Jazz for aficionados

Rok, a funny thing happened on my way to the record collection, there was a "Weather Report", Fusion! Fusion! and more Fusion!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U7_vNpVXubA

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N7Z1TDq3ROg

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RczWDQmKQtA

Enjoy the music.

I wonder if Geronimo and Sitting Bull ever knew they were actually Norwegian!!

Fusion: POPULAR music combining different styles (as jazz and rock) ---- From Merriam-Webster.

Since fusion is POP music, it has no place on a Jazz forum. Just saying.

Cheers

I thought Jazz was once PoP music; what goes around comes around?

Or, are we like the people who thought JATP ruined Jazz because it brought it to a wider audience.

Second part of my post above is a straw argument. Sorry!

Is fusion Jazz? Sometimes.

Is Weather Report Jazz. Of course!

In a music sense, POP does not mean popular. As pertains to music, it's the name of a genre of music. All music is POPULAR to some extent.

Cheers

If JATP did ruin Jazz, it was because it brought in Norman Granz.

Cheers

Well Rok, after that trip around the world, I decided to come back home where I belong, and I'm going to start things off with "Mel Torme, I'm Coming Home Baby".

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P4YlBaPM22c

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pEE1Nws8TV4

New York voices put words to "Stolen Moments", from "Blues and The Abstract Truth". I also like their version of "Caravan"

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XfKsRsiq4nk

Enjoy the music.

Mel Torme tune was good. Who were the backup singers? He is not my cup of tea, but I did like 'coming home'.

Caravan was good also. Their voices just sounded a little too 'light' for the tune. I like them better in the link below. Miss Janice has not lost anything over the years.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zCytxcavaEA

Cheers

The woman is a FOX!!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B7YsE-wQn9c

Cheers

Acman3, that George Russel cut is amazing! I can't believe that slipped through the cracks for me. What a fantastic and inventive arrangement from one of the most interesting minds in jazz. A lesson in the power of simplicity when you make the right note choices. Truly one of the best things I have heard in a while. Thank you for sharing. Sheila Jordan sounds sublime in "Am I Blue!

A trumpet player friend once said to me: "Freddie Hubbard is a star, Woody Shaw is a legend"

http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=oUGtO0AW7Io

Frogman, this is Chico Freeman, "The Kings of Mali", what do you think about it?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=buFUP2LvK2s

Enjoy the music.

Rok, Stevie Wonder by way of Brasil, how do you like this one?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4ET_C0lAwvs

Enjoy the music.

O-10,

I don't watch or listen to youtube that much, because it's easy to confuse the total visual / audio experience with just the music. If I buy the CD, there will be no pictures of beautiful women and scenery. Then, often times, the music cannot stand on it's on.

Audio only, keeps everything in focus. Now, I did watch a Cab Calloway clip with the Nicholas Brothers today.

That is youtube at it's best. Historic stuff. I found it while looking at the Chico Freeman thingy.

The Brazil thingy was good, but I would not buy it on CD.

Cheers

Rok, Salome is hot and smoking in every and any use of the words, I ordered the CD.

Enjoy the music.

Rok, here's Jesse Cook in Havana, close your eyes and listen to the music.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F2SJf1J-LHA

Enjoy the music.

O-10:

The Jesse Cook in Havana clip is great stuff. I like it better with my eyes open. (the senorita) :) I also listened to a few more of the selections shown on the youtube page.

The music reminds me of what got me interested in music in a serious way.

That Lp was by the 101 strings entitled 'The Soul Of Spain'. I wore out so many LPs playing that music. Finally I got it on CD, and the music sounds horrible. The violins sound as if they are made of metal.

'Malaguena' and 'Granada' were the two numbers that 'grabbed' me initially, but I love them all now.

I will have to find a similar CD with good sonics and the same music.

When it comes to the guitar and guitar music, Spain rules!! Thanks for the link.

Cheers

Since you put me in an Iberian mood, I had to pull out:

Carmen - Fantasie
Anne-Sophie Mutter
Wiener - Levine

How can one person have so much talent and beauty. Doesn't that violate some natural law?

Cheers

Rok, I didn't even know Billy Bang was dead. That makes me wonder how many other jazz musicians who have contributed so much to this music are no longer with us, that I think are still around.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5_ZzX-8wBZ8

This is from [Vietnam: Reflections] 2005, I'll have to get that.

Enjoy the music.

You bring up an interesting point. The only Favorites I can think of at the moment that are still with us: Wynton Marsalis and Dee Dee Bridgewater.

My latest CDs and the year the artist died:

Dizzy Gillespie -- Dizzy's Big 4 1993
Donald Byrd -- The Cat Walk 2013
Lee Morgan -- Take Twelve 1972
Dexter Gordon -- One Flight Up 1990
Miles Davis -- Milestones 1991
Charles Mingus -- Mingus in Europe 1991

Amazing!

