Frogman, "The present is best appreciated in the future". I say this because of your statement about me seeing Coltrane live. At that time, I was disappointed because he had gone into his "exploratory" mode as opposed to playing what I had heard on records.
Today, I heard "Invitation" that you submitted by Trane, and I was swept away by the awesome greatness of the man, and his ability to "improvise". When I saw Trane, he had properly deduced, "That if you wanted to hear what he had recorded on records, you could have stayed home and played the record". Trane was blowing what he felt at that moment.
Enjoy the music.
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Short Story:
Shortly after we arrived here at Ft Hood, a local DJ had a dispute with the station owners and he was fired.
He locked himself in the studio and played 'Hit The Road Jack' over and over, non-stop for two days!!
The craziest thing I have ever heard!! I like Ray, but damn!
Cheers |
Rok, I bought that LP when it came out, and I still don't know what Modal music is. Yes, ignorance is true bliss, and I've always liked the happy people.
Enjoy the music.
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O-10, Sweet! I had not heard that. I think the only Harold Land I have heard is ''A study in Brown". Thanks. |
Today's Selection:
Miles davis -- Milestones
with / Cannonball, Coltrane, Red Garland, Paul Chambers, Philly Joe Jones
A lot of talk about this one being an outstanding example of MODAL Jazz. Like O-10, I am not even sure what that means. 'Kind of Blue' is another MODAL outing.
The only thing I noticed was that the horns seldom if ever played at the same time. The piano player, Garland, seem to just stab at the notes he played. He was very much in the background. This could have been by design or just the recording. I didn't notice any thing other than great playing by the bass and drums.
In any event, this is one great recording. The soloing is just awesome. It all seems so uncluttered. No blowing just to be blowing. I 'reviewed' the '58 concert, Stella by Starlight, a while back. This is the same group. Anything by this group is a must have. We will never again see this much talent together, in such a small group.
Sometimes we tend to just take guys like Miles and Coltrane for granted. We say they were great, almost as an after thought, but they really were! This CD demostrates that they were on a level above the rest.
You know the drill. Ain't got it? Git It!
I just ordered the Harold Land. I had to remove a 'Gene Ammons & Sonny Stitt', to fit him in. He'd better be worth it. :)
Cheers |
************ Yes, ignorance is true bliss, and I've always liked the happy people.*************
Thanks, I think?
Cheers |
****swept away by the awesome greatness of the man**** Beautiful way of describing the effect that many say they feel when listening to his playing; especially live. I have been told by the handful of lucky individuals (mostly other musicians) who, like yourself, heard him live that he had and almost other-worldly way about his presence on stage; spiritual, even. "Giant" is almost not good enough to describe his status among the greats. "Naima" is the ballad that he is most known for: http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=LLAq0XhXG8EAnd then there is this one: one of the most amazing performances, any genre, that I have ever heard. Coltrane is definitely more exploratory, but the expressiveness is unbelievable. Elvin's brush work is amazing. http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=R416VHIL514 |
I meant to write: "Elvin's cymbal work ....." |
Rok, I can thank you and Frogman for my new appreciation of this old music. When I was making forays into new genres, you pointed out that there was old music I hadn't yet discovered. Now that we have Frogman to enlighten us in regard to music from a musicians point of view, we can hear things we never heard before. I don't think we'll ever run out of this "new" old music. Try Curtis Counce "Nica's Dream" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=trjO7TWe6MEEnjoy the music. |
Speaking of making a joyful noise. Does anyone else think the female singers of Brasil 66 are uniquely wonderful, or is it just me. I could listen to them all day. If 'Pais Tropical' does not make you move with a smile on your face, then, sell your gear.
Sergio Mendes And Brasil '66 -- Foursider
21 tracks. All, very good, to great. Very good recording also. Most should be familiar with Mendes' music. This is an excellent complilation.
Cheers |
Rok, just thinking about those days takes my breath away. Each and every one of those songs has a special meaning for me. I just can not believe that life was that grand once upon a time, but it was.
Enjoy the music.
