Jazz for aficionados

If I like smoked oysters, that doesn't count, I guess?

Only if you can complete the trifecta by including escargot, O.

As with music, "acquired taste" presumes open mindedness to the possibilities of the unfamiliar.  In part, its a mindset.  Is one going to be the type of individual who is always looking to the past for the coziness of the familiar or is one going to remain open to the possibility that there may be something just as good or better in the new.  There may be healthy skepticism toward the new, but when it blinds us to the potential of the new and puts the familiar on a pedestal without any skepticism, it's not a good thing, imo.  Example:

From my vantage point there has been as much "old" jazz (I dislike "jazz-jazz") posted here that I would consider mediocre or even sub-par as there has been "new" jazz that I can say the same about.  This goes to what I think is a key question that never receives a satisfactory answer in the endless debate about old vs. new jazz:

What purpose, exactly, does it serve to hold on to a stance that always looks back in time for the only "good" jazz?  Does this make the staunch old-jazz fan a better or more appreciative listener by being closed to the possibilities of the new?  No way, and certainly not if one considers ALL that gets posted here as "good".  Moreover, I don't read any particularly insightful comments or explanations as to why old jazz is always "better" other than "I say it is". "new jazz is noise", or "Wynton says it is".  Nobody is saying that The Jazz Pistols are on the same artistic level as Coltrane; that would be silly.  However, I don't think that this is the issue.  Importantly, I don't think that there is anyone here who likes new-jazz that doesn't also like quality old-jazz; it seems that the reverse is not true.  Why does it bother some that others find value in some new-jazz and can appreciate both new and old as long as it is of high quality?  Does it "protect" old jazz by being closed to what the new has to offer?  No way.  In fact, I would say that being so close-minded toward new jazz and insulting of those who like it only serves to sour the new jazz listeners to exploring the old.  

O-10, Lew Tabackin, with the possible exception of Hubert Laws is the most accomplished flute player in jazz today; accomplished as an instrumentalist.  Whether he is anyone's favorite jazz player on flute is up for debate, but he is certainly one of the very best.  Beautiful player and beautiful rendition of Duke's composition.  I don't know if it was intentional or accidental on your part, but posting that clip on the heels of a discussion about Duke and classical music was great; what in music is called a great "segue".  

Duke was a student of the great classical composers and while I have no way of knowing whether that composition was inspired by this other one or not, I have no doubt that Lew Tabackin, a devoted classical flute student, had this other piece in mind when he chose to play Duke's composition on flute instead of saxophone (his other instrument).  Claude Debussy's "Syrinx" for solo flute is, to classical flute players, like "Night In Tunisia" is to beboppers; a staple of the repertory.  Obviously two different styles of music, but I think that the similarities in the two melodies are striking.  I am posting "Pyramid" again for the sake of comparison:

"Syrinx"
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=aw53VrbI4l0
"Pyramid"
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=rTp9mjI04kM

Why do so many of these 'new Jazz' groups feature guitar players so prominently?

Inquiring minds want to know.

Cheers

***** Moreover, I don't read any particularly insightful comments or explanations as to why old jazz is always "better" other than "I say it is". "new jazz is noise", or "Wynton says it is"*****

Wynton said that The stuff Miles and Metheny was playing,  was NOT JAZZ.  Had nothing to do with new or old Jazz.   It was not Jazz of any type.   He was / is right.

Do you think New Jazz is always better?   Do you think it is equal to the original?   Do you think there is no difference is artistic quality?

I say one era is light years ahead of the other in both quality and quantity.  Others may disagree.

I do think, that if there was not a constant attempt to keep real Jazz in the conversation, it would NEVER be talked about on this thread.

Cheers

BTW, by old and new, I do not refer to the date it was played, written or recorded, but to the type of 'Jazz' it is.   A lot of great Jazz being played today. A few examples are,  Dee Dee, JALC, Branford, Gregory porter, Christian MacBride, and a host of folks from the New Orleans scene.  There are many other recent greats, but I am not sure they are still with us.  It seems like never a day goes by that we don't lose someone.

Cheers

Emmanuel Pahud: Debussy/ Syrinx, is hauntingly beautiful.

