Had me worried there for a second, Rok; I should have known. Hope all is well.
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.
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.
31,588 responses Add your response
Joe Henderson caused Rudy Van Gelder to change his way of doing things on the LP "Idle Moments" by Grant Green. Rudy kept a very tight accounting of the time on each cut, but Joe Henderson was blowing so pretty on his solo, that Rudy didn't warn them to wrap it up when his red light came on; that's saying a lot. Joe gets better every year. (I didn't even know he was dead) I got to get that CD. Enjoy the music. |
O - Yes, "Scarborough Fair" is good music. But lo these many years after I first heard it, it no longer has the same emotional impact. The Brian Wilson on the other hand, almost as old to me, still packs an emotional wallop. Dunno why one do and one don’t. I don’t associate LGAFA with a specific person or situation. And by contrast, that Eddie Harris "Theme in Search of a Movie" might be a good composition but I just did not connect with it. Nothing there for me. Not meaning to be offensive but subjectively, that’s just the way it is. I’m happy to read discussions here that encompass personal responses as well as objective critiques of compositions and performances. It’s always good to have a mentor with more highly developed taste and/or greater technical skills than my own. Funny thing about Rok’s Billy Ocean selection. I always thought that song was called "Caribou Queen". Something about Icelanders and reindeer maybe. Never liked it, regardless. One of those nasty ear worm vectors. |
Ghosthouse, the factors that go into whether or not we like music are enormous, and the majority of them are emotional; either it connects or it don't. While I think "Theme In Search of a Movie" is exceptionally beautiful, it leaves you cold; what's objective about that? Maybe technically it's good music, but Frogman is the only person on this thread who could answer that. Could that be the reason he's so persistent in regard to the "objectivity" of music. You got bad taste Ghosthouse, Frogman liked it. (just kidding) Enjoy the music. |
"You got bad taste Ghosthouse...". Oh, I definitely got questionable taste from time to time and I could give you examples but won't! But that's the whole point about hanging out with people that know more and have better taste. Maybe some of that good stuff rubs off. (But the kicker is, you got to have enough brains and good taste to figure out who they are in the first place!) |
O-10, thank you for the recent even-handed and reasonable posts/responses. There's really little I can disagree with in your recent posts directed at me. Our "lovey-dovey" (to quote Ghosthouse) loses a bit of steam in your last post (to Ghosthouse) however. It is not that I am "so persistent" re objectivity in music. From my vantage point, the truth is that you are so persistent re subjectivity in music. Both subjectivity and objectivity can have a place in how music is perceived. I bring up the subject of objectivity (in CERTAIN ASPECTS of music), almost without exception in response to your claim of subjectivity. BTW, I think you give me too much credit. I have read many comments here that point to a good understanding of some of the "technical" aspects of music. Still, I think we are moving toward a better understanding of each other's point of view. Can't argue with that. Regards. |
There is no relationship between 'knowledge' and 'taste'. Every piece of NOISE ever written, was written and played by people who knew more about music than anyone on this thread, save the oracle of NYC. Music is neither good or bad, until it reaches the ear/brain system. The decision is made at that time. Billy Ocean -- Great stuff at the right time and place. Not for serious listening, but perfect for the disco dance floor. Brings back the memories. But given the visuals, who would think to critique the music? Also we should consider WHY music was written / created. Some change is gradual and logical, and some is deliberate, for various reasons. For instance, why, did Miles start playing crap? I consider that when I judge music. Other than all these errors, I agree with you all. Cheers |
There is no relationship between ’knowledge’ and ’taste’. Music is neither good or bad, until it reaches the ear/brain system. Rok - You sincerely believe those statements as absolutes? Or are you being your (sometimes) trademark-provocative-and-truculent-bad-self? Taste is definitely something that can be informed by knowledge and cultivated. AND, while there’s certainly a lot of mental processing that critics and peers will bring to bear while listening to a given composition or performance, there are also objective elements in judging the same that are rooted in music theory and the musical score. These stand independent of the internal responses of the audience. |