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I went on youtube to listen and watch the Brasil '66 babes. there off to the side was Ella doing 'Mack the Knife', had to hear it. In sweden I think. She even did a little Satchmo, hanky and all. Hell, she out Satchmoed the Satchmo!!
And off to that side was Nina talking about some 'Sinnerman'! If would have been a sin not to dig it.
You can stay on youtube all day if you aren't careful.
Ella and Nina!! What planet were these people from??
Cheers |
Rok,
Your comment about You Tube is so true.I`ll pick a song, say,"It never entered my mind", or "These Foolish Things" and just enjoy the variuos versions,vocal or instrumental.What a great resource it is.
Charles, |
Today's Trip:
Dexter Gordon -- One Flight Up
with/ Donald Byrd, Kenny Drew, Art Taylor, Niels-Henning Orsted
Recorded in paris in 1964. All the players except the Dane, Orsted, were American expatriates living and playing in Europe.
The playing is exceptionally enjoyable. Only four tracks, so the soloist can really stretch out and take the time to state their case. All the music is mid-tempo and very lyrical. The Frogman would have a field day breaking down these solos.
Makes me wonder that maybe a lot of other Recorded Jazz was too much, crammed into too little time and space.
The liner notes were written by Leonard Feather. His style is what I would call Frogmanesque. Sort of technical, but very interesting.
There are a few statements in the liner notes that irritated me. The players say that European audiences had a very special insight into Jazz. After all that goose stepping, I find that hard to believe. And that the place was "almost completely free or racial prejudeice". I guess they had not heard of World War Two.
The cover photo is one of the most interesting in Jazz. Which is another thing we have lost, the Great Blue Note black & white photos. Just as audiophiles have lost the great cartoons of Rodriquez.
All in All, a very good session. Highly Recommended.
Cheers |
Rok, no question Brazilian singers are uniquely wonderful; in no small part because women Brazil are uniquely wonderful. There is something about the sound and rhythm of the language (in Brazil, not so much in Portugal) that does it for me. I could get carried away with that one, but I should stop; my wife reads these threads once in a long while :-) You mentioned Sergio Mendes. This is one of my very favorite records. Cannonball with the Bossa Rio Sextet (Sergio Mendes on piano). The session is all about Cannonball; he sounds incredible on those Brazilian tunes: http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=pWMjF4UMYYcAs far as Brazilian female singers go, Elis will always be my favorite. There is something about her that I have never been able to put my finger on. Not a particularly great voice, a little out of tune sometimes; but, soulful as hell with a great sexy feeling in the way she sings. Check out the "break" at 1:10. Amazing! http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=bGbKHHqtsJE |
The Frogman:
I have the Cannonball Bossa Nova CD with sergio. I will check it out. This could bring on the dreaded 'review' !!
I listened to Senhorita Regina twice. The first time, my brain was oblivious to any of the senses, other than the sense of sight. What a beauty.
I listened the second time to hear the music. Her personality just comes thru. very very good.
Thanks for the info.
Cheers |
I may sell my Polk speakers, and buy some beach front property in Rio.
Cheers |
Cannonball is great on the Bossa Nova CD. And you are right, it's all about him. On my CD, you can hardly hear Sergio Mendes' piano.
I have noticed that happens alot. Most recently with Red Garland and Sun Ra. The piano just seems to be too far in the background.
Even Mingus on 'hog calling blues' was sort of faint, but then again, maybe that's what makes it such a great cut. You have to listen for it.
Cheers |
Yeah, it's a title disappointing in that regard. As good and authentic (duh!) as the rhythm section sounds playing that style, there is a little bit of a "on automatic pilot" feeling. But, Cannonball plays his ass off on those beautiful melodies, and being a saxophone geek, I love that record. |
Not Jazz, but you gotta dig that trumpet playing. Great song also. CD sounds better, but you will get the idea.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KWUb5AR7W8M
the entire Cd is killer.
Cheers |
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Thanks O-10. Happy Father's Day to All!!