Lew Tabackin's "Pyramid" is likewise, ever so beautiful.

Today is a good day for music;

  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fE0qBOhVsiM


Old versus New, is not the issue; what I like and don't like is the issue.


From my vantage point there has been as much "old" jazz (I dislike "jazz-jazz") posted here that I would consider mediocre or even sub-par as there has been "new" jazz that I can say the same about. This goes to what I think is a key question that never receives a satisfactory answer in the endless debate about old vs. new jazz:


While I agree with what you posted, it seems that I'm supposed to like jazz because it's new as opposed to "music" to my ears; whether it's new or old, either I like it or I don't like it.

I feel like I'm "short timin" and I don't have enough left to evaluate for any length  of time.

I don't recall being a fan of Wynton? Maybe part of your post applies to someone else who I refuse to name.


Enjoy the music.

Herby Mann, sure is sounding good today.

"Comin Home Baby"

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RJEjFh2FOzA

    "Norwegian Wood"

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RJEjFh2FOzA


I bought a record "Common Ground" by Herby, and I liked the music, but not the recording quality; later on I discovered he couldn't hear too well.

Does anybody have that with good recording quality?


Enjoy the music.

****Do you think New Jazz is always better?****

Read my comments and you will note that I have never said anything remotely like that.

**** Do you think it is equal to the original? ****

Some of it is not only the equal of "the original", some of it is better.  Now, please note the use of the word "some".

**** Do you think there is no difference in artistic quality?****

Sometimes there is.  Sometimes it's better.  Please read my comments again, and the previous answer and please note "sometimes".  

Why do you think that the type of jazz it is defines how good it is?  So, mediocre or bad old jazz is, by definition, better than any new jazz?  

****I say one era is light years ahead of the other in both quality and quantity. Others may disagree.****

Ok, so what?  If you can't find any value at all in music that is the product of and relevant to the time that you are living in, that is your issue, not mine.  The simple fact that it is jazz of today is something that, by definition, gives it relevance and validity as a vehicle for creative expression.  Whether you like it or not is a different matter.  As far as quantity goes there is no doubt that you are correct; plenty of reasons for that.  However, again, so what?  How does that fact automatically make all of what IS there "bad" (noise)?  

As always, no problem with not liking something, but why bother attempting discourse about music if there won't be a bare minimum of civility by, at least, not calling what someone else may like "noise"? 

****I do think, that if there was not a constant attempt to keep real Jazz in the conversation, it would NEVER be talked about on this thread.****

Not quite sure what you mean by that.  If you are suggesting that it is YOUR attempt only, you would be incorrect and aren't paying attention.  Speaking for myself, I have posted at least as much "real" (by your definition) jazz than new jazz.  Furthermore, who's stopping you from talking about it? Talk away.  If you are suggesting that we should not talk about new jazz at all, well, I think you know better.

Hey, today is Dolo Coker's birthday.   One of the truly unsung heroes of the piano.  Here's some "real" Jazz for you; enjoy:

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=efyQylrJm3U

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=M1adP_dhbfg

O - I listened to Tabackin’s "Pyramid" that you had posted. Also spent time with "Jazz at the Castle"...a live recording of the Lew Tabackin Quartet. This features him mainly on tenor sax but does include one piece of his flute music, "Return of Pan". His flute playing is very good and even to my ear seems to reflect classical training as noted by Frogman.

I was impressed with his sax playing on Jazz at the Castle. The style seems very modern as opposed to "old jazz" though I’m guessing the tunes are more old school. Not Free Jazz (that mostly does seem like noise to me) but his solos do have a more abstract less structured quality than the tight, well structured solos I associate with hard bop, be bop or cool jazz. Some of his playing reminded me of something I’d hear from one of Frank Zappa’s bands (Ian Underwood, specifically).

One of my realities is that the instrumental work and musicianship are NOT what I don’t get or like about old style jazz. It’s more that many (but not all) of old style jazz songs themselves just don’t grab me. They just aren’t interesting no matter how inventive the solos. And that’s said with all due respect to the thousands and thousands of jazz fans for whom the various well-regarded pieces DO make a big connection. I prefer a more contemporary sound song-structure-wise. That’s the best way I know how to describe my jazz tastes. Wish I could provide more music theory detail about what that means. I only recognize it when I hear it. Don’t know enough to predict it up front.