Thanks for the recognition, Frogman. "Writing clarifies thought." Not sure who first said that but Lord knows I need lots of clarifying. More than trying to win a debate, I really am interested in where Rok is coming from with his statements. I expect he’s got some valid points though maybe overstated as originally written. I’m a little more favorably disposed towards Scofield after further listening to his collaboration with MMW as on Juice. Seems like they were made for one another. A Go Go, even though another with MMW, just didn’t sound that great to me. Did not realize he had been guitarist for Miles. That’s a big endorsement. I have to go back and see what recordings he was on. Miles along with John Mayall and Alexis Korner...it’s like these guys were running incubators for musical talent - so many now-well-known names got their starts in their bands. |
I just discovered that "White Rabbit" by George Benson was my most played record. Since I have a large collection (probably no bigger than yours) no one record gets played that often, but I notice "White Rabbit" more; that's because it evokes so many good memories. There's a cut "Little Train" that brings back memories of me and my little "tyke" riding a little train that ran around the forest park zoo. He's bigger than I am now, but I still have those memories. There are so many subjective reasons for our favorite music; Grant Green is my favorite artist, but you probably already knew this. The reasons beside the good music are many; same home town, he's only a few years older, that means we both listened to the same music before he became a musician. While there are objective factors involved in the making of music, just as there are objective factors involved in almost every thing; as a listener I'm not concerned, unless my friend is a musician who wants to explain to me how music is made. Enjoy the music. |
George Benson’s "White Rabbit" is one of my favorite CTI records. "Little Train" is one of the best "Jazz" adaptations of a Classical work that I have ever heard. Besides Benson the lineup is stellar (Herbie Hancock sounds his usual fantastic self), and the arrangement is by the great Don Sebesky. BTW, it occurs to me that the subject of arrangers/orchestrators might be a great theme to pursue here. Great record and I would say it shows great taste. Another of my favorite "Bachianas" (no.5): https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=woN47pZJsEI With guitar instead of orchestra: https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=ZFCR6kUmZMc Btw, the "orchestra", and original, version is scored for cellos only. |
Kathleen Battle sure has a pretty face. (now I'm going upstairs, and listen on the main rig, no picture) "You Tube" will not change the genre of music, if you don't change the channel........ Now that I've listened for half an hour, I can say the music was nice, but didn't evoke any memory or emotion; maybe I didn't listen long enough. I recall when I was a kid, one of our rich relatives (the only one) decided to take us to the opera for some culture, and not being too bright, I asked "Why is she screeching like that"? it was my last trip to the opera with her. Enjoy the music. |
In addition to jazz, I have artists from other genres which are quite diverse, and you would never suspect a "Jazz Aficionado" of having them in his collection; one such artist is Joan Baez. Her songs are so down to earth, that I believe most people who like music will have her in their collection. Right now I'm listening to one of her records that affects me deeply, because it's concerned with the less fortunate; now days no one seems to be concerned with the less fortunate, when there are more less fortunate than at any time in my life. With so many people suffering I don't see how those who are more fortunate look the other way. Joan Baez is my featured artist tonight. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nnS9M03F-fA https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S4BYOJ1tc-k Enjoy the music. |
That story and some 'discussions' before reminded me of this movie. Its a light story, but stll very funny and very warm, made after true events. Its french, hope you people would not mind the subtitles. The Intouchables from 2012 http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1675434/ trailer https://youtu.be/dvdJ--DV0Uo classsical music scene (must see) https://youtu.be/6R_XRuzWAzY one from the opera has no english subtitles, but I guess any child would feel like that if sees a 'singing tree'. https://youtu.be/3XcFElzBPxs So, dont blame yourself, Orpheus |
Just found out this 1993 recording of Lyle Mays was released last year. I have listened most the morning, Very good stuff, to me. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r4umHT755HI |
Joan Baez: The first LP I ever purchased. Used to listen to it on an Army industrial record player through B-17 headphones in the Post Library. I bought it to hear this song. 1967. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FMalmwupji8 Amazingly the first poster on the you-tube comments section says this was his first LP also. Second LP was Bob Dylan. A lifetime ago. Cheers |
