To my ears, this is mostly chaos, with the brilliant sound of "Trane's horn" thrown in occasionally.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=64BhIj_30w4
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 orpheus10
Why would I listen to that when I can listen to this; https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H9fFy5G5WMU https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gwaFDFP7m_E BTW I had that exact same suit Grant Green is wearing. This album was recorded in 1963, and I recall buying that suit in 62 as close as I can remember; we probably bought them at the same store. |
I've been listening to everyone's jazz posts most of the day; everyone submitted top musicians, and I like them all, but I liked Rok's the best. When it comes to music, I have discovered that it's best to be guided by your sub-conscious and not to ponder; everything that went into making the music, also goes into the reason why you like this better than that. |
This is the only time when a band honoring another musician really succeeded. "The Essential Mingus Big Band" has actually reincarnated Charles Mingus, they sound as good as the original, plus they expanded on his ideas. I've been collecting Mingus since "Mingus Ah Um"; they capture the essence of Mingus, and I'll have to capture all their records. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sxz9eZ1Aons |
Pepper Adams is someone who has been a featured sideman on many of the best albums we've submitted but we haven't talked about him much. His photograph also appears in Nica's book "Three Wishes". https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pepper_Adams https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uIu0QDzwqxs |
Another reason for the success of "The Mingus Big Band" is Sue Mingus, his widow; https://www.popmatters.com/128374-sue-mingus-and-the-mingus-big-band-letting-our-children-hear-music... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WPfSD0vJi8Y For some strange reason I have a lot of tribute albums in my collection, but this is the only one I consider a success. |
Fusion is a genre that sounded so different when it was new, and I had never heard it before. I can still recall buying and listening to "Sextant" by Herbie Hancock; "Weather Report" and probably something by Chic Corea. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6Mz5rR0y0fM https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wk8qxV4kTPQ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nGY8jl-GYBE I try to go back to that time, which was around 1973; keep in mind that I had never heard any of this music before; it took me to the seventh galaxy, but that's the way it is when things are new and fresh. See if you can take this time travel trip with me? |
Someone mentioned Al Di Meola; I think he's really good on Spanish flavored music, but don't get me wrong, he can play anything. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9Y7xw2k6mH4 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C97H_HvBjPA https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vGWfDkx4zyY Sometime I listen to him almost all day without realizing it. |
Here's another tune that takes you places, "Stolen moments is where people won't bind us to the hands of time; we can just linger in precious moments that we spent 30 years ago forever, and no one will find us" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RbaGDDbpcQ4 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CP6mX_HtgGI |
This group was in "Gaslight square" every weekend; https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jZYeY1ecu60 https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gaslight_Square,_St._Louis |
When you hear the greatest jazz tunes, you don't just hear music, they involve you emotionally. "Goodbye Pork Pie Hat" is a good example; while it's infinitely sad, it still swings. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=He3xn3OE040 |
Say Rok, here's a local group I use to see every weekend; https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=khyNZ2VVpF8 |
Way back in the days of "Fusion", I recall listening to the music with a tobacco specialist, and he brought his unique blend of Turkish and domestic that we smoked while listening to the music. When I gazed at the album cover of "Sextant", I could see the natives moving to the rhythms of the music; that music doesn't sound quite as good now, I wonder why not? |
Mayor, the title of this thread is "Jazz For Aficionados". According to Webster, an Aficionado is a person who is very knowledgeable and enthusiastic about an activity, subject, or pastime. "aficionados of the finest wines", or the best jazz; think of "connoisseur". Since you were never issued an official "aficionado card", I don't have to pull it. With all due respect, you're evaluation of that gem is proof positive that you do not meet the requirements of a "Jazz Aficionado", but with enough effort, you may one day be qualified. Have a nice day. |
