Jazz for aficionados

Here's an interesting pairing -

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4XzFfjjHr80

I never heard of Tuba Skinny but when I saw this along side one of acman's links I had to check them out.  What fun to find these youngsters having such fun with music that predates them by several generations.

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

Now, what time is it?

It's always Monk time!  ;^)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FM-KmIE_gfw&list=PL94gOvpr5yt2Aa4nFooUivHXyA5CD903_

frog, I note no one yet replied to your question on Monk.  I don't have that album, I was just searching YT for another solo recording.

Anyway, I assume take 1 was numbered thus because it was recorded first.  It seemed to me that Monk lost the beat a couple of times in both takes.  To my ear that was different than his intended variations in timing.

If forced to choose I'll take #1.  The improvisation simply felt better, it was presented with a better "flow" for me.

Regarding the general discussions about changing likes, I've experienced quite a bit of that over the years.  Some of the fusion jazz that I once enjoyed is now boring for example.  One reason for that is it is a rare inclusion of electric piano that I now enjoy so that eliminated a fair number of recordings.  As I've suggested here before, over time I have learned to appreciate some music which at one time I wouldn't have bothered with.  At the same time, some old favorites (mainly rock) no longer hold their appeal.

To offer a specific example of my "growth" in changing taste, I bought this album shortly after it was released because there was so much discussion and praise for it.  Upon the first couple of listens I wondered WTF!  But over time I learned to appreciate the (then) newer direction and even enjoy it.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=71iR0kECPMU&list=PLF592AEB662C84871 

To paraphrase an old expression, opinions are like noses, everybody has one.

So one of my opinions is that the word "best" should be banned from discussions of music or audio gear.  To proclaim anything as best is to suggest that ALL other contenders have been compared.  In most cases that is simply not reasonable.

Now, one can state that "in my experience" or "among what I own" I like example X best, nothing wrong with that.

Regarding SV's "Misty" with Quincy, I can only state that it is a very rare jazz recoding that I enjoy when it is backed by strings.  For my taste and my experience that removes a basic element of jazz since it must be composed and played so carefully.  So that rather handicaps that particular version from the get-go for me.  But so what?  That shouldn't influence anyone else's enjoyment.

Again in my view, the best function of this entire post is for any aficionado to post or comment with a specific musical example and say "I enjoy this and would like to share it in the event someone else might feel the same."  The value is in hearing something not known before or learning more about the personal or technical background in a given piece of music.  Speaking for myself, that's why I'm here.  Not to judge or criticize anyone else's taste, even when it doesn't align with my own.

As a footnote, I happen to be a fan of Zappa as well pjw, and I find some of his music to suggest strong jazz elements.  That in spite of his comment that "jazz is not dead, it just smells funny."  ;^)   

For those too young to understand the Swingle Singers reference, here is a sampling of their jazz-based classical vocals.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jidvqApyz-s

I'm a sucker for great harmony singing.  I don't listen to them much anymore but still would enjoy a little time again with the Four Freshmen or the Hi-Lo's.  Yes, Manhattan Transfer too.

Regarding the Pinkertons, well you just need to see the movie.

o10, it sounds like the Pinkertons called in the Swingle Singers! ;^)

Well pjw, you made me do it.  I had to find a link to an Italian prog band that plays mostly music by Zappa.  This Riccardo Fassi Tankio Band recording is their only one I have but I assume it is representative.  As much as many other things posted here recently it belongs in a jazz discussion.  I find it fun and enjoyable.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iIT-Ezm-03g

Here they are in live performance -

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

Chicago lounges?  That reminded me of Detroit lounges and how many small bars had a B-3 in house for local and name trios and quartets.  That was when Detroit was still a viable city.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iBjp2ZDA8A0

Also thanks to all who posted alternate renditions of Zappa's music.  I was unfamiliar with those and loved most all of it.

