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

Alex, I honestly can't agree with myself on what Miles group was best, so best all time is impossible, but what I really like about Miles' "Second Great Quintet" is how they not only play solos that carry over ideas from the previous solo, but they basically finished each other's sentences. They play fragments of an idea that another player picks up and finished. This fragmentation gives it a little uneven sound, until you start following it. Once I heard it, I  thought, It doesn't get any better than this. 

Interestingly, Bill Evans trios have great interplay between each member. It's not just Bill's playing. They mesh seamlessly. Different ways to get the same effect.

Acman, I completely agree. The only 'reason' I would choose any over other (speaking of Miles) is because I like more the sound of some group, tone wise, comparing it other. (Coleman instead of Shorter. for example)

As for Evans, seamlessly is the right word

Haven't posted anything for awhile.

I found this in the Qobuz new releases.

https://youtu.be/IFRPurO0rV4?si=YjaNj0fRU3-uk8q5

The whole album is on Bandcamp...

Great comments re the “greatest” ever Jazz band.  Which one?  Some thoughts:

Tone is clearly very important.  But, as has been pointed out, beauty is a subjective thing and tone quality is only one piece of a player’s personality.  Consider a great spoken word story teller or narrator.  What is more important?  The sound (tone) of his/her voice, or his/her ability to tell the story in a convincing, interesting and captivating way?  Jazz playing is story telling.  Story telling in melody, rhythm and harmony.  As much as I love a great tone, I am tolerant of less than beautiful tone if the story is great and the style individualistic. Personal call.

It’s been awhile since I’ve been here and I thought to share this link but I wasn’t quite sure to post this cause it’s not (all) jazz per say, but after seeing this last page I noticed @jafant mention Esperanza Spaulding and @alexatpos mention Wayne Shorter and I said, why not?

This is an NPR Music Milton Nascimento & Esperanza Spalding: Tiny Desk (Home) Concert. The compositions are:

Milton Nascimento: ’Cais’
Milton Nascimento: ’Outubro’
Guinga, Paulo César Pinheiro: ’Saci (feat. Guinga)’
Milton Nascimento, Fernando Brant: ’Saudade Dos Aviões Da Panair (Conversando No Bar) (feat. Maria Gadú)’
Wayne Shorter, Edgy Lee: “When You Dream (feat. Maria Gadú)”

Please enjoy.

@frogman,’style individualistic’ I couldn’t agree more. I’ve always been drawn to dynamic musicians who make you not only look and listen to them but are also great accompaniment to their bandmates. Just like Wayne Shorter and Esperanza Spaulding.