Billy Bang was a viet vet. I think he mad a couple of CDs with Nam in the title.

Cheers

I was also unaware of Billy Bang's death. Bummer!

2007 saw the death of Texas tenor, Marchel Ivery.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XzVSMLHXwas

A bootleg recording from the old Recovery Room, with Red Garland, Marchel Ivery, James Clay and a college kid named Bob Belden

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZgScowl9d_Y

There is a part two if interested.

Rok, here's Dee Dee Bridgewater doing one of my favorite Horace Silver's tunes "Song for my father"; she's a true gem.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=otcHh-90eo4

"Milestones" was one of my favorites by him.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BeZomqLM7BQ

"Mingus Ah Um" was my first, and still favorite album by Charles Mingus. Although "Goodbye Pork Pie Hat" is sad, it's my favorite tune on that album. It was a tribute to Lester Young, and that "Pork Pie Hat" he always wore.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5IsNHDuwJrM

Enjoy the music.

O-10:
Mulgrew Miller has died. We can add him to the list of past greats. He, and Lester Young, were both from Mississippi. That State has turned out more than it's share of great musicians.

Cheers

Marchel Ivery. I was not aware of him. It's on the OJC label. so I think I will try it. But, another one that is already gone before I even know of him.

I wonder why the B-3 organ was not more widely used in Jazz groups? Was it being electric, a factor. I think it's a great instrument for blusey Jazz. Buddy sure can play it.

Cheers

Mingus & Dee Dee, I have both of them, and if they were on LP, they would already be worn out. I think Milestones will be a favorite also.

I have always considered 'Oh Yeah" and 'At Antibes' my favorite mingus. But 'Ah Um' is moving up fast.

Cheers

Orpheus10, thanks for the Chico Freeman link; I enjoyed it. I am generally not a big fan of Chico Freeman's saxophone playing, but do enjoy and admire his overall conceptual mindset. He has been part of some really interesting projects, and this is certainly one of them. Reaching back to the roots! What a great sound the balaphone is with it's very unusual tuning. You might enjoy this, and very close to the source:

http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=IW6OCamt-p4

Frogman, believe it or not, although I bought that LP new, and "Kings of Mali" was my favorite tune; I never thought about the saxophone until you mentioned it, but as you stated "It's the overall conceptual mindset" that counts.

Enjoy the music.

These guys played my kind of jazz, RIP Mr. Miller.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3f-OQVGKm4w

Enjoy the music.

Rok, I can recommend any, or all, of the 3 Leaning House recording of Marchel Ivery. While your at it, if you run across any Leaning House, pick it up!

The guitar player on the Ivery recording was Clint Strong. Great jazz guitarist. Also played a long time with Merle. How's that for diverse. Mentored by Howard Roberts.

One who is still going strong and one who has found his own voice.Got to get some more Ravi. New recording is supposed to be good.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0dFtZbha29M

Acman3:

I have Ravi Coltrane's 'Moving Pictures'. I will have have to 'review it'. Have not listened to it in a while.

I see where 'these sellers' have gotten their paws on two of the leaning house Ivery recordings. I will order them nevertheless. (used)

Since it's Saturday Morning down South, my I recommend:

'Buckwheat's Zydeco Party' A lot of the Nawlins classics. Like to party? Gotta have it!!

This guy makes 'hog calling blues' seem like a song out of the Baptist Church hymnal.

Cheers

Enjoy:

What a lineup!!!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X1qP6DHopVw

Cheers

Acman3, thanks, I got to have that.

Enjoy the music.

I like McCoy Tyner a lot better than when I saw him live with JC, too many notes before.

You saw Coltrane live!?!? I am jealous beyond words. Liked McCoy; 'though.

Heard the studio version of this on WBGO today and it floored me (even better than this live version). Great band, and had never heard of violinist Zach Brock before. And speaking of McCoy, this excellent young piano player is right out of a McCoy bag.

http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=xyGVtCthtZw

Frogman, I like McCoy much better now, he can't play quite as many notes. He sounds like the old McCoy minus the too many notes. Coltrane live was not the one you hear on records. He was much more "explorative" is the only word I can find. I was at a table with a professional drummer, and some other "deep in the pocket" aficionados, who were really digging "way out" Trane. At that time I was lost; but as I recall from the audience reaction, he was blowing what they came to hear. Although I cherish that experience, that's the way it was.

Enjoy the music.

Thanks Frogman for the Zach Brock. Really interesting. Also found out about another Polish violinist named Zbigniew Seifert, who I had not heard before. Died young from cancer.

Rok, since yours didn't show up I substituted "Kush" by Diz for you.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DbVRM5-bcJo

Enjoy the music.

To Anyone:

What can you tell me about MOSAIC Records box sets?