Don't remember seeing any videos of McFerrin, even though I admire his talent.  Aside from his vocal prowess I got a kick out of his fingering the mic as if it was a clarinet or other wind instrument.  So thanks for those too.

inna, Janszen zA2.1; they are a couple of years old and now called Valentina, it’s the same speaker.

frog those Stax are classics. Also, did you know that David Janszen (son of Arthur) offers rebuilding service on the KLH 9? For anyone else familiar with those he may have a couple of pair with current upgrades for sale.

acman and frog, thanks for all the Mose.  I love him but you subject yourselves to the wrath of rok with that.  ;^)

o10, you ask about Mingus in Europe, do you have this?  It's highly recommended -

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tNWqqGTgwew&list=PLsdS8zrgFeFH0wABPG8KyIjgxUH-uPGdK

First, thanks frog for that listing of Chamber's recordings.  I've long admired his playing but had no idea he was so active during his short (sadly) career.  It seems now there was hardly time to go on the road with any one group!

Regarding Nina, we've discussed her before.  But I liked the observation of the whole being greater than the sum of the parts.  While I never thought of her in those terms it does make sense.  For my taste, what tied it all together was the emotion she conveyed in her performances.

Also frog, while it may not have been at Curtis, I remember reading that she did train as a classical pianist before turning to jazz.  Was that true?

mary jo, here is another example of pianist/singer you might find interesting.

I believe Nat "King" Cole's career began as a jazz pianist.  There is a story that a patron at a live performance "demanded" that Cole sing the lyrics to one of the Trio's songs and thus began his singing.  Then early on the Trio had a hit with "Sweet Lorraine" which was a vocal number.  However later in his career he was primarily known as a singer.  In fact toward the end of the '50s I suspect many fans knew nothing about his piano playing or jazz trio days.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jrdJS4ZxRbA

To be clear to anyone who missed the context of my original comment on "best".  That was to avoid a simple label of best unless you've compared all samples.  One can have a song or a version they like best, meaning among those they know.  But that is a long way from saying it is the best in existence.

Anyway, great list of rules frog. ;^)

In the flavor of alex's post, here is another sax player for your consideration - Progress Hornsby:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qr3odW6VSNw

Well, Sid Caesar, Steve Allen, Ernie Kovacs, and Groucho were the comedic heroes of my youth.  That explains a lot about my sense of humor today. ;^)

pjw, you are not separate from me, I never trashed my rock or blues records either.

As I’ve related here previously, my early musical influences were the ’30s and ’40s jazz played frequently at home by my dad. Then I became a teenager about the time rock and roll emerged in popularity so that became my main focus. Over the years I added other genres to my interests and continued to expand my collection for each one.

So today, while jazz remains my first choice, I do listen to a wide variety of other musical types. It all depends on my mood and which way the wind is blowing. ;^)

PS, to prove the point, I happen to also have "Bundles".

Funny, all this discussion about favorite live recordings made me think of the most memorable concerts I’ve attended.

While jazz is my preferred music, and I’ve attended many concerts and festivals (I’m pretty old!), not many near the top of my personal list have been jazz.

Among those that were, the first concert I attended was Louie Armstrong and the All Stars with my parents at a local theater around 1952. That was wonderful and left lasting memories. While in college we drove to Detroit for several concerts at a small local club, The Minor Key. There I saw Miles, Coltrane, Evans, Cannonball, Silver, Jazz Messengers, and more. I can’t honestly say one stood out but as a group they collectively rate very high.

Other top favorite live experiences were non-jazz, including The Mahavishnu Orchestra early on at a small local club, the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band at our county fair, Mendelssohn’s "Octet" with a collection of top flight musicians at our Mainly Mozart Festival, and Lang Lang performing with our local symphony orchestra. In each case it was an emotional connection with the music that made them outstanding. See, I said I enjoy many types of music. ;^)

I believe I saw Miles more often than anyone else.  In addition to a couple of times at the Minor Key (quartet/sextet), also both the Detroit and Saugatuck Jazz Festivals, in Hawaii at Punch Bowl in the mid-'60s, and lastly in San Diego in the mid-'70s.

