Thought I'd share a recent find since it's related to the original 4 year old post.
Found a PERIOD Blue Note MONO LP -Art Blakey and the Jazz Messengers- the "Moanin" album
This is a HOLY GRAIL, must have album for any Jazz listener.
I have had it on my radar for many years, since I wasn't going to fork over big dollars at market price.
What made this an amazing find is it was in a box of "new arrivals" for a buck. I think the millennial staff overlooked this one and figured it was worth as much as the Bobby Goldsboro or Kate Smith album.
Dont bother with those reissues in stereo, THIS IS THE ONE.
Thank goodness for the new arrivals box!
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"not many of us left who can appreciate such a find, and to think they are still around."
Orpheus10- unfortunately, an indictment of our times.
Another recent jewel I found is an unmolested Clef/Verve Billie Holliday "Body and Soul"
Impossible to find an original Clef(without opening your wallet wide)but the next best thing.
Lady Day and musicians are "present" in my room when this album is played-breathtaking. Even the best presses today, will be challenged comparing to one of these.
"I recorded my best LP's to reel, now I down load them to "hardrive". There is no loss in fidelity provided it's done right; it's not too difficult or too expensive, and that way you can listen to those precious LP's over and over without any damage."
"Just wondering if you do the same?"
My aim is to continue bin diving and replace/add to my collection with ALL period
mono/stereo albums. Since my preference for music is generally pre 80's, I will spend the remainder of my lifetime happily visiting grungy, hole in the wall record stores and Goodwills-much to the chagrin of the S.O.(she "gets it" once I drop the arm on the record)
Cataloging my collection to digital files will be a future project. For now, I still enjoy the ritual of cleaning and playing a record.
The other passé activity I enjoy, is listening to my beloved tubed Mac tuner. The way things are heading, our PBS stations really have a steep uphill challenge
like never before.
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Orpheus10-
Your choice in Lady Day's music is from perhaps her best period-between 1940-1950's. By the time she was signed to Verve, her storied life was nearing. It's no wonder how Billie and Ella sang beautifully, they both lived tough lives, which most of us can't imagine.
"When I was in LA, there was so much good jazz on the tuner that you could live without anything else; not so where I live, but if it was, a tube tuner would be the way to go."
Yes, I'm in SoCal. It's terribly expensive,overcrowded, driving is awful and I haven't got to the bad things yet....
Our Jazz and Classical stations arent what they used to be,but I enjoy them.
There was a time, one could own just a tuner and life was good.
Have you tried streaming some of these Jazz stations online? Seems to be popular for those who don't have radio access. I'm doubtful it compares with
Ella singing "Black Coffee" through a Marantz 10B, but I've read users say it's pretty good.
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"When it comes to music, I'm mostly into "classic jazz"; although I've tried to venture out, I always come back,"
Orpheus-
With all the derivatives in music today, "straight ahead" Jazz is like coming home.
Im not a fan of "smooth jazz" which seems populate the Jazz stations. I suppose its a "gateway" for new listeners.
As a long time guitar player, Im a big fan of the guys who sat in those bands behind Billie, Ella and the crooners-Freddie Green,Jim Hall,Barney Kessel...
So much great music to discover, or rediscover on a nice cheap record.
The hunt continues... |
orpheus10-
Morning breakfast here, enjoying a cup of dark Italian roast while listening to a 10" Barney Kessel on the Contemporary label. Simply fabulous music.
I was fortunate in getting this one cleaned on one of those fancy Audiodesk ultrasonic cleaners...Wow!
I've been on the fence, buying one of these pricey machines.
Yes, I try and seek out the players. It part of the hunt,since most of this stuff is practically nonexistent
I have the luxury of a neighborhood record store(used exclusively) The owner informs me of the latest arrivals. Always a joy to find something that has been dismissed as unobtanium, and its between a Mitch Miller Xmas album and a Polka record.
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"I find it embarrassing that the concept seems to have originated by a FM station here in San Diego several years ago." If you listened to any LA Jazz radio in the 80-90’s,you’re familiar with the great Chuck Niles. He often voiced his dislike of "smooth jazz" and the changes in music. I remember reading articles of musicians jumping ship and recording "smooth jazz" type music because that’s what the masses were buying. Your estimation of origin may be off. The decline in interest by the late 60’s influenced the up and coming to branch out. By the mid 70’s "straight ahead" was diluted.(certainly not in a bad way) George Benson certainly isn’t a "smooth jazz" musician. His recordings of that period paved the way for the schmaltzy,processed stuff passed off as Jazz. Listen to George Bensons very early works, and you hear his heroes in his playing, but the music is the new recipe of what is to come. https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Smooth_jazzI like the album"Giblet Gravy" The title track shows how George can melt the fretboard. |
O-that was a tasty serving..thank you sir!
