Cheers |
One a cold rainy day in central Texas, this puts a smile on your face. we don't need no stinkin' ice-man https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fmDqIY-A7HI the introduction is awesome, so is the rest of it. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-zOlugtNz0k Cheers |
Today's Listen: Sarah Vaughan -- SASSY SWINGS AGAIN After all these so-called jokes, we need Sassy to clear the air. My copy includes minimum packaging. On the Mercury label. Purchased at "World Of Music" in Nurnberg, Germany. DM29.95 -- 08/85. Love the history. All arrangements by Thad Jones and Jay Jay Johnson. Recorded 1967. everyday I have the blues https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3-9NANdEbZk take the "A" train https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sJJArN0IS30 I left my heart in San Francisco https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NWoeODBPrYc sweet georgia brown https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Db3ioirVcEY A lot of big names in the band. Hubbard, Woods, Golson, Terry etc.. Cheers |
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that he was not pleased with the crowds reaction to his performance.***** I was outraged by the crowd's reaction to his performance of 'Poinciana' on the 'at the Pershing But Not For Me' album. Loud talking while he was playing, and lame perfunctory applause after such a brilliant performance. Spoiled the entire tune for me. ***** Marseille France where he's given the respect an artist of his stature should be given. ***** It's all an illusion. If he has to go to France to get respect, he's a sad case. Cheers |
Just to set the record straight, I love Nancy Wilson, and the way and type of songs she sings. Just messing around with all the joke stuff. I was debating whether to order Sarah in the land of Hi-Fi this morning. I thought I had her with Clifford Brown, but apparently I don't. That's another one I want. Beautiful clips. Cheers The diva joke? I was just 'quoting'. Time honored practice in Jazz. |
Today's Listen: Cannonball Adderley -- PHENIX Cannonball reworks all his greatest hits, hence the name. Interesting the different paths taken by Miles, Coltrane and Cannonball, once they had 'Reached the Sea'. I wouldn't call these improvements. I don't think most of these could be made mo' better. Esp 'Preacher.' But, since Cannonball was not capable of making bad music, it's all good. Loved 'Alabama'. Four months later Cannonball died of a stroke at age 46. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V5kEUkaBz1U https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-hqSekMMxls https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aU-bhxY3xQ4 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v9-A3qvd7v0 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JsRMAQrVsZc Cheers |
A few good ones by one the most awesome talents in the business. She is also the most awesome Fox in Foxdom. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CfscL_f_uyU https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JCY8GpCNEh0 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dNLbRdoB9Z8 Cheers |
Today's Listen: Cannonball Adderley -- THEM DIRTY BLUES with Bobby Timmons (p) on 'Dat Dere' The second recording for this quintet. Notes: "...For the soulful spirit of the blues---the real, low, wonderfully emotion-stirring, and downright dirty blues that has always been and always will be the bedrock of Jazz--is the basic message of this group. ---- Orrin Keepnews About sums it up. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VlepuNi40M8 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6e-jphhx8xA https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FAzHD5nSa1M https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8FXrHg20_GA Cheers |
Today's Listen: Carmen McRae -- CARMEN SINGS MONK with / Al Foster(drums), George Mraz(bass), Clifford Jordan(Sax), Eric Gunnison(piano), Charlie Rouse(tenor sax), Larry Willis(piano) Notes, explaining why different titles are listed on the CD. "The reason for these title changes is simply insistence by the music publishers, since the instrumental versions have become part of a separate Monk literature." Outstanding support from the instrument players. Most of the Lyrics by Jon Hendricks. straight, no chaser https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dnjFkuxwpFY ruby, my dear https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HFE6GiMcL7g well you needn't https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=paYODQGwdz4 blue monk https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N3qK3mpaSPE rhythm-a-ning https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xLszKax6L-U Has anyone else ever tried to 'sing' Monk? Cheers |