For that last one when we walked in the stage was arrayed with big speakers and amps.  The crowd at the Civic Theater was a near sell out but almost half the audience left at intermission.  That was after the conversion to electronic-Miles but many in attendance apparently weren't prepared for that.

Well, I've been away for a couple of weeks, so much was posted here I could comment on.  Even if I concentrated on the music and ignored the personal challenges. ;^)

But that would take too long, in addition to being old news now.  So I'll limit it to one post specifically for mary jo, in the event she didn't see it when posted here previously.  This responds to the image of jazz ladies in hats -

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qef0cVtmBms

mary jo, " The life that one leads, this leaves certain taste in my mouth, meaning I grow some thoughts about it in the process."

In general I agree.  However with some musicians that can be a challenge -- Mingus for example.  To me his music was honest and deeply rooted in his own personal experiences.  Yet when you read his autobiography it was full of fantasies.

https://www.amazon.com/Beneath-Underdog-World-Composed-Mingus/dp/0679737618/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&i...

mj, I’ve been a fan of Mingus for many years. He was very prolific and released a number of significant albums. Perhaps the easiest to find will be those released by Columbia, which certainly included a lot of great music. But here is one of my favorites from an album not quite so well known -

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L7CoJEyiSfE

Then, while I normally hesitate to suggest tribute albums to anyone learning about an artist, rather than the musician themselves, I think this Joni Mitchell tribute to Mingus is worthwhile. It may not apply to you but this is particularly good for anyone coming to jazz from a pop or rock background.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t67hc8V6Z4c&list=PLSlDx338k7514avRNmjAZr0AowOXTJVcg

I do have one criticism of her release. The taped candid conversations at Mingus’s birthday party are fun, but I wish they had been presented at the end, or better yet on an included 45. Once I’d heard them I found them to be an "interruption" to the flow of the music on subsequent listens. Still, a great tribute and wonderful album.

Still haven't had enough bass clarinet?  Try this -

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-v998aAyrFo&feature=youtu.be

Then this -

https://forum.audiogon.com/discussions/jazz-for-aficionados?page=435

A friend forwarded it today without knowing about our recent discussions here.  For my taste Landrus slips into what I call "noodling" a bit too much, something many clarinet players tend to do.  I like the tonality of the clarinet and bass clarinet but I am particular about the style in which it is played.

mary jo, thank you for that link.  I've heard several versions of Pork Pie Hat, by Mingus and others, but was completely unfamiliar with that one.  In fact I'd not heard of the Essential Mingus Big Band.  I have two tribute albums by Mingus Dynasty, "Chair In The Sky" and "Live at Montreux", both which I can recommend.  Yours sounds like a worthwhile addition.

Thanks frog, obviously I’ve not kept up to date. I just checked them out on YT and see they have several recordings.

Oh well, they've only been around for 27 years! ;^)

nsp, and others,

This was not specifically Lester Young but he served as one of the inspirations for the story.  All together, I thought it was one of the better films made about jazz.

https://www.amazon.com/Round-Midnight-Dexter-Gordon/dp/B000053V7O

As a bonus, Dexter was outstanding in my view.

Here's another Ellington recording with less than his usual orchestra.  It just happens to include a guy named Armstrong!

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

To continue with a bit of silliness regarding John, here’s one from my early recollections as a music lover. ;^)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K8WdGneKY5g

To resume the short series of jokes involving jazz musicians, I just thought of this one, one of my favorites.

It was from a comic strip panel of a Viking war ship.  The leader announces to the rowers, "I have good news and bad news."

"The good news is we're going to the Bahamas."  The rowers cheers.

"The bad news is Buddy Rich will be our drummer!"

The reason he caught the A Train -

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

Then the reason he got off the train -

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

o10, it seems you have been doing lots of personal reflection lately.  Some of that may be due to general confinement with the Coronavirus, some as a common condition for your age, which I believe is very close to my own.