On the topic of Joan Baez...a song about some guy she knew - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4Gk-RZl1IAo&list=PL-bvrZjsC286o1zNqFgUoqyE_Wp_u_XO3 Killer (Speaking strictly for me). |
Apropos of nothing - you might like them or not - a couple from Christoph Oeding's Northwest. Something I stumbled onto via Spotify's browse/discover recommendations function... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=epM8HIuhML4 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zPICQxRr_6A |
Something to wake up all the stodgy Blue Note types... Sao Paulo Ska Jazz - Track 7 from their 2009 self-titled release... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qc3TzkCDiNc Can't recall who on another A'gon thread turned me on to these guys. Bet they would be fun to see live. |
Apparently the pointer Sisters can sing anything and make it sound good. "Diamonds And Rust"; Joan Baez might be the only folk singer in my collection; that's because her songs were always about subjects I could relate to, with good music; that's the bottom line. She also seemed to be timely, I wonder what's she singing about currently? "Big Joe"; that was tough, I liked it a lot; I'll have to get it. Never heard of the artists. That's the nice thing about this thread, always something new. Sao Paulo Ska-Jazz; now this is something new, a new type of jazz even, what's next; it's cooking. Acman has more Sao Paulo jazz; where have I been to not know about this? It's fast hard driving jazz. Kenny Dorham, I certainly don't have enough of him, for sure. This is some deep introspective jazz, the kind I can listen to all night, and just let the world sail on by. With a lineup like that, it couldn't be anything but the best. Although some of these guys are dead, to me they will never die; that's why I refer to them many times as though they were still alive. Enjoy the music. |
Acman, concidence or not, but in my language 'Jagoda' means strawberry.. That notion leads me to a subject of some 'nice melodies'...'strawberry fields forever' https://youtu.be/rdIeSHYin88 Ghosthouse,try to see the movie |
I have always been fascinated by words and their origin. The connection between the meaning "strawberry" and this other definition is interesting indeed. I love starwberries 😋 +++++Jagoda The name Jagoda has its origin in 1657 when a lot of polish drunken people were sitting together and had a little Mad Dogs party. They were thinking desperately about a name which would perfectly fit to a girl who can drink more vodka than any other human being and is still able to ride a bycicle made for a five year old. Jagodas are known for how crazy they are. These Polish girls will ROCK YOUR WORLD. They drink like European men, vodka being their drink of choice. You may not realize it, but they are usually drinking all throughout the day. Jagoda can drink you under the table, any day of the week, they walk the walk. Jagodas are forces of nature in bed. Carnal like animals, constant sexual appetite. If you manage to get one, hold on for dear life! You won't find another girl like this and you can never go back.+++++ |
Mel Lewis, one of the greatest big-band drummers with a unique ride-cymbal sound and feel. One of my favorite records. Hubbard, Brecker (unbelievable solo!); what could wrong? Not a big band: https://m.youtube.com/watch?list=PLeDkO1et6hFxVGTL0j8Hkr_syHZXVS440&v=0N_xYLVAQXo Love the Pointer Sisters. Bought that record back in college and pretty sure I posted a couple from it four (!) years ago. Great clip! Thanks. |
Frogman, that was nice; here's another Freddie Hubbard; https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uN4tKA15-xA Enjoy the music. |
Ghosthouse, enjoyed the Christoph Oeding clips; interesting player. Thanks. Immediately brought to mind one of my favorite guitar players, Bill Frisell. Not as "dreamy" as Frisell, but similar sound. O-10, that's a great blowing session with Hubbard and Morgan. Great vibe on that record; they are having a great time! Thanks for that clip. Here's another favorite from Freddie's CTI period, with Junior Cook sounding remarkably like Joe Henderson: https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=eCLZHtv_j3c |
Frogman, Freddie Hubbard sounded awfully "Boppish" to me, and Junior Cook sunded more like "Bird" or Trane than Joe Henderson to me. That could be because I don't have the same records by Joe Henderson as you. The drummer sounded like Elvin Jones, on purpose of course, just in the same way Horace Silver could sound Like Monk if he wanted to. I have a record that I forget, and swear it's Monk playing, but it's where Miles told Silver to sound like Monk; because he had a rift with Monk. I liked the link. Enjoy the music. |