Many jazz tunes have very deep meaning, and music that projects the depths of that meaning. "I Told Jesus" is just such a tune. I once knew a beautiful girl who was very religious, and when she was overwhelmed by her problems this is what she did; she told Jesus. When I was curled up in a hospital bed waiting to die, someone must have told Jesus. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y4JP6JRv7k0 This is from the album "Salt Song". Track listing "Gibraltar" "I Told Jesus" "Salt Song" "I Haven't Got Anything Better to Do" "Storm" "Vera Cruz" Recorded on July 7 & 13 (tracks 1-5) and April 23, 1971 Personnel Stanley Turrentine - tenor saxophone Eumir Deodato - electric piano, arranger, conductor Ron Carter - bass Airto Moreira - drums, percussion Horace Parlan, Richard Tee - piano, electric piano, organ (tracks 1-5) Eric Gale - electric guitar (tracks 1-5) Billy Cobham - drums (tracks 1-5) Julius Brand, Paul Gershman, Julius Held, Leo Kahn, Harry Katzman, Joe Malin - violin (tracks 2-5) Harold Coletta - viola (tracks 2-5) Charles McCracken, Alan Shulman - cello (tracks 2-5) Hubert Laws, George Marge, Romeo Penque, Jerome Richardson - flute (track 6) Sivuca - guitar (track 6) Russell George - bass (track 6) Joao Palma, Dom Um Romão - drums, percussion (track 6) Margaret Branch, Brenda Bryant, Patsy Smith - vocals (tracks 2 & 5) |
Acman, we are talking about two different albums. My question was, "Does Salt Song sound like no more than good elevator music"? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d4rJqEpKFVE&t=335s |
Thank you Mary-Jo; that means that so far I'm hitting 100%, now I know who to use for my reverse barometer. The Allmusic review by Steve Huey awarded the album 4 stars and states "it's another fine, eclectic outing that falls squarely into the signature CTI fusion sound: smooth but not slick, accessible but not simplistic... All in all, Salt Song has dated well, partly because the arrangements don't overemphasize electric piano, but mostly on the strength of Turrentine's always-soulful playing". |
If these musicians sound like elevator musicians, I'm glad I don't listen to music with everyone else you know. Stanley Turrentine - tenor saxophone Eumir Deodato - electric piano, arranger, conductor Ron Carter - bass Airto Moreira - drums, percussion Horace Parlan, Richard Tee - piano, electric piano, organ (tracks 1-5) Eric Gale - electric guitar (tracks 1-5) Billy Cobham - drums (tracks 1-5) Julius Brand, Paul Gershman, Julius Held, Leo Kahn, Harry Katzman, Joe Malin - violin (tracks 2-5) Harold Coletta - viola (tracks 2-5) Charles McCracken, Alan Shulman - cello (tracks 2-5) Hubert Laws, George Marge, Romeo Penque, Jerome Richardson - flute (track 6) Sivuca - guitar (track 6) Russell George - bass (track 6) Joao Palma, Dom Um Romão - drums, percussion (track 6) Margaret Branch, Brenda Bryant, Patsy Smith - vocals (tracks 2 & 5) |
Jazz projects universal emotions as complex as physics and deeper than the Pacific; no wonder it's not for everyone, just for those with the ability to hear with the inner ear. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oj1j4mN7OT0 This musical combination defies description; it's a mixture of music from far away places with strange sounding names that existed at the beginning of time. This was conceived by one of the original creators of modern jazz. There are those who are tuned to this frequency, and there are those who are on a different wavelength. |
Acman, as I recalled we liked some of the same tunes. I always give your submissions a careful listen and honest evaluation. Although I've discovered, as a result of Alex's submissions that there is too much old jazz I don't have in my collection to be searching for new jazz, I still listen carefully to the new jazz you submit, and give it my best evaluation; occasionally I've purchased some of it, but it doesn't stand repeated listens; maybe it's that old dog new tricks thing. BTW, that's Dizzy's best version of Kush, I have several. |
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jVx6r80rXLg https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ynnb6ejdEz0 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hVEbzdN_7n0 Eunice Kathleen Waymon was a classically trained pianist; https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nina_Simone |
Pjw, thanks for noticing. While everyone is aware of her vocals, I'm trying to bring attention to her prowess as a jazz pianist; I believe that over time her instrumentals will get lost in the shuffle. Here's another instrumental. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RbyPVwioOis |
It's hard for me to believe that Detroit was one of the most fantastic cities that I've ever been to; it seemed that everyone drove a new car, dressed elegant, and lived in a nice home; that was in 66. The entertainment was incredible; I saw more famous artists than I can recall; a young Aretha Franklin is the only one I remember. |
Acman,that ranks among the world’s most recognized album covers. Here are some more Coleman Hawkins tunes; https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VhgUUe5czxc https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tnTdGw9jDVI |
I just listened to one of my favorite albums that has never been posted on this thread, "Body Heat" by Quincy Jones; https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RK-C55lZRY4 |