I know both have been true for me -- thinking back more lately on great experiences.  That includes ladies and cars and music.  

Other than the Satchmo and Tea I heard my dad playing when quite young, my own experience in jazz really began when a senior in HS.  Joining the Columbia Record Club brought (I think) 9 LPs for 9 cents with the obligation to buy more at their regular price over the next year.  For whatever reason, this was one choice, without ever hearing it.  It is such a strong album it has remained a favorite over the decades since.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hr3CxCK5W9M&list=PLAdta3CbHYNSAG25bdV0KZsbGdzv-mgwX

acman, right, I'd forgotten about them sending out a record a month.  Or maybe it was a card with notice of what would be sent if not declined?  I think I filled my obligation as quickly as possible to end that.

The other thing I remember in record stores, at least up to the mid-60s, was mono records being $1 cheaper than stereo.  As a starving college student that extra buck impacted how many records I could afford.  Record shops near campus discounted LPs to $3.95 for mono and $4.95 for stereo.  Of course then I still only had a mono portable for listening.  Anyway, that's why I have a number of mono LPs in my collection today.  I know some people don't want records if they are not stereo but most of my monos are just fine with me.

Here's a name I've heard but I'm not at all familiar with her music.  She came to my attention in a promotion for a concert here in January.  Just look at the names she is associated with!  One bit of information stated her 1962 release on Blue Note was the first by a vocalist on that label.  That alone seems pretty note (!) worthy.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sheila_Jordan

A sample -

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_Vwfd6KGc3M

Thanks acman for several great additions.

I received that initial link from a friend who's granddaughter is an aspiring jazz vocalist.  That young lady (still in high school) will be joining Jordan in the January concert.  She (Zion) is part of a "Young Lions" local group of teens all looking for careers in jazz.  Her particular fascination focuses on scat singing so I expect she may fit well with Jordan. 

Going back prior to my interest in jazz I was a fan of harmony vocals, first in some doo-wop, then the folk craze -- Kingston Trio anyone?  So as my jazz interests grew, I enjoyed music from The Four Freshmen and the Hi-Los.  Here's an example -

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iggWvFgp3KE

All that is an introduction to a story some may not have heard.  In an interview Brian Wilson, primary writer and arranger for The Beach Boys, was ask about his influences.  He related as a young teen hearing The Four Freshmen on the radio and being fascinated by their harmonies.  So he adapted that into his songs for his group.  Who knew the Freshmen would be indirectly responsible for the millions of sales of rock records?

Wow, 21 LPs for a penny!  acman you got a better deal than I did.  The memory falters but it seems I got 10 or at most 12.  Most of my selections were jazz as I'd just gotten into it about that time.  I'm not even certain of the ones I chose now, but maybe I could find a hint.  I believe the Columbia Record Club records came with a plastic inner sleeve, rounded at one end and straight with a perforated edge at the other so you could easily strip it open.  If they were the only ones like that I might be able to verify some of those early selections.

acman and o10, those were some strong choices for these troubled and unjust times.

o10, you suggested the ’70s and jazz continued undergoing major changes with a reduction in popularity, at least partially due to the dominance of rock. And so fusion was born, with efforts by some to cross over. John McLaughlin established himself as a major guitar voice in a couple albums by Miles. Then McLaughlin lead a band of his own, one of the handful of fusion groups that stood the test of time.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5ofh_S52Uks

mary jo, and anyone else interested in buying used jazz vinyl on the Crown Records label mentioned in her last post, I would avoid it.  Years ago I picked up a couple of their LPs and found them to be very poor.  They had noisy surfaces (even though they looked clean) and the sonics were thin sounding, flat, and without bass extension.  They may have been at the low end of the budget labels but not worthwhile even if free in my experience.

Any fans of Elling who are in the LA area may be interested in this.  A friend there just sent it to me but further away than I want to drive.

https://jazzbakery.org/kurt-elling-early-bird

mary jo you found a b&w clip from a favorite movie there.

