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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 7 responses by three_easy_payments

three_easy_payments's avatar
three_easy_payments
2,097 posts
 
nice suggestion with Bean Bags Orpheus...I wasn't familiar with it and I'm streaming it now via Tidal and digging it.  Such a quality 1958 recording. 
three_easy_payments's avatar
three_easy_payments
2,097 posts
 
Listening to Nat Adderly's album "Work Song" and not caring about the average sonics at all this evening.  The compositions and musicianship are 90% of what matters anyway.  Such great performances on this 1960 Riverside album by Nat, Bobby Timmons, Wes Montgomery, Sam Jones, Percy Heath, Keter Betts and Louis Hayes.  Never had really immersed myself into this one before but I think it's going to be on the new rotation for a while now.  
three_easy_payments's avatar
three_easy_payments
2,097 posts
 
@alexatpos 

Thanks for the link! I didn't even think about looking for it on youtube...duh.  I was just curious whether those of you who acquired it were happy with it.  Much appreciated...listening now and it sounds good so far ;-)
three_easy_payments's avatar
three_easy_payments
2,097 posts
 
Do any of you jazz fans have the Resonance Records (2017) pressing of Wynton Kelly/Wes Montgomery "Smokin' in Seatlle"?  Just trying to decide if it's worth the hefty cost of trying to obtain it on vinyl.  I know only 4 tracks (about 19 minutes) include Wes but I've also heard this RTI pressing is done pretty nicely and the packaging is an added plus.  Thoughts?  Is this worth $70+?  Occasionally I will hear "Jingles" from this album on Real Jazz SiriusXM and think "man I need this one!".
three_easy_payments's avatar
three_easy_payments
2,097 posts
 
@pjw81563 Thanks for the links on the Wes topic.  I also don't own the "In Paris: The Definitive ORTF Recording" from 1965 which would be really nice to have.  Contemplating that at the moment too.


Yes, vinyl is definitely an area where you get what you pay for. An entry-level turntable and entry Ortofon cartridge surely gets you started but moving up the ladder pays dividends if you want to really capture the magic that separates digital from analog according to my ears.  I'm using modest TT equipment compared to many folks on here but it nurtures my soul - a Kuzma Stabi S/Stogi tonearm and Dynavector XX-2 MKII cart.  I have recently ordered a Herron VTPH-2A phono pre.  Can't wait to get it onboard in ~2 weeks.  I use all tube equipment down the line.
three_easy_payments's avatar
three_easy_payments
2,097 posts
 
@orpheus10   Couldn't agree more with this:

there are more jazz LP's better than KOB than you can shake a stick at; you let them pick theirs and you pick yours.

KOB is sort of like a gateway drug.  It was easy for the masses to get their head around start to experience jazz.  I realize some never wanted to go any further to challenge their senses.  I continue to dive down the jazz rabbit hole.  I need to go back and read postings in this thread to get fresh ideas.
three_easy_payments's avatar
three_easy_payments
2,097 posts
 
Totally digging my 1974 Japan pressing of Hampton Hawes' "For Real!" right now.  Never a solid attempt to re-issue in recent years, this one sounds great.  Harold land and Scott LaFaro are such a wonderful compliment to Hampton during this 1958 session.  Great Thursday evening listening on vinyl with a glass of red.
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