While there is no ambiguity, in my mind at least, of the origination of modern jazz; since that time, there have been contributions from all over the world.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c5QfXjsoNe4
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
"Trane finally left the house"; it's about time, I was beginning to wonder if the boy could play regular piano. That album is definitely worthy of my purchase; the only artist on that album I'm not familiar with is "Lewis Nash", and he's holding his own. The rest of the gang is performing like the professionals they are; they speak when spoken to, and they always say the right thing, without saying too much or too little. Gary Bartz really shines on "If I Should Lose You"; so does the bass man, Christian McBride. The leader realizes he doesn't have to play every note on the piano, twice; that was unexpected to hear. This is the McCoy Tyner I must hear more of. |
I'm a Nam Era vet who never went to "Nam", but I had a friend who went, and we celebrated all night long when he came back in one piece. Just like in "Apocalypse Now", he had to go back. When he returned for the last time, he was so messed up in the head that no one hardly knew him. I had to do some research in order to find out why, because every time he started telling me about things, he broke out in tears and was never able to finish. My research revealed things too gruesome to repeat. |
How about some good music? When this came out, the parks and the tennis courts were full; young people were engaged in pursuit of the "Summer mating ritual", that's why it's called "Summer Madness" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TjuorHVXgHw https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=quVuMTyr6fo |
When this guy was jamming, I used to catch him at a place called "Mothers". I saw him just about every time he was there; that's just how compelling his music was for me. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-e5FVMt0FVw https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YyE59uG0nBc |
Schubert, I will miss your very honest and "truthful" comments in regard to our state of affairs in these perilous times. There are millions of people doing worse economically than at any time in this country in this old mans lifetime; while at the same time, if you want a new luxury yacht you will have to wait in line because yacht builders can't keep up with the demand. https://www.marketwatch.com/press-release/luxury-yacht-market-2019-share-growing-rapidly-with-recent... Schubert, we came from a generation that cared for those who are less fortunate; not one that say's I got mine, you get yours the best way you can. |
Since I'm "ambidextrous", I can walk and chew gum at the same time, that makes me quite talented. (almost correct) Like Fords and Chevies, we all are products of the factories that made us: urban, suburban, rich, not so rich; etc, you get my drift. Even in jazz there are a multitude of distinctions, and who knows what determines what we like best. I would like to carry those thoughts to the players. Stanley Turrentine was born in Pittsburgh's Hill District into a musical family. His father, Thomas Turrentine, Sr., was a saxophonist with Al Cooper's Savoy Sultans, mother played stride piano, and his older brother Tommy Turrentine became a professional trumpet player. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stanley_Turrentine He was born into a factory of musicians; that could explain why he has been so prolific in regard to his out put of good music. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4igZ7o75-ZM https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A9S-kMiNT5c https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cpvCGBiCxUw |
I think every body has submitted spirituals at one time or another except me, I'm going to correct that today. I like the oldest spirituals the best, but I couldn't find any with good recording quality so I'm doing the best I can; it's for sure that in these trying times we can all use some uplifting sounds associated with a higher power. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9Z7d2OmR_XQ |
Diane Schuur is one of the great female vocalists we have overlooked. While listening to her, the thought of what makes a vocalist great crossed my mind, and I came to the conclusion that it's the ability to project in a song, life's experiences in such a way that we are experiencing the song. On "Love For Sale"; I experience the emotions of a young lady that's had a string of bad love affairs after which she's decided to try "Love For Sale", but she would really rather not. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8Yo3fV0IBR4 On "The Man I Love"; I can hear the longing in her voice when she sings this song, and I hope he comes along. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d80CT75ovqg She sings this song with flirtatious swagger; "The Best Is Yet to come"; she lets you know what she can do to bring about the best that's yet to come. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tltQUxcxX2s I must say that I'll have to include Ms. Schuur more often in my musical rotation. |