Frogman - Glad you liked the Christoph Oeding. His Northwest (album those tracks are from) is not a buy for me yet but I do keep coming back to it on Spotify. Bill Frisell presents another one of those objective/subjective, head/heart quandaries. He is a superb guitarist. No doubt. (Have you seen the live videos of him in the Ginger Baker trio (GB + Charlie Haden and Bill)? See the ZL14w ink below. There might be better quality versions of this trio live on YouTube but I couldn't find them just now. Notice how CH is way off to the side. His hearing was damaged apparently and he needed to protect it on stage. Had a lot of Frisell's solo stuff saved to my Spotify library. From a technical point of view my head acknowledges his excellence but my heart just could not get with the program. Maybe I've not listened to the right solo stuff by him. Recommendations appreciated. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ql6iGLZL14w Here is something else I think excellent. If you don't know the guitarist, you might be surprised by his "bona fides". https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VyTo5VwcMhg |
Can't believe I missed this one! I have had it in rotation for a few months???? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gTlIKEwIiBs |
Another Stevens who plays guitar. Some people say he sounds like Metheny, but has a different vibe to me. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VqUwlJQyl48 |
Ghosthouse, you hit the head of the objective/subjective nail. That Frisell is an excellent guitarist is undeniable as you say; that's objective. That his style doesn't move you is subjective. That, of course, does not mean his style won't move other listeners who have a different sensibility than you do; or any of us. We all have musical sensibilities based on our personalities and life experiences. Personally, I sometimes enjoy artists whose craft I appreciate and whose sensibilites challenge my own. I like Frisell's unique, cool and somewhat intellectual style informed by everything from country to classical. I also like Steve Steven's very visceral style; in some ways the antithesis of Frisell. A comparison of the two strikes me as an apples vs oranges comparison. Stevens comes from the Rock and Roll side of things while Frisell comes more from the Jazz side of things. There would be musical settings where Stevens couldn't touch Frisell and vise versa. I like them both and both move me depending on what I am looking for at any given time (MY mood). I can't imagine Frisell wearing these shoes, just as I couldn't imagine Stevens crafting a great introspective solo over complex and obtuse harmonic changes: https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=yUi_S6YWjZw What a shame and waste of talent (Jackson). |
I just realized I haven't submitted any music in awhile, here's something for you; a comparison between the old and the new; https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0II1WOTyowo https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s5EwGijmqKc https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vE1BIXdm38E Enjoy the music. |
Very apt description of Frisell’s style, Frogman, as well as the disconnect I tend to feel with him. Enjoyed your comments. I do find the videos of him as part of that Ginger Baker Trio concert worth watching. The first (1/4) is very enjoyable but I found myself getting annoyed with him early on in the second. I’ve always appreciated and agreed with the objective/subjective distinction points you’ve made from time to time. Might have misled you by posting the link to Spiral (Bozzio, Levin, Stevens) in the same post with the Frisell comments. Apologies. I should have posted that separately. Intended it simply for appreciation of a beautiful instrumental with some "improvisational" elements. Wasn’t intending to solicit a "compare and contrast" of the two! - though I don’t argue with any of the points you make about Frisell vs Stevens. If I could only listen to one of them, I’d definitely pick Frisell. Stevens on the 2 BLS albums is, however, a lot different than you’d expect from his work with Billy Idol or even in that way-over-the-top Michael Jackson video. Yeesh...back lighting, smoke and wind machines, big hair, black leather, screaming crowd...did they leave any rock stereotypes out of that one? I’m more from rock/blues than jazz but that video is documentary evidence of what I loathed most about MTV! Gimme that Ginger Baker Trio performance any day! (Hope you won’t be offended by my mini-rant here). I know MJ is widely respected as a great talent - I’m not disputing that - but his train left the station without me ever being on board. Not that my lack of interest matters a whit to anyone else! "Just sayin’" so as to provide some further context on personal taste. Later. |
Here is another guitarist which was not mentioned often. European artsist, started to play in Us during 50’s and continued to do so for next 20 years. Played with C.Baker,S.Rollins and S.Getz. among many others. Here are some links, first from his album as a leader. Rene Thomas ’Guitar Groove’, from 1960. https://youtu.be/Vi5sjNSv-v0 https://youtu.be/Ju6gDe6Tne0 One from live album ’Dynasty’ made by Stan Getz, from 1971. https://youtu.be/MWcRtztr35A Ghosthouse, saw C.Haden live once, he had a plastic? and transparent wall between him and drummer... |