And since acman reminded us it is Black Friday, here is the Black Saint hisself -

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zFA0FYQo0Gg 

mary jo, it was the tequila scene from "Frida".  Never saw it presented in B&W before.

Ah yes, Barbara.

I remember that Neil Diamond had lots of hits during the '70s and '80s and I thought he was OK (FM airplay, never bought any of his records).  Then he made a recording with Barbara (You Don't Bring Me Flowers -?) and a friend brought the CD over to hear on my system.  I thought she showed him up pretty badly.

mary jo, I trust you and others realized your clip was not the soundtrack to the film.  Rather it was the tequila scene utilized to back up the "Wonderful" recording video.

Music for that scene in the film was done by Lila Downs -

https://video.search.yahoo.com/yhs/search?p=frida+soundtrack&hspart=att&hsimp=yhs-att_001#id...

I had the chance to see/hear Downs at a local street music fair some years ago.  Unfortunately they had problems with the sound system and she only had time for maybe two numbers within her segment.  Not jazz, but a wonderful and emotional performer.

Hey frog, as you may guess from my past comments, I agree about drum solos.  There are many drummers I enjoy for their backbone support of the tune, but extended solos seldom "connect" for me.  Morello was a major exception.  To my uneducated ear his were often "musical" and therefore interesting in and of themselves.

Here's a related issue.  No idea how true this may be in other parts of the country but locally jazz groups I hear tend to let every musician solo on every number.  When it comes to drums and bass this is simply too much. And this from a bass fan who will often listen specifically to their lines.  But those are not instruments that are appropriate for such frequent solos in my opinion.  You don't hear that from Morello in every Brubeck Quartet number, so why would a lesser talent think they can pull it off?

alex, yes!

Of course Pastorius also made the bass a lead instrument. 

Q:  What is one of the most unusual instruments to appear in a jazz recording?

A:  The harpsichord in Artie Shaw's "Summit Ridge Drive".

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ycdINaa8St0

acman, I was expecting to hear "The Monster Mash" when that started!

Least I be misunderstood, and I don't believe anyone directly implied that, let me be more direct.  I enjoy drums and bass, both for their foundation work and when offering entertaining solos.  However for me there can be two issues -- unnecessarily long solos and solos that seem to lack a cohesive musical plot.  Maybe those are one and the same.

Possibly frog offered the essence: "everyone gets to tell his/her story."  Too many drum and bass solos don't seem to me to have a story.  Or they offer only a short anecdote and then keep repeating it, hoping it may take the form of a story.  Or they start out fine, but then ignore the standards for telling a good story and end up without a climax and going no place, leaving me hanging.

My example on the positive side, Morello's extended solo on "Castillian Drums".  It may be long, but I find it continuously interesting and carrying on the musical theme.  For anyone who may still be unfamiliar with it -

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0LBZJk5Kfgw

And so, when local musicians, not quite professional grade, find it necessary to solo on every number it's time for me to leave.

Very interesting frog.  For all my mentioned interest in Satchmo I don't recall ever hearing him perform with Kaye.  The surprise there is my dad (who introduced me to Armstrong when I was very young for any newbies here) was also a big fan of Red Nichols, the subject of the bio film in that clip.  But I never felt much appreciation for Nichols so never saw that movie.

But Louie performed with so many other major artists I guess nothing should surprise me.

Speaking of piano players, here's one of my favorites for whom I've not seen much discussion since joining this merry band of jazz fans.  This is one of his more popular albums, for good reason -

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nD5_q3I9L_Q&list=PLkLimRXN6NKwsvKxuIhwm85jYXKKhILzv

Then here's a lesser known album in classic format with piano, guitar, and bass -

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u46rAYyNPmg&list=PLccpwGk_xup9-FYy_QNOWctU_N5WmLb5P

Thanks acman, I find Haden to be very expressive and emotional in his playing, "brings both Joy and Sadness".  I have "Missouri Sky" but haven't listened to it in far too long.