I agree with frogmans assesment. If anyone is a Wes Montgomery fan, even his later albums are covers of "songwriter" and pop tunes with guitar doing the vocal lines.
I've read that because of the declining interest, this was the only way to generate a paycheck, other than performing.
Weather Report or Return to Forever are examples of fusion that came out of the 70's. All those guys have a "Jazz" pedigree, but had a vision to evolve.
There is however, plenty of processed "fluff."How about those awful remixes/interpretations of classics?
Has anyone heard "Take Five?" OUCH!
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orpehues10-
Thats a wonderful story. Thanks!
The interesting thing about Grant Greens playing is, that cat never or rarely played chords! He was a single note playin kind of a guy.
I wish I could find an authentic PLAYABLE Grant Green record.His albums are on the unobtanium list. Very difficult to find.
Wes..A few of the "young and upcoming" who were lucky to be in the presence of "the thumb"
George Benson
Larry Coryell
Pat Matheny
As a teen, my guitar lessons were in an old music shop,upstairs studio. During break, my instructor and I would listen to "the thumb" in their audio dept(a music store-instruments,records AND HiFi gear)
The owner encouraged us to listen to music other than "those Beatles" He was from the WWI generation and would tell us about "the scene" in old LA-Charlie Parker in one club and down the block some other major talent in another club.
Biile and Dinah Washington also regulars. WOW!
I would just smile and feign interest. As a teenager, I just didn’t "get it" Way over my head as to the significance Western Ave had on west coast Jazz.
This was how I got introduced to Jazz. I’m forever indebted to my instructor and the store owner.
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I can always find time to watch Wes. Just mesmerizing to watch him play. O- if you dont already have the DVD "Live in 65" I strongly recommend you get it. It's one of a series "Jazz Icons" "I would just smile... You will have to explain that to me as well Tablejockey." Noticed my memory of those times typed "Western Ave" That should be "Central" Wiki Central Ave tidbit: From approximately 1920 to 1955, Central Avenue was the heart of the African-American community in Los Angeles, with active rhythm and blues and jazz music scenes. Local luminaries included Eric Dolphy, Art Pepper, Chico Hamilton, and Charles Mingus. Other jazz and R&B musicians associated with Central Avenue in LA include Benny Carter, Buddy Collette, Dexter Gordon, Lionel Hampton, Hampton Hawes, Big Jay McNeely, Johnny Otis, Shifty Henry, Charlie Parker (briefly), Gerald Wilson, Anthony Ortega, Onzy Matthews and Teddy Wilson. Commenting on its historical prominence, Wynton Marsalis once remarked that "Central Avenue was the 52nd Street of Los Angeles."[3] Although Central Avenue is no longer the thriving jazz center it was, its legacy is preserved by the Central Avenue Jazz Festival and a small number of jazz clubs, including Bluewhale in Little Tokyo. Still in my R&R phase, I just wanted to play like my heroes. I wasn't one of those enlightened students that understood/accepted Classcial and Jazz are is where one begins on their musical journey. While having dinner, I watched "Live in 65" What a great DVD. Haven't seen it in years.The series roster has all the usual suspects, and I'm going to buy few more...just don't know where to start? All the artist are great! http://jazzicons.com/index1.html |
frogman-Steve Kahn is one of those guys like Larry Carlton who played on a ton of albums. One of those musicians who came up as straight ahead was going in many different directions. Killer guitar player. O-Heres a dude you may be familiar with. He was just a few years younger than Wes. His playing was considered maybe a little "out of the box"even though he was a true "straight ahead" player. This guy was part of that elite group in the 50-60's "wrecking crew" Howard Roberts. https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Howard_Roberts"Howard Roberts is a Dirty Guitar Player" is another essential guitar album. I believe George Benson mentions him as one of his personal likes. Listening to the music, its straight ahead, but with tinges of...? I played my minty '63 mono copy along with dinner. Cool stuff. Im imagining guys in a cool shark skin suits, gals in tight dresses hangin in some smokey club. |
orpheus10-
Howard is one of those guys many have heard, but not aware of. As Wiki mentions, he did so many of those show music themes in the 60-70's along with the wrecking crew stuff.
Interesting you linked Dorothy Ashby. On a recommendation by my local record store a few years ago,I purchased that album.
Its got a new age vibe to it, maybe ahead of its time. I've listened to it a few times, but haven't connected with the music. Time to revisit.
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Great links on this page guys, thanks.
With nearly 200 pages, I’ve got some catching up to do.
O-so Dorothy didn’t grow on you? I gave it another whirl(had to dig deep to find her) and like it a little more this time. It’s an album to mix things up, when doing a "straight ahead" session.