Some of Weather Report’s "oeuvre" represents what I like; Tony Williams Lifetime, too; the Pat Martino Joyous Lake that Frogman recommended works for me BUT absolutely NOT ALL his stuff (e.g., that work with Joey DeFrancesco); a good bit of Pat Metheny - but not his more traditional jazz recordings.

I didn’t bring up Jazz Pistols so they could be an object of ridicule (sorry for those that think that way) or even a touchstone of the best in modern jazz - I’m not that ignorant...there’s only going to be one Coltrane (or Miles or Evans). I do raise them (as well as Neil Cowley and Snarky Puppy) as examples of contemporary musicians - whether you call it jazz or not - whose compositions hold my interest AND who I also happen to think are, objectively, very good musicians.  

So, that’s my meditation triggered by Mr. Tabackin’s flute playing.

PS -
Further unsolicited comments...

I thought Frogman’s 4:50 & 9:18 PM posts from 11/16 well-reasoned, and moderate in tone. Very good job expressing views I share.

Classical music didn’t end at the start of the 20th century even though a work by Bartok is dramatically different than one by Mozart and even though I might loathe some 20th century "classical" music. In similar fashion, I don’t see a reason certain music can’t be called "jazz" just because it differs so much from what came before. Miles or Coltrane sure as heck were not simply recreating stuff they’d grown up with. It’s the constant growth and change that keeps art alive. Want to kill jazz? Put it under glass in a museum and don’t let it change.

On a happier note (for me anyway)....

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k72QAvE3cP0&ab_channel=SnarkyPuppy-Topic

Music is a composite picture of everything about you; where you were born, when you were born, your life experiences, and your personality.

I see no reason to "cultivate" a taste for anything; just let it flow, and let everything find you, that's the natural order of things, and they work best that way.

As an example, I have a CD titled "The World's Best Classical Music", and I can hardly get past the first cut; that's the natural order of things, that's the way it's supposed to be.

Ghosthouse, when you expressed your disdain for the "standards" in jazz, that said it all. Enjoy whatever you find that's enjoyable, and leave the rest; go on life's merry journey with a song in your heart, and a smile on your face.

That's my advice for the day, and there is no charge, that was free.

O - Please, where did I express "disdain for the standards in jazz"?

From Merriam Webster -
Full Definition of disdain: a feeling of contempt for someone or something regarded as unworthy or inferior : scorn.

The fact I don’t find certain music interesting is way different than saying I regard it as inferior or with scorn! Unlike some around here, I’m not passing judgement on its merits in any objective way. I have too much respect for the genre and the opinions of many others to place myself in that falsely superior sort of position. It’s a case of brussel sprouts, beets, or liver and onions. Works for some, just not for me. Almost feel like I need to go compile a list of old jazz that I do find interesting. Well, no need. Here is something right at hand: Allen Toussaint’s "Bright Mississppi". That’s old stuff but it works for me in that album...wonderful arrangements and musicianship, great song selection and track sequencing. I do admit the fact such music held and holds my interest did surprise me. Could add to the list (e.g., that Blue Note Concert DVD; various Coltrane recordings; the Les McCann "On Time") but won’t. Just don’t want you to misunderstand what I was saying. I will continue to check out the various musics recommended here. Some will stick and some won’t. That’s more a comment about me since, to paraphrase you, the music we love is a composite picture of everything about us; where we were born, when we were born, our life experiences, and personalities. Well said. We’re happy for the stuff that sticks.

Peace.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KqBZetLqYFY&ab_channel=StefanoBrilli

Ghosthouse, "Oregon" is nice, they are well represented in my collection. Whether or not it's jazz "What difference does it make"? It's good music.

Like I said in my last post "Go with the flow that is you" We can't all like the same music.

Ghosthouse, I appreciate your honesty, more than anything in regard to music that's new to you. Currently I'm into "old school" Jimmy Smith, and I would like your opinion of this music.