There's a thread by Erik Squires, titled "Current Woman in jazz" that I'm trying to learn something from, but I'm so "Old School" that I have nothing to contribute. "The Sound Of Red" by Rene Marie has been mentioned on this thread; I think I bought that album, but I can't find it. What I like about Rene Marie is the fact the she's written a lot of her own songs; that means I don't have to complain about her not singing the song the way it's suppose to be sung; her song writing is also very special; it's so insightful and realistic. On "Go Home" she sings of being with a married man who she's telling to go home, but if he lingers too long that can change. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wrm4eTbt47s On this one I can really relate to the video; there's nothing I liked better than night lights on city sidewalks, and swinging jazz lounges. "Peach Tree Street" in downtown Atlanta was my favorite street for walking; I put in miles walking that street at night; those neon signs are reminiscent of those nights https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oJ64fMe0Xh4&list=PLodlcsECHYFPHcMaiQb6FI3k8pgjOc9LH&index=1 If I can't find it, I'll have to buy it; I like everything about this album, boss music. |
This is my favorite version of "Moonlight in Vermont"; that includes the album cover. To be honest, I don't know whether it's the music, or the memory attached to the music; whatever, I get a warm feeling whenever I hear this, but it's not vocal. Betty Carter is too jazzy, this is a romantic tune. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gRNpc-hFkCs This is my favorite "Frenesi" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J1I4FMbQCgQ "The Way You Look Tonight" is Betty Carter at her best; she and Jerome Richardson knock it out of the park. |
Have we appreciated Sheila Jordon? There's a story worth telling; https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6r8XF9YkyeM |
Rok, you are a full fledged "jazz aficionado"; the music you selected made that determination. There is the "young Sheila"; the "middle aged Sheila", and there is the "old Sheila"; you selected the one we now like the most. Did you hear those dynamite musicians she had with her? I know you did, I just wanted to let you know that I heard them too. I have this CD "Portrait of Sheila", that I like a lot; https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-34UkHqd3B4&list=PL0q2VleZJVEmZ4zvGNH1l74rupONXEokX&index=2 She can make everything she sings sound special, that's because she's a very special artist. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PhRRg_IYPjc&list=PL0q2VleZJVEmZ4zvGNH1l74rupONXEokX&index=4 |
Coltrane's "Spiritual" caught my eye, and I was wandering when that was recorded in relation to the time I saw him live in the Winter of 63. "Spiritual" was Recorded November 2–3, 1961 at the Village Vanguard, in New York according to one bit of information, and 10/22/1963 according to another bit; maybe both are correct. I would like to contrast these two numbers; "Spiritual", and "My Favorite Things" when I saw him in January or February of 63. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rkY_zTKzPCY "My Favorite Things" was on display when I saw him; https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qWG2dsXV5HI |
It was on the weekend, and I was sitting at the bar of my favorite watering hole, drinking Johnny Walkers Black with a water back, when a party of gentleman at a large table behind me caught my ear. They were having a grand old time and as the night progressed, they got a little louder, as men having a good time are prone to do. That indicated there were no ladies present and they could really let their hair down. They must have been somewhat important, because the owner of the establishment joined them from time to time. I wasn't close enough to hear exact conversation, but I did hear a challenge, "I bet you can't do it"; that's when a gentleman rose up with a trumpet in his hand; he looked like Maynard Ferguson. Although he stood quite confident with the trumpet in his hand, his attempt at Maynard Ferguson's legendary high note was a wash out, but they all had a belly aching laugh. As it turned out, the guy who failed so miserably at hitting Maynard Ferguson's legendary high note, was the man himself. It seems that he and the owner had been buddies in Vegas. |
Rok, more and more do you display the intense listening of a true jazz aficionado; I saw that live, and not until you mentioned it just now, did I realize the weight of McCoy Tyners piano on this tune. He generates the "essence" of "My Favorite Things" as it was originally written; his piano is most certainly part of the soul of the tune; that's the part which must be captured no matter who plays it. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qWG2dsXV5HI Tyner's piano provides the introduction, and from 2.21 to 7.05 his piano dominates the tune, after which JC takes over. That could explain why at the live performance I saw, the tune was more than 20 minutes long, because Trane went on and on; that really made the musicians happy. Kenny Rice, a professional drummer was sitting at our table, and he was in another world as Trane went on and on; mere enthusiasts such as myself were wandering (where is this train going and when is it going to stop) Somewhere else I stated exactly how long it was, that must have been much more than 20 minutes. BTW, every professional jazz musician in St. Louis was there, without their girlfriends. Fact; me and my date were saying "enough already", it was just that long; but the musicians were ecstatic, they could have listened to this foray into the 7th galaxy all night long. Trane had lost Tyner and Jones on his excursion into the outer limits; Tyner looked at Jones, as if to say, "We'll just hang together until the boss gets back". Although not recorded, this was quite common at the live performances. |