Sound quality, Alternate takes etc..... 7 to 9 CDs seems to be a lot of music from one artist.

Cheers

Rok, the sound quality is good, but that's more music than you would want by almost any artist; however, that's the only way you'll get some of the music. Take the bitter with the sweet.

Enjoy the music.

O-10:
Thanks for the info. I have found several highly rated CDs by Shaw on Amazon. I got 10 CDs, by various artists, including several by Shaw, for the price of the Box Set on Mosaic.

Cheers

While no one associates "Ray Charles" with jazz, I have two jazz albums by Ray that are on par with some of my best.

"Soul Brothers" with Ray and Milt Jackson, has already been reviewed, so I'll go to Ray Charles, "My Kind of Jazz". He gives us his unique interpretations of jazz standards. There is a reason they call the man "genius", and it can be heard on this album.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HiZg5pvRT8k

Enjoy the music.

O-10:

I have the Genuis + Soul CD, but it does not include the 'my kind of Jazz' addition.

Ray was a genius. He changed C&W forever, and for the better. Check out his Country and Western CD if you don't have it.

I have a complete shelf dedicated to his music and that does not include the box sets. A person can't have too much Ray.

A woman once said: Ray Charles can play so slow he makes you wanna scream! I love that.

I am in the process of listening to my latest Miles and Jimmy Scott. Both are keepers for sure.

Cheers

Rok, Frogman, Leersfool; here's music we can all agree on. It has the best elements of several genres of music, and I get carried away every time I hear it. Maybe Frogman, our musical encyclopedia will give us the history of this song.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bhFC7LB5OXs

Enjoy the music.

Orph & Rok, Ray always has had a very special place with me!! And his backround singers the "Raelettes" ... they had to "let Ray"

My offering is Jimmy Smith "Angel Eyes" with: Roy Hargrove, Christian McBride, Nicholas Peyton, Mark Whitfield, Gregory Hutchinson. Low key and mellow.
It can be turned way up, which I like!!
The follow-up album is titled "Damn" (!!)

I'll have to add Jimmy Smith "Angel Eyes" to my collection, I really liked it. Music like that sounds best very late at night.

Enjoy the music.

Ah, GREAT choice! One of the all-time great melodies, IMO; and one of the favorite vehicles for improvisation of jazz players. I didn't know this version by Harold Land, but I love it; thanks for sharing.

Besides being a beautiful and haunting melody, it is a favorite of jazz players due to the fact that its harmonic structure and progression is musically logical and relatively simple, so it lends itself very well to improvisation. If one listens carefully, one notices that after the C minor 7 chord in the opening measure there is no chord change for five measures (an eternity in jazz). When the opening (and very distinctive) opening motif is repeated eight measures later it is modulated up a minor third (Eb minor 7), the same thing happens: no harmonic change for five measures. Things then get a bit more complex harmonically until the end, but still in an extremely logical way. It is one of the first tunes that jazz students learn.

The tune was written by Polish composer Bronislaw Kaper who also penned "On Green Dolphin Street", another favorite of improvisers, for a film in the '50's starring Lana Turner (!!! Talk about great chord changes ;-), I don't remember the name of the film, but I do know that it was not a big hit. Bronislaw's score for that film was then reused for a film "Invitation"; the title of the tune.

I am a fan of performances of music, regardless of genre, by the composer him/herself. I think the reasons are obvious, although we may have personal preferences for versions by other artists. Here is the composer himself performing "Invitation":

http://m.youtube.com/#/watch?v=v7F6_6kVtPQ&desktop_uri=%2Fwatch%3Fv%3Dv7F6_6kVtPQ

It's a beautiful performance which really conveys the haunting feeling of the tune; BTW, one of the reasons Land's version is so great. Land also captures a similarly haunting feeling with a very similar pacing; as opposed to the most commonly sited version, which while being equally beautiful is less atmospheric and relaxed than Kaper's, and is the version that put the tune "on the map":

http://vimeo.com/33852454

As I mentioned, this tune is one of the first that jazz students learn, and saxophone geeks in particular consider the saxophone solo on this next, very different, version to be one of the very best recorded examples of saxophone virtuosity by the most emulated and transcribed post-Coltrane saxophone player (unfortunately, I am only aware of a link to the improvised solo, not the whole tune from guitarist Jack Wilkin's album):

http://harderbop.blogspot.com/2011/04/michael-brecker-invitation.html

Enjoy!

The Frogman:

Very detailed and informative insights as always.

When the Froman speaks, it's like getting homework from your teacher. Now I will have to listen for and count measures and chord changes and keyes. But I am determined to hear what he said.

My latest Miles CD,' Milestones', is supposed to be an important recording of MODAL music. :) How I long for the good old days when ignorance was truly blissful.

Thanks for the input.

Cheers