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 4 responses by foggyus91

I love Afro/Cuban jazz. 

Brazilian jazz is a little to syrupy for my tastes.

@stuartk 

Afro-Cuban jazz, a style of Latin jazz, is a fusion of jazz's improvisational techniques and harmonies with the rhythms and instruments of Afro-Cuban music. It originated in the early 1940s in New York City and is characterized by the use of percussion instruments like congas, timbales, and bongos, along with the distinct clave rhythm. 

 
Key Characteristics of Afro-Cuban Jazz: 
 

The clave is a foundational rhythmic pattern that provides a distinctive pulse to Afro-Cuban jazz. 

  •  
  • Instruments like congas, timbales, and bongos add a rich and energetic rhythmic texture. 
  •  

While rooted in Afro-Cuban rhythms, Afro-Cuban jazz also incorporates jazz's harmonic structures and improvisational styles. 

  •  

The rhythm section often employs ostinato patterns, creating a driving and repetitive groove. 

  •  
Notable Figures and Bands:

A Cuban musician and composer who played a crucial role in the development of Afro-Cuban jazz. 

  •  

A prominent bebop trumpeter who collaborated with Chano Pozo to introduce Afro-Cuban rhythms into the East Coast jazz scene. 

  •  

A Cuban percussionist who collaborated with Dizzy Gillespie and helped popularize Afro-Cuban rhythms in jazz. 

  •  

The leader of "Machito and his Afro-Cubans," a band that played a significant role in the early development of Afro-Cuban jazz in New York. 

  •  

A renowned percussionist and bandleader who helped to further develop and popularize Afro-Cuban jazz. 

  •  

A prolific keyboardist and bandleader who is well known for his contributions to the genre. 

  •  
History and Development:
  • Early 1940s:
    Afro-Cuban jazz emerged in New York City, blending Cuban rhythms and instruments with jazz harmonies and improvisation. 
  •  
  • Influence of Bebop:
    The bebop era of jazz, led by musicians like Charlie Parker and Dizzy Gillespie, played a role in the development of Afro-Cuban jazz. 
  •  
  • Expansion of Jazz's Rhythmic Palette:
    The fusion of Cuban rhythms expanded the rhythmic possibilities of jazz, leading to new styles and sounds. 
  •  
This video showcases an Afro-Cuban jazz concert by the group CubaLandz:
 
 
 
  • Afro-Cuban jazz - Wikipedia
    Afro-Cuban jazz is the earliest form of Latin jazz. It mixes Afro-Cuban clave-based rhythms with jazz harmonies and techniques of ...
    Wikipedia
  •  
  • Afro-Cuban Jazz Guide: A Brief History of ...
    Nov 2, 2021 — What Is Afro-Cuban Jazz? Afro-Cuban jazz is a style of Latin jazz music that evolved in the New York City jazz scene in...
    MasterClass
  •  
  • Dizzy Gillespie, Chano Pozo, and Afro-Cuban Jazz - JazzArts Charlotte
    Aug 25, 2022 — While the resonances of Cuban rhythms can be heard from the beginning of jazz history, most historians recognize the r...
    JazzArts Charlotte
  •  
  •