Once upon a time, there was a lady who wished me love, her name was Gloria Lynne; https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8Tgh5BOTCuM In that same general time, there was another lady who sang the best "Misty" I've ever heard. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1INhj10CiCE I play a lot of both of these ladies late at night; they give me the sweetest dreams. |
No Frogman and Pryso, this was not toward the end of his life, and someone was paying him and his band very well to hit the high note at that time, which is why he was in St.Louis. I just don't remember who. Under the conditions I saw him, he might have needed somebody to keep that barn still while he hit it with a bass fiddle. |
Pryso, yes she is on that list; this is just one of the tunes I like by her https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lPFZDrqzWII |
Kenny Wheeler's music has the precision of a highly skilled and schooled musician. While it's extremely interesting, it's at times devoid of emotion as compared to "old school" jazz. That's not a bad thing, just my observation. Extremely competent musicians hold my interest because of their mastery of chosen instrument, but I'm rooted in the emotion of "old school" jazz, it usually tells a story related to the human condition. As competent as these musicians are, will this music stand repeated listening? That's one of the criteria by which I judge music. Does it stand repeated listens with you? |
I guess I’m basically saying everyone has different tastes and its all good. My musical tastes vary as I like many genres (except country and hip hop) and they also vary within their respective genres. I could have made both those statements because their true for me as well. Here's one of the places where I go when I wander off the jazz reservation; https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OgHSGPBVpQE |
Rok, for me, Dakota Staton has a certain energy that makes her unique among all the Divas; https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nBw-w_jql4g https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=peWwRw6CrNM |
Recently it has come to my attention that we have a "wealth" of female jazz vocalists, past and present that we have not paid enough tribute. I would like for us to remedy that by posting any female jazz vocalist that you think we have neglected. I will begin with Casandra Wilson. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0KKiR4NumaE https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iisdJ0wAv_Q https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PB1HK-rlVig |
pjw, I just thought of a funny story about Miles music. I ran into Vernon Davis, Miles brother, (ages ago) and I asked him if he had Miles latest album? He looked me straight in the eyes, and asked very flatly "Do you"? I cracked up, because he knew that I was "old school" which meant that he knew I didn't have Miles Rock oriented album, but I'm thinking, you're his brother, you're supposed to buy his music anyway. Love only goes so far, but Miles himself understood that very well; he knew that the people who loved him, would not love his music after he changed, and he didn't expect them to. |
Rok, I agree with you, Casandra is quirky, but I like her anyway. In the beginning, I didn't care for her because she messed up my favorite songs, but after listening to her for quite awhile (after you buy a CD, what else are you going to do with it?) I got used to the "Casandra Wilson" treatment to everything she sings, and I no longer compare her version to the way the song is supposed to be sung. No, she's not trying to find her way, she done found it; she's quirky. |
Amandla is an album by jazz musician Miles Davis, released in 1989. It is the third collaboration between Miles Davis and producer/bassist Marcus Miller, after Tutu (1986) and Music from Siesta (1987), and their final album together. The album mixes elements of the genres go-go, zouk, funk and jazz, combining electronic instruments with live musicians. This is the last album I bought of Miles music after the change. While it's likely that I'll buy more of his music from an earlier time period, it's very unlikely that I'll buy any of his music after this time period. Miles stated in his autobiography, that he knew his original fans, that includes people he loved and who loved him, would not be buying his music after he made a drastic change from his standard jazz. He also said a lot of them were probably not even buying records anymore. The bottom line is, that made no difference to his bottom line, or his relationship with those people. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gs45871s9DE&list=PL6B0V2FKgTzLFKcaNInJhBnvrlnkJ8Gpc pjw, this one's for you. |
"Jacintha" is a beautiful songbird from Singapore. I've selected some of my favorites by her; this is one of them, "The Boulevard of Broken Dreams"; This song, like so many songs, is a very sad short story. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mpgBgaR01Mk https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VxSs9p1IBvs https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SWO7PyDl7Ks |