You can't be expected to like it as well as me and other aficionados, because I heard this music when it was brand new, and I couldn't wait to get to the record store to get the latest "Jimmy Smith". This was when he was making albums with Kenny Burrell on guitar; that was a pair made in heaven. Two of my favorites were "Motorin Along" and "All Day Long"


    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IUVDk0BCYxs


    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G4Qg7tAEGQw


Enjoy the music.

Hello O - Always appreciate the music suggestions. Jimmy Smith is a name I actually know. My bro in law, a musician and boutique studio owner (does it all...engineering, production, arranging, mastering) is a good keyboard player too. Has a Hammond B3 he’s done some restoration on. He turned me on to "Back at the Chicken Shack". Jimmy Smith was in that Blue Note concert DVD too.  Of your two tracks, I like Motorin’ Along best.  Burrell and Smith is a good combination.  I like what Burrell plays on that track a lot.  His sound might not have the bite of modern electric "rock" guitar but he sure has great skills.

Got to say, I think we should meet up some time for lunch at Kate’s. Wish there were more of those old style luncheonettes still around.  Might have to get that Home Cookin' just for the cover art.  Thanks.

Ghosthouse, that would be nice to meet up at a luncheonette like Kate's; it was at a place like that I had lunch and met with a friend, who played "Motorin Along" on the jukebox there every time we met.

It's a funny thing about those old "Tube jukeboxes"; they were my first exposure to "high end" and I didn't even know it. I didn't even know why I liked the much prettier SS Boxes a lot less when they made the changeover.

I don't like to repeat, so be sure and tell me if you've heard this before. "Oregon" reminded me of a group I liked a lot, that I was buying at about the same time I bought "Oregon"; that was the group "Shadowfax". Here is "One Thousand Teardrops".


          https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aQY0rA5W574


They also had the best recording quality I had been exposed to. If you liked Oregon, I imagine you liked this group as well.


Enjoy the music.

That’s a good memory for you, O. I’m guessing you have 10 years on me based on the music you were listening to and your description of the juke boxes. By my time I’m guessing it was all solid state in the NJ diners. They’d have these table top terminals with a big wheel on top to turn and flip a sort of Rolodex with the names of the singles. Feed it quarters and punch in a number or letter and number to get your song(s) in the que.

I know of Shadowfax. Have one of their LPs (Dreams of Children) I bought not all that long ago. Did not follow them closely. There used to be a good program on public radio out of NYC, "New Sounds". John Schaeffer was the host. See link here...
http://www.wnyc.org/people/john-schaefer/

He played a range of new age, ambient and electronica on his program. That’s where I first heard Shadowfax. Also got introduced to Brian Eno, Harold Budd and Jon Hassell through that show.

If you enjoy Shadowfax, you might like The Penguin Cafe Orchestra. Here’s a sample. Pretty certain it ain’t jazz, though. Might not even be that similar to Shadowfax but the two names are linked in my head for whatever reason.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NPpRJoYISSQ&ab_channel=itsfredholmestoyou

Found "A Thousand Teardrops" on Tidal (included in the album "What Goes Around: The Best of Shadowfax".  Playing it now.

I hope you're enjoying "Shadofax"; I'll peruse my collection and see what else I can find by them.

While my collection might be 90% "jazz jazz", even steak everyday would get boring; this side trip is proving to be quite interesting.

Enjoy the music.

Ghosthouse, I'm surprised that you liked "Bright Mississippi", but it encompasses many cultures and goes back a long way; a wide range of people like it, that indicates how broad that "Nawlins" thing is.

I just found "Ancient Future"; their music is akin to "Shadow Fax", I posted a few cuts before, now I'll see if I can find some new cuts to post.

This one is from the CD "Asian Fusion"

            https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mKMRAUlAB6E


This is from the CD "Dreamchaser"


            https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6ViRD6ZoGM8


Between the two CD's you might find something that will catch your ear.


Enjoy the music.

Ha, O. - Yup. As I said liking The Bright Mississippi surprised me too. But that is just some great music - jazz or otherwise.