Mary Lou Williams was friend, mentor, and teacher to Thelonious Monk, Charlie Parker, Miles Davis, Tadd Dameron, Bud Powell, and Dizzy Gillespie; that covers a lot of territory. I was very late to her party because I thought she was "old fashioned" without hearing one single solitary note that she played; that’s because her time was before what I considered "modern" jazz, without taking into consideration that some people evolve quite well. Me and Rok discovered her together and fell in love. I have many favorites, here are some of them; https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ktmyulf11sQ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-X4r5ZioIBw https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0e8AOox_prE If you are deep into jazz, and have keen ears, you will hear how unique she is; there were none before, and there will be none after. |
Rok, I don't care how good the music is, I can't handle bad recordings, I'll pass on that one. That first track "The Man I Love" isn't recorded too well. I know you have "The Blues"; it's nice. "Willow Weep For Me" is so unusual; I can't count the times I've heard that tune, yet hers is so different; it takes me to someplace I always wanted to go but never been before. That last one I posted separately, "It Ain't Necessarily So" has the feel of the album it's off of which is real nice. "Black Christ of the Andes"; If you ain't got it, get it. I was trying to think of her name (Valaida Snow), but couldn't. I had a lot of questions about her, but that fantastic post answered all of them. Thank you. |
Gerry mulligan is someone that we haven't focused on much; he was just the opposite of Pepper Adams on Baritone; he was cool while Pepper was hot, and he was from the West Coast, while Pepper Adams was East Coast. (this is jazz wise) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=27b8wAp8nMg https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tXpbMa4ESPw&list=PL62E5523857BC111A https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fwAAjnqdB4w https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=syIgRlaUeow |
I was looking at slides of "The Great St. Louis Balloon Race" and I thought I would share this event with you. Although the balloons don’t take off until late in the afternoon, you have to get there by 9:00 in the morning in order to get a good spot for taking pictures. There is ritual and protocol involved in this event for all the many people going to watch so many spectacular balloons take off. Unfortunately, it’s just another event that’s scratched off my schedule. Even as early as nine in the morning, you will only get a parking space a good distance from the balloon grounds, that means you have a long walk over hill and dale across the park to where they take off. The protocol is to spread your blanket on the ground for you and your family. You will be close to other people on blankets with picnic baskets as well; but here is the protocol that makes this work; "Do not speak unless spoken to"; you have all these people on blankets close together, but they don’t exist, and you don’t exist; that way, although all these people are close together, everyone has their privacy. Not until the balloons began to take off do we speak to one another; of course there is back and forth chatter about which balloon is the most unusual or beautiful. About this time, the "very" rich people who live in the large mansions across the street from "Forest Park" come over. They are all wearing very expensive sport coats, even the ladies, and you can tell they are very expensive a mile away. Sometime they bring their dogs "Irish Wolfhounds", very expensive dogs, and they only talk to one another. (this is part of the protocol, you don’t speak to them, they don’t talk to you; the very rich seem to be born snobs) I have no problem with "protocol". This event has been repeated every year for ages, and I never missed a balloon race for ages; at least not until I could no longer make that long hike over hill and dale https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F2gNrOq0aD8 There are so many links about this race, that you can share what I experienced year after year. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HfxqQmWtGNM |
I'm out of practice, I had "Curros" twice; that should have been "Night In Tunisia" with Lee Morgan https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-fy_EmfXT34 |
I say this with conviction "Pepper Adams" is the best baritone jazz saxophone player ever, and of course I am familiar with other jazz baritone sax players. This album is a first for me, and it might be his best "independent" album, meaning his best album without "Lee Morgan; Donald Byrd, or Charles Mingus". In my opinion, his very best work is with Donald Byrd, but his work with Lee Morgan and Charles Mingus is excellent as well. Presently, I'm looking for "Pepper Adams, Donald Byrd Quintet", Out Of This World on vinyl, and they want $124 used, but I want new; I've already got a used copy. Here are my selections featuring Pepper Adams. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hkk6L6CSQiI https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hkk6L6CSQiI https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ImvjZ7fUUBU https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2bC6MKpivYM&t=2178s |