pjw, we are certainly in harmony today; both of those are boss and on my shopping list. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UQJybhk47xU Mundell Lowe on guitar is someone I haven’t heard in awhile; I’m quite familiar with all the artists on that album, and they’re sounding extra special. I definitely don’t have enough of Jacintha, that will be corrected. I was wondering the same thing about Alex and Mary_jo? |
Sometimes it seems that you can't really hear a song until you've sang it. It's only after you have experienced the emotional depths of the words can you hear the song. "The Boulevard Of Broken Dreams" is such a song; I'll try to illuminate what I mean. Here's the setting; Gigolo and Gigolette, prior to their chance meeting, have lost their hearts to the one and only true love they have ever known, but even if they're an empty shell, life goes on. While they both are attractive, they know that even that will be coming to an end before long; life for them is whatever they can get out of the moment. When they take a kiss without regret, they're thinking of someone in that broken dream that they left behind, but each kiss without regret, is about whatever exhilaration they can get out of the moment; these kisses merely ease the pain of broken dreams. Both of them are singing a song and dancing along, but their souls are in an old Cathedral town where they left their broken dreams. I walk along the street of sorrow - The boulevard of broken dreams - Where Gigolo and Gigolette - Can take a kiss without regret - and so forget their broken dreams. You laugh today and cry tomorrow - When you behold your shattered schemes - And Gigolo and Gigolette wake up to find their eyes are wet with tears that tell of broken dreams. "Here is where you'll always find me - Always walking up and down - But I left my soul behind me in an old cathedral town" The joy that you find here, you borrow - You cannot keep it long it seems - But Gigolo and Gigolette - Still sing a song and dance along - The boulevard of broken dreams. [REPEAT] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mpgBgaR01Mk&list=RDmpgBgaR01Mk&start_radio=1 |
Aside from the very well known jazz divas, we have neglected many female jazz vocalists, maybe we can remedy that. Rebecca Pidgeon, I like this CD; it's very well recorded. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ngrnfIhT1JU https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_RMTEWsGGEg Leny Andrade sings "Maiden Voyage"; this is the first time I have ever heard words put to Herby Hancock's famous tune; it's boss. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2B2WicKm0dc What female vocalists do you have in your collection that we haven't heard? |
Thanks for the correction; the posts you submitted with words were fantastic. The very first time I heard Herby Hancock's "Maiden Voyage" was when it came on the FM Stereo while I was cruising the Boulevard in my 66 "Deuce and a Quarter", that still had the "new car smell". Of course that was in 66. Probably the next tune to pop up was this one; https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LR1bWhdoIXM |
Some of us lived long lives attempting to fill each and every hour with pleasurable experiences, while others sat on the sidelines watching the endless parade called life pass them by. It doesn’t matter whether you did or you didn’t, once you get old it’s too late; if you don’t have memories, it’s for sure you can’t duplicate the experiences of a young person now. So many jazz songs are about the experiences of people who lived life as if there was no tomorrow, unfortunately, most of them never lived to get old, but they’re not missing much. On the other hand I made it, and now I’ve got all of those wonderful memories they so eloquently put to music, and I relive those moments when I hear their music. Sometime I try to share those moments with others, not realizing that people who sat on the sidelines watching the parade of life go by, can never comprehend the exhilarating experiences of those who led the parade; my mistake. Now I’m letting all those people know that I understand their feelings: I understand Frogman how you feel when I relate in detail of seeing John Coltrane and crew on stage playing "My Favorite Things". I understand Pryso, how you will never be able to understand all the various aspects of the song "Speak Low", that’s why I will try to explain them to you. Speak low when you speak, love Our summer day withers away too soon, too soon Speak low when you speak, love Our moment is swift, like ships adrift, we’re swept apart, too soon Speak low, darling, speak low Love is a spark, lost in the dark too soon, too soon I feel wherever I go that tomorrow is near, tomorrow is here and always too soon Time is so old and love so brief Love is pure gold and time a thief We’re late, darling, we’re late The curtain descends, ev’rything ends too soon, too soon I wait, darling, I wait You see Pryso, the song is more about time and the precious moments when one shares those emotions called love with another person. "Love is pure gold and time a thief" "The curtain descends, ev’rything ends too soon, too soon I wait, darling, I wait" Once the curtain descends, it’s all over; that’s the end of life. Now I realize that for all those people who never lived such moments, that song is no more than music emanating from a pair of speakers; I expected too much from everyone, and now I offer my sincere apologies for my failure to understand how impossible it is for those who sat on the sidelines to comprehend the depth of so many jazz songs that portrayed the emotions and experiences of people who really lived life. |