Every Sunday here, is Big Band Sunday, on the local PBS FM station. Here is an example of the stuff they play. All day.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IAinKGJZ8YE
I love this stuff. Try and youtube 'I don't want to set the World on fire'. Great stuff! And check out all the links that show up the side. Esp Cab Calloway and the Nicholas Brothers.
Cheers |
That Ink Spots cut was amazing! Talk about skill; simply beautiful singing. Oh yeah, and then there's all the "little" things that seem to elude a lot of singers today like sheer entertainment factor, lack of pretense, connection with an audience. Nothing "edgy" about a performance like that, but so much sincerity in the song's simplicity. Thanks. |
Today's Music:
Afrocubism -- Afrocubism
Cuban and Malian Musicians. Think of Ali Farka Toure and Buena Vista Social Club playing together.
Sometimes it hard to sepeate the African from the Cuban.
Features, what has to be, the entire Diabate family and Elidas Ochoa on guitar and vocals. Jose Angel Martinez on Double Bass. Chorus vocals done by Cuban and Malians.
Seems as if Mali and Cuba have a history. Musicians from Mali, after independence, went to Music schools in Cuba.
I liked the 'Cuban' music the best. The Mali music was good, but in places, exhibited that repetitive 'sameness' common to a lot of Toure's music. A little goes a long way. But the entire set is well integrated. Excellent recording.
All in all a good session. 'Al Vaiven De Mi Carreta' was my favorite. Ochoa sings on this one. One measure and you know it's Cuban.
Does the Bass, the instrument, have any special place in Cuban music as compared to other Latin music??
The link is to a short documentary thingy made in the studio. Interesting. The music from the CD is on youtube also.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dDe47kNWsYE
Cheers |
Although I heard strains of Spain, Mexico, and Cuba in the music, I find it interesting how many people like to lump them under "Latin" music, I don't. While the music originated in Spain, it took on it's own unique identity once it reached this hemisphere. There are too many distinct types of African music for me to identify, but it's just as well because from what I've heard, it's best blended with music from other lands, although African drumming can be quite compelling; especially when utilized by Diz or Blakey. Afro Cuban has achieved that just right blend of the two for me. Here's that compelling drumming as utilized by Blakey, this makes you want to go native. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pnaD9gU9N80 |
A great song off of a great CD. 'The weight' and 'Patches' are two more gotta listen to..
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cAA_LUCb0QE&list=PL14CE19C53F9D9B06&index=6
Cheers |
"Does the Bass, the instrument, have any special place in Cuban music as compared to other Latin music??"
Considered one of the original fathers of Cuban Descarga (Jam) is Israel 'Cachao' Lopez. This legendary Cuban bass player's been actively recording since the 50's. An interesting twist to his tale was that although considered a giant amongst musicians, he was largely unknown to the public. During the 90's, actor Andy Garcia found him in S. Fl. playing weddings and quinceneras (Cuban sweet 15 parties). He arranged a project for Lopez that resulted in the '2nd coming' of Cachao; the highly recommended 'Master Sessions - Vol. I & II'. The Lopez family is musical royalty in Cuba. Israel 'Cachao' Lopez is uncle to Orlando 'Cachaito' Lopez, another legendary Cuban bass player, featured prominently in The Buena Vista Social Club. Interestingly enough, he's only recorded one self-titled solo record that's a total departure from his work with the BVSC in that it features (small doses) of Electronica & Cuban Dub music. One of my favorite Latin Jazz records! ANOTHER Cuban bass dynasty in the making features Carlos Del Puerto, the original bassist for the legendary Irakere (the band founded by, amongst others, Paquito D'Rivera, Arturo Sandoval, & Chucho Valdes), and his son; Carlitos Del Puerto, one of the busiest bassist/musicians currently on the Cuban scene! I could go on about how the bass-playing in Cuban/Latin music's not only melodic but has a unique percussive aspect that I find especially delightful but I've gone on for a bit too long already!;) I'll return you to yr regularly scheduled programming now. |
Although Conway Twitty has never been on my radar as a jazz aficionado, he sure sounds good on "Rainy Night In Georgia". Good music is undeniable, regardless of the genre, and that's very good music.