Today’s Listen: Dianne Reeves -- THE GRAND ENCOUNTER with / Clark Terry, Harry"sweets" Edison, Phil Woods, Bobby Watson, James Moody, Al Grey, Toots Thielemans, Kenny Barron, Rodney Whittaker, Herlin Riley and Joe Williams. This is an amazing line up for a singer who dabbles in Jazz from time to time. Nice fold out booklet with great pictures of all, and personnel list for each tune. All are different for each song. Everyone plays on "Old Country". Great singer. Wish she would concentrate on Jazz. Recorded 1996. besame mucho https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eFxE60NE1as let me love you -- with joe williams https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nW7cpeRKtfI old country -- nancy & cannonball did this one, by Nate adderley https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uVdwZeF6DCg tenderly -- with joe williams https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sYLmR1Ge4tg cherokee https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2knA3VHTEok Cheers Not on the CD, but I love it: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hp4YKvx37w8 |
I seem to recall a comment about Jazz and Bach and how “the twain shall never meet”. The man has the memory of an elephant. The notes of "Little Girl Blue" did mention her "classical Training". I agree that her singing Ellington did seem somewhat 'incredulous', as the OP might say. But I did like 'Mood Indigo', for the playing as much as the singing. The notes also point out that she was bipolar. Explains a lot. Cheers |
I’ve been to Nyc, but if I had to choose some cliche to desribe it by some art work, the influence of Holywood simply I cant avoid. One of the most, if not the most unique thing about NYC is Broadway, and the industries and people that support it.. The plays, the musicals, the songs, and all the people that create all that magic. Also, the epicenter of Jazz. Sinatra sings a lot of songs written by the creators of that magic. The context of the songs only make sense in an environment like NYC. The entire vibe is NYC. Another New Yorker, in the same sense, Audra McDonald. Of course The Frogman knows this better than we do. And yes, Hollywood has played a part in creating that concept in people around the world. People flock to NYC and LA for the same reason, to MAKE IT. When I say NYC, I am not speaking of the South Bronx., but Broadway and the Hollywood creation. Cheers |
Remember the Sabbath: in that great gettin' up morning https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2ZzCB6fEph8 ride on king Jesus https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RDIEfwORUaA there is a balm in Gilead https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UqlDbqKaFks He's got the whole world in his hands https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XeQL_B4FdB4 Cheers |
Today’s Listen: Etta Jones -- DON’T GO TO STRANGERS with / Frank Wess(flute & sax), Roy Haynes(drums) The notes primarily give a brief synopsis of each song. Also this, "It is certainly a truism to say that there are not very many good Jazz singers....or for that matter, that there never have been. Although, God knows, we certainly do have our share of "stylists", imitators and well paid failures". -- LeRoy Jones Brother LeRoy is firing for effect. His words are as true today as when he wrote them. But, he is old school, so good for him. Prestige Label. 1960. don’t go to strangers https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SgNXTPEsbac yes sir, that’s my baby https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G-9NVIedIaA fine and mellow https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qsXdbn-GKaA bye bye blackbird https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VG1f7B24C24 all the way https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AnlxFXV7T8s Cheers |
Today's Listen: Dinah Washington -- THE FATS WALLER SONGBOOK With a bunch of people including, Doc Severinsen, Frank Wess, Melba Liston, Clark terry, Sahib Shihab and many more. Nice Booklet with detailed historical info of each song. This player / composer's contribution cannot be overrated. Purchased in Germany 1985. The dawn of CD. DM34.95 t'aint nobody's biz-ness if I do https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1cW6zkxz7oE jitterbug waltz https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=50hqFlUeb-c ain't misbehavin' https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1-41qGDaMp8 black and blue https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VkF2FgYBJyY honeysuckle rose https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=koAY40lT-sM keepin' out of mischief now https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tg6JfUbQ1L0 Cheers |