Having not heard Sonny before, I checked who played guitar on his albums. Barney Kessel, Tal Farlow, Joe Pass...I’m sure there’s more.
I’m adding him to my list. Great pick O...thanks.
This is why I will NEVER be able to stop collecting Jazz. Endless discovery and reason to keep my bin diving jumpsuit ready!
Sonny did a cover of "Angel Eyes." You may already have Ella’s version. If not, I strongly recommend you check out a particular version.
"Let No Man Write My Epitaph" is the soundtrack to a 1961 movie. Great movie by the way. This album is just Ella and piano. Seek out the MONO LP if you can.
One of those records, once the non believers hear, they understand what the fuss is all about. Serious music for your cart/phono stage.
My CD buying stopped in the 90’s, and its a modest collection of the usual suspects, similar to the DVD Jazz Icons collection. Complete with those "outakes/alternate version" discs...and Grant Green!
I noticed Lionel Hampton is one of the "Icon,selections." I played my CD with "Flying Home." 17:04 minutes at a volume to get the tubes cookin’
Haven’t found a clean copy of this gem...yet.
This morning with coffee-Tal Farlow peeling the frets off his guitar on a Concord label promo album.
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orpheus10-Mary Lou isn't in my collection. Over the years I've heard her music,but never picked up an album.
A write up on a favorite is welcome.
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0rpheus10- I left out mentioning you're giving me reason to revisit albums that have been collecting dust.
Nancy does an album with pianist George Shearing that includes "All Night Long"
Fantastic album-"The Swingins' Mutual." Highly recomended.
Also worth checking out, if not mentioned already-Nancy and Cannonball Adderly.
A great album to play while having dinner with that special someone.
Since I brought up George, he also did an album with the Montgomery brothers, Wes included. "George Shearing and The Montgomery Brothers" I just played my copy and it reminded me to look for one in better condition!
You're assessment of Mary Lou is spot on. The music does sound a little "dated" Not in bad way, but perhaps the melodies and song structure reflect what was popular for that period. Maybe that's why I never seeked out her music. Having spent some earlier years learning the keys, I can appreciate her playing, that's about it. Can't put a finger on why exactly I'm not drawn to the music.
alexatpos-nice stuff linked. Thanks. I gravitate towards Jazz with guitarists since i'm a long time player enthusiast. Reading a few early posts, i see there's a player or two in here as well.
Indeed, Ray Crawford is another fine player. Not much written about Ray. I seen his name mentioned over the years in mags, that's about it.
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O-some timing here...
Before revisiting this thread, I randomly have been grabbing LP's to play with breakfast. My treasured 63 mono copy of Blue and this one...
Kenny and Jimmy Smith-"Blues Bashin" I get my Hammond B3 fix.
MB is one of those rare albums IMO, every cut is great.
Do you have "The Dynamic Duo" Wes & Jimmy?
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frogman-that is some good stuff. Just plain....cool.
It also reminds me of something you might hear in a B/W film noir crime movie.
O- I was unwinding this evening with "Wes Montgomery in the wee small hours."
Reading the back cover, I discovered Kenny Burrell is a sideman.
Only Wes and maybe a couple guys can make a "songwriter" tune -"Somewhere" from West Side Story, just sound beautiful. I'm not into orchestra backed tunes, and Wes is essentially just playing the vocal lines with single notes. Really, there's nothing going on here, but the times Wes isnt being "Wes" it STILL sounds good!
This is one of those albums Jazz purists discount since it's full of orchestration.
I think this is one of his "paycheck" albums.
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frogman-good of you to mention the Oscar Peterson album. Haven't played this album
in years.
Oscar Peterson and Joe Pass did a live album titled,"The Good Life" on the Pablo label.This album is one of the most "live sounding" albums I've heard. Fantastic recording.
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alexatpos-fantastic post,thanks!
great link of 3 "must haves" in any complete Jazz collection. That is first time I've seen Grant Green play...and see him comp, he's more of a solo guy.
Very cool to see a young Kenny Burrell tearin' it up with that made in New York City DeAngelico "New Yorker".
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Thought I'd drop in while i'm listening to a recent acquisition. An amazingly well preserved 1957 press - The Incomparable Earl "fatha"Hines. In the 3 for $10 bin. It's a "greatest hits" compilation with cuts that likely were on 78's originally. Tough finding tunes from the album https://video.search.yahoo.com/video/play;_ylt=Awr46ufCdB1b.HoALd.5mWRH;_ylu=X3oDMTByZWc0dGJtBHNlYwN...That cool table isn't mine...it's the only cut I could find on the album! My copy however is quieter. Playing with a new cart on the table. Straight ahead, swingin music from a different time. Instrumental stuff is timeless. |