I will check out your Ancient Future links. That name definitely rings a bell. Pretty certain John Schaefer played them on his New Sounds show.

Right now listening to Oregon, "Distant Hills".

Great ensemble, Oregon!  Been a fan since college days.  One of the few ensembles or artists that managed to combine truly deep musical substance and creativity with just the right amount of "New Age" sound while avoiding the (to me) triteness and "lite" quality of most New Age music.  I can see the comparison to Shadowfax, but imo on a whole other level of instrumental playing and composition.  Love Paul Macandless.  My two favorite Oregon recordings:

https://m.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLJIIJOjfU48zOHYKrQ_QmiSpZY5Mfx6Sw

https://m.youtube.com/watch?list=PLgthOlnYSrEZAB3bnLtkK0Z4ofC1_hkbj&v=jXU0hiHUw3k

Mose Allison -R.I.P.

I can tell from"Yellow Bell", that Oregon has good recording quality; it was about that time they realized how important such things are.


I am enjoying the music.

Ghosthouse and others, some mean guitar and not only that...from the year 1968. 
'Comeback special' session....

https://youtu.be/bB0OvdCmESY

Oregon "...managed to combine truly deep musical substance and creativity with just the right amount of "New Age" sound while avoiding the (to me) triteness and "lite" quality of most New Age music."

Great observations, Frogman. PLUS, Oregon had the Ralph Towner factor.

Read some comments from him about Oregon, something to the effect of, they saw themselves as a small chamber orchestra.

O - Here’s another surprise (was to me too)...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=julm1AwNn1U&ab_channel=d22

I don’t think my copy of the CD has liner notes like this one though. (That’s because this YouTube clip is from the re-issue. I went with the original CD release.)

Tonight, listening to this one. Not a false note in the whole thing. Link above is to Patterns but Stolen Moments is probably my favorite on the album.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zpwxyQh2ZdA&ab_channel=ObertonePerformanceArt

Alex - I tried to check out your "mean guitar" link but got this notice:This video contains content from elvis. It is not available in your country.

I always heard The King had a tight backing band but know very little of the particulars. Just never was a big fan of The King. My appreciation of good musicianship is a little broader than it was, so I am curious about what you hear in that track.

Found both Roots in the Sky and Out of the Woods on Tidal and saved them to Favorites. My initial impression is both are more polished and better realized than Winter Light or Distant Hills. Yes, O...sonics on these (Yellow Bell playing now) are very good. A pleasure to listen to on a number of levels. Not sure Rok would call it jazz. There’s definitely an improvisational element but don’t think they are working from a blues structure. Liking it quite a bit. Thanks to both of you for the recommendations.

PS - I'm no Oregon expert.  I backed into Oregon only superficially after discovering Towner's Solstice on ECM.  Paid more attention to Tower as solo artist than diving into Oregon.   But now it's a new window of opportunity.  

"My favorite comment of hers was when she was interviewed about Amy Winehouse recording with the Daptone house band. She said something like "Some people study the blues and then try to sing it. While I open my mouth the blues just pours out". "


I copied this from another thread talking about the recent  death of Blues singer Sharon Jones.   Substitute the word 'Blues' with 'Jazz'.

By Jove, I think she nailed it.  Makes a good point for this thread.

Cheers

Ghosthouse, thanks for those Jamal clips.  Fantastic!  Had not heard those and they are interesting to me in that they show Jamal playing in a somewhat different style from the chord-heavy approach of "Poinciana" days; more use of melodic lines in the right hand.  Great player.  I particularly enjoyed "Trio-Patterns" and beautiful rendition of "Stolen Moments" with a unexpected lilt and slightly faster tempo compared to the classic original:

https://m.youtube.com/watch?list=PLcJnGPHSdzd9HgCBYpZ7TAHQZg4v2Z9rX&v=I777BcgQL9o

I think "chamber-jazz" is a good description of Oregon's style.  Very strong improvisational element as you point out.  Combine this with very interesting and sometimes complex structures in their compositions and virtuosic playing and it pushes the broader "jazz" button for me.  Whatever it is, it's really good music.  Towner is a monster musician and a driving force in the group.  