I am curious to understand why they think that Wynton is ’bending’ the truth. Alex, he is not bending the truth so much as, he is telling people what they desire to hear. I almost want to say that you have to be born here to understand all the nuances in American history. That’s true for any country. A very superficial take: For instance: If you are a member of a certain group and you venture into a place / endeavor dominated by the other group, then a member of that dominant group must bless you. Or say in effect "he’s ok, he’s the real deal", he can do, whatever, "as well as we can". In Jazz, "he can play". Then everyone is reassured, smiles all around, and we all move on. It is common and accepted. The person doing the blessing must be considered The Best at that particular endeavor. That’s all Wynton was doing. Saying in effect, there were / is white / European influences and contributions in Jazz. Everyone was reassured, smiled and listened to Wynton and Jon play EVERYONE"S music. That’s the American way. Everyone must be included. Remember, when the Jazz wars were fought, back at the turn of the century, this was a country full of Europeans living on the American Continent. As time goes on, the country becomes more and more American. Everyone had an ’Old Country’ back then, except black folks, who are the most American of all people. So it’s only fitting that they produced the first American Music. Cheers |
Re Wynton and the supposed “Americanization” of Jazz. First, Jazz needs no “Americanization”. I think I said Jazz was created by Black folks, the Most American of all people in this country. What's this "Americanization". Why would something created by Americans need to be "Americanized"? The melting pot concept goes to the very core of what America is about. The so-called melting pot was the melting of the various European Nationalities. Did not apply to Racial minorities. Had nothing to do with Black Folks. His message is, in fact, about acknowledging the greatness of the Afro-American contribution to the music; This is like "acknowledging" Beethoven's "contribution" to his Ninth Symphony. DUH???? Their contribution is, they created the music. Cheers |
Today's Listen: Abbey Lincoln -- YOU GOTTA PAY THE BAND with / Stan Getz(ts), Hank Jones(p), Charlie Haden(b), Mark Johnson(d), Maxine Roach(Viola) (Max's Daughter) The notes include the lyrics to the songs, and she talks about where and how she 'found' the songs she wrote, and their meaning. THE OP and The Frogman love her, so she must be good. I'm just glad Stan Getz and Hank Jones are on board. bird alone (nothing to do with THAT bird) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G6jZmZBeGvs i'm in love https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e4FS_UdbMMQ you gotta pay the band https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=snek_ibL7wA up jumped spring https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l0I786WrSEs and how I hoped for your love https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WiMyuCKauHI Cheers |
I bet you can't tell Casandra was influenced by Abbey Lincoln. I wouldn't doubt it. Cassandra has the better voice, in fact she has a great voice. No doubt honed in the Baptist church. They were both Divas, if memory serves, and then they discovered suffering and injustice in the world, and they changed tracks. Can't see either of them in front of the Basie Band. But both can be compelling. Cheers |
Feelin' Good: Great song. And the winner is: The babe in the purple dress. You just KNEW I would pick her. She was the only one that did not look and sound like an amateur. In 1966, I was living in Atlanta, working for IBM, just months away from receiving a letter from the Government that began with, "Greetings". :( Great clips Cheers |
Sunday: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ly2Vx7JGV4c https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eBNLzViWEcs https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bHj1Q-dR-qI https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TwFeBVPeOPY https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N_X3X99Mm0E https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_kFA6IqNAB4 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pri5g-bLMas Cheers |
Today's Listen: The Sergio Mendes and Brazil '66 -- FOURSIDER Probably not considered Divas, but they sure make you feel happy. No notes. Simple fold out sheet with track listings. fool. on the hill https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p3eVVPUHfCE ye-me-le https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zPvB92XgMks pas tropical https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K8LBvgwDjyg for what it's worth https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BKe0KB4_x1g with a little help from my friends https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VgPaOoRMrdg promise of a fisherman https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jPTPFKoOXsI Cheers If the singing on Pas Tropical does not move you to move, git outta audio. |