Enjoy the music.
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Excellent post Chazro.
****Does the Bass, the instrument, have any special place in Cuban music as compared to other Latin music??**** -Rok
One of the most distinctive and unique aspects of bass playing in Cuban music as opposed to, say, Brazilian music is that the bass rarely plays on beat one (!). Think about it. Beat one is the musical arrival point of a measure, a basic building block of any music's structure. In Cuban music the feeling of rhythmic arrival to the beginning of a measure is implied by the bass line, as opposed to actually having a note right on that beat; the bass note on beat one is held over from the previous beat (four). That is a key reason for the music's amazing swagger. |
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Thanks for all the info on Cuban bass, Players and technique. Sort of like what The Frogman said about Mariachi trumpet, the Bass playing readily identifies Cuban Music. Or at least some types of Cuban Music.
I have the Cachao 'Master Sessions vol one' CD. I will have to give it a listen today.
Cheers |
O-10:
I liked the Blakey cut from the Drum CD. I have that on LP, but I will now have to get it on CD, Seems like everytime you post, it costs me money.
What other music do you listen to besides Jazz? And will someone pleeaassseee comment on Dr John's 'The Monkey Speaks His Mind' I have mentioned it several times over the months, to total silence.
Cheers |
Rok, you got it as soon as I hear it. |
I am no monkey, but I will speak my mind about the Dr. John cut anyway :-)
In typical Dr. John fashion, amazing groove. And what a voice! Hard to believe, but as he gets older his voice drips more and more funk; it's almost scary. The band is smoking. Simple, repetitive playing, but grooving like there's no tomorrow in order to feature Dr. John's "from the gut" singing and Nicholas Payton's trumpet in great "call and response" interplay. I love the use of handclaps as percussion; somehow seems appropriate for a song about monkeys speaking to each other.
What I find most interesting about the song is how a fun and infectious groove can be married to lyrics with a strong social-conscious message. And what a message. Great stuff! |
I felt the trumpet was 'commenting' on the lyrics of the song, or, talking to a seperate audience as DR John was telling his story.
Simple playing, but taken in context, it is awesome!! The inflections spoke of 'outrage' or 'are you kidding me?'
Probably just me. I love it. Cranked up in my car, wow!
Reminds me in a way of Marsalis on Layla. Simple but wow!
Cheers |
****I felt the trumpet was 'commenting' on the lyrics of the song, or, talking to a seperate audience as DR John was telling his story.****
That's a great way of putting. "Call and response": We're saying the same thing.
From Wiki:
++++In music, a call and response is a succession of two distinct phrases usually played by different musicians, where the second phrase is heard as a direct commentary on or response to the first. It corresponds to the call-and-response pattern in human communication and is found as a basic element of musical form, such as verse-chorus form, in many traditions.++++
Wow is right! |
Speaking of great music. Currently watching 'HIGH NOON'. What would that movie be without the soundtrack. Just good, not great. Great commentary on human reaction to fear and pressure.
Cheers |
Call and response. I should have said that. Considering how much Gospel I have heard in my life.
Thanks for your input.
Cheers |
Rok, you open up a whole new discussion when you bring up film music. Definitely the most underrated aspect of film to the general audiences. Music has made the difference in so many great films. Some filmmakers even liked to have the music written first, and then build their scenes around it. A favorite example of this for me is Sergio Leone's Once Upon A Time In The West. The use of the music in that film is genius. But, we shouldn't hijack a jazz thread talking about that, so I'll shut up now. |
Leersfool, you've already caused this jazz aficionado to purchase "The Film Music of Bronislaw Kaper", on solo piano. While the music is good it's not recommended for one reason only; when one person on piano has to project such a wide range of emotions, he has to use dynamic range and nuance like you wouldn't believe, this music only sounds good on my "He man" rig.
I'm enjoying the way you're introducing us to new music, and elements of music that I never observed before. Your contributions are invaluable, and I appreciate them.
Enjoy the music.
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Speaking of famous solos:
Would anyone care to comment on Paul Gonsalves' 'Interlude' :) on 'Diminuendo in Blue and Crescendo in Blue'? Ellington at Newport.
I will assume we all have this! If not, turn in your Jazz Aficionado membership Card.
Cheers |
Am I the only person who finds it difficult to appreciate "solo" piano; where's the bass, where's the saxophone, where's the something besides a lone piano. No reflection on the music or the artist, but a personal observation of my perception of music; I need a combination of instruments.
While it's been nice to hear Kaper's music played on solo piano by Kaper, this listener requires a band in order for the music to project a wide range of emotions, and get me involved.
Enjoy the music.
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Isochronism, your recommendation "Angel Eyes" by Jimmy Smith is a real winner. Like good wine, he's improved with age. His ability to plumb the musical depths of these standards, plus the very skillful use of excellent sidemen, made up for the lack of "fireworks" I've always associated with "Jimmy Smith".
While the names of some of the sidemen were new to me, I'll look for them in the future.
Enjoy the music.
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Leersfool, this version of "On Green Dolphin Street" has to be my favorite. Bill Evans "intro" on piano is what sets this version off from so many others, and of course Miles and Cannonball are really beautiful as well; but it's still Bill Evans piano that takes it away. It's amazing how just one song can take you down so many very interesting paths; from Bronislaw Kaper, to Miles Davis. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IrVnm66joQkEnjoy the music. |
O-10, I like the Prasant. First thing I hear is the good tone. They are playing in a different dialect of the Jazz language. I will have to listen some more. Regarding pianist, I like to hear them in both settings. The group interaction is always of interest to me. Not just their solo's, but what do they add to the others. I also am interested in how they play when they have to carry everything on their own. Different ways of listening and playing. One Saxophonist I followed and lost track of, is Craig Handy. I will have to see what he is doing today. Saw him with Herbie around this time. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vKlFv0mhi3s |
Recent Arrival:
Freddie Hubbard & Jimmy heath
JAM GEMS - "LIVE" AT THE LEFT BANK
Great Live recording. You know the audience is there, but it adds to the peformance. The sound is, as if you are sitting in the crowd. Might not be to 'audiophile' taste. Jazz lovers should love it. I think it was recorded by a Jazz Society in Baltimore.
Excellent liner notes, that even address why some folks just can't let go of the OLD stuff. Includes me.
Doc Pomus is quoted, explaining the difference between a studio record and a "LIVE" performance from the musicians perspective.. Very interesting.
The playing is just awesome. The tune 'Bluesville' almost approaches 'Hog Calling Blues'. Not quite, but that type of tune. You could say, 'they turned the joint out.' It was a true Jam Session, as the title states.
The rhythm section is not known to me, but they hung with the horns. All the tunes are long. 'Autumn Leaves' goes 17 minutes. Check it out.
Highly Recommended.
Cheers |
Orpheus10, thanks for the link to the Radhakrishnan link. I enjoy the fusion of ethnic music within a jazz setting (jazz quartet). However, I find Bengal-jazz fusion to be generally less successful than, for instance, Afro-Cuban jazz. This particular example, while pleasant and competent, never really takes off for me. Likewise, the saxophone playing is not particularly inspired. The tone is not as well developed as that of most good jazz players and is consistently flat in pitch. Overall, the feeling that I am left with is that of a better university music school jazz quartet recital.
Glad you enjoyed (with reservations) the Bronislaw Kaper solo piano recommendation. Give it more of a chance, the positives (personal and insightful interpretations as only a composer can) transcend the minimalist setting.
Regards. |
OK, since you opened the door with the 'Bengal Jazz' clip, here's one by the outstanding NY Gypsy All-Stars. Probably not going to float everybody's boat, but give it a chance. It's great stuff!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p66kffsA_mQ&feature=player_detailpage
Listening to them led me to this band featuring 2 of it's members in a different setting/group; The Secret Trio. I love this record!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KBNGLSLwjbA&feature=player_detailpage |