****(Sharon Jones) makes a good point for this thread**** -Rok

What I think makes a good point for this thread is that while being so intent on pointing out what is not jazz (in your opinion only) you overlook great stuff like the Jamal clips.  I think we are probably due for the twentieth posting of Ravel's "Bolero"; or perhaps more Billy Ocean or Luther Vandross.  Now, THOSE will really get my feet and fingers tapping on two and four ☺️.  You can join the party anytime. Cheers.

Ahmad Jamal is heavily represented on my play list. If I remember correctly, Rok dropped out when I put the "Spotlight" on Ahmad Jamal; but, the old memory ain't what she used to be.

Presently, I'm enjoying everyone else's links so much, that I don't want to spoil the party by submitting any.


I am enjoying the music.

Frogman - Glad you liked the Ahmad Jamal clips and doubly so as they are new to you.  Both are from his album, The Awakening (as you no doubt saw).  A recording well worth owning.  

Rok - thanks for that glimpse of Sharon Jones.  I saw a few comments about her passing but know nothing at all about her.  Will have to check her out.  

My apology to everyone, especially Rok for being unaware of "Sharon Jones". For most of my life I have been "exclusively" into jazz.


          https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IlPE1rEdAdI


It's for sure I heard music, and was entertained by musicians like "Sharon Jones" when I went out on the weekend, which was every weekend. (in my twenties) There were more clubs than I could count, that had clubs with live music like this on the weekend in St. Louis.


          https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8ouI5KcyHfE



Sharon Jones family, and fans have my condolences.

Sharon Jones.

***** I think we are probably due for the twentieth posting of Ravel's "Bolero"; or perhaps more Billy Ocean or Luther Vandross.  Now, THOSE will really get my feet and fingers tapping on two and four ******

No one can say I ever posted the same tune 20 times.  19, maybe, but never 20.  Anyone who says different, speaks with forked tongue.

But I always want to see feet tapping and fingers popping so:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I0XMn0U9b2Y

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Uc8wmLul3uw

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fV8vB1BB2qc

Not Jazz, but these days, what is.

Cheers

Ry Cooder.

Andreas Vollenweider is a musician who put on an incredible performance when I saw him live. Since this was a big theater I carried two pairs of binoculars, one to focus on close up, and another to get the big picture.

The percussion section was the most impressive; that guy had more chimes, gongs, and drums than you would believe. How he knew when to strike each piece is a mystery to me.

Andreas played two different kinds of harps plus a koto; he put on an unforgettable performance. We were seated in the mezzanine; it was like being in the middle of a gigantic speaker.

While seeing him, and his crew perform live was extremely engrossing, I hope you can use a little imagination while listening to what I've submitted, and bounce around on this site until you find your favorite "vollenweider".


        https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=me6aASTOglE



Enjoy the music.

A Happy Thanksgiving to everyone.  Certainly, for me, much to be grateful for.  

Acman...thanks for those Ari Hoenig links.  A new name to me.  I enjoyed that 2nd "All Blues".  Sure don't sound like blues though!  I appreciate drummers that play with a light hand and don't use a monster kit.  Funny when he drops a stick.  Didn't seem to bother him at all.  Would be interesting to read Frogman's "précis" of that piece and performance.  There's a '74 Ron Carter record called, "All Blues".  I wonder if there's a connection to that.  

Very good Acman, I've gotten too old to become acclimated to new music; this sounds so good, it even feels good.

"All Blues"


Miles Davis – trumpet
Julian "Cannonball" Adderley – alto saxophone (except on "Blue in Green")
John Coltrane – tenor saxophone
Bill Evans – piano (except on "Freddie Freeloader")
Wynton Kelly – piano (on "Freddie Freeloader")
Paul Chambers – double bass
Jimmy Cobb – drums


Coltrane! Coltrane! Coltrane! and of course Miles and the rest of the group.


Enjoy the music.

Don Pullen

I don't think we've heard much of Lou Donaldson, who happens to be one of the first jazz sax's, and also one of the best in my collection; this tune "Blues Walk" is a classic in jazz;

              