Today’s Listen: Bill Potts -- THE JAZZ SOUL OF PORGY & BESS with / Everyone. Most notable, Charlie Shavers, Harry Edison, Art Farmer, Bob Brookmeyer, Jimmy Cleveland, Phil Woods, Zoot Sims, Al Cohn, and Bill Evans. Don’t know if they captured the essence of Porgy & Bess, but the playing is exceptional. Excellent booklet that even lists the Soloists that play on each number. Always helpful for us Amateurs. Amazon says I purchased this in 2017. This is my second time playing it. One of those that you appreciate as time goes on. Recorded January 13, 14 & 15 in NYC. 1959. Great year for Jazz. summertime https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CkQ6zbREf3w my man’s gone now https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3QTRZTHZ-3g I got plenty of nuttin https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HqooYPiQLI8 it ain’t necessarily so https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FirkLdjGYV0 I loves you, porgy https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=412phI_qZAg Cheers |
The groom was nervous, he answered twice. -- Brother Ray https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c475Bpzn_AQ Cheers |
Today's Listen: Dave Brubeck -- TIME OUT with / Paul Desmond(as), Joe Morrello(d), Eugene Wright(b) One of the most well known / popular Jazz recordings of all time. The notes talk of Brubeck's experiments with time signatures. "The outcome of his experiments is this album. Basically it shows the blending of three cultures: the formalism of classical western music, the freedom of Jazz improvisation, and the often complex pulse of African folk music. Brubeck even uses, in the first number, a Turkish folk rhythm." In other words, a novelty. Notes only a professor at Julie Art would write. Complete and utter. Nevertheless, a couple of catchy tunes. take five https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ryA6eHZNnXY blue rondo a la turk https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FqPC-BkylxA three to get ready https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EZLMHglUTaI I think the reason the drum solo on Take Five works so well, is because Brubeck keeps playing throughout Morrello's solo. Like they switched places. Often times during drum solos, everyone else stops playing, thereby destroying the flow of the music. Cheers |
A person's perception of reality does not change or define reality. A homeless person sleeping under a bridge in the South Bronx, and A billionaire Hedge fund manager, may have different experiences of living in NYC, but they BOTH represent the same reality of living in the same city. As does everyone in between. Cheers |
Today'sListen: Ernestine Anderson -- NEVER MAKE YOUR MOVE TOO SOON with / Monty Alexander(p), Ray Brown(b), Frank Gant(d) The notes: A description of each song by Edith Hamilton, Jazz Critic, The Miami Herald. also: "...a voice to make more heralded singers weep with envy. The accompaniment is flawless; the recording is excellent." Chris Albertson Stereo Review. If Albertson says it, you can take it to the bank. what a diff'rence a day made https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WUN2E_NO2yI never make your move too soon https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c8OotoTeLAk my shining hour https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hrI0FUXsn-0 poor butterfly https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SXHCaJbMs_o Cheers If the title of the song is 'what a difference a day made', why does everyone sing it, 'what a difference a day makes'? |
Today's Listen: Clifford Brown - Max Roach Quintet -- AT BASIN STREET Clifford Brown(tp), Sonny Rollins(ts), Richie Powell(p), George Morrow(b), Max Roach(ds) Notes: "This is the EmArcy debut of a musician who in the past couple of years has risen to high esteem among modern Jazzmen--Theodore Walter "Sonny" Rollins, the new idol of the tenor saxophone, who took over Harold Land's spot in the quintet late in 1955. Rollins was 26 when this was recorded. I just smiled. In fact, this entire album just makes you smile. Great playing. i'll remember april https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=efD90XFbpsE love is a many splendored thing
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TnbApqYP_-o what is this thing called love
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JTWRZkoLGx8 powell's prances
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q3o9SdL651g Cheers |
Today's Listen: Cannonball Adderley -- FIDDLER ON THE ROOF Cannonball Adderley(as), Nat Adderley(t), Charles Lloyd(ts,f), Joe Zawinu(p), Sam Jones(b), Louis Hayes(d) Music from the Broadway musical. Recorded before the musical actually opened. fiddler on the roof https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C8Zc2GmCq7c to life https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fChkHmHcU5Y sabbath prayer https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4fWY8tyNlzA chavalah https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jhkIU2-RAiQ sweet georgia bright** https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7YuZuXI1ZRs ** Not music from the musical, but on the CD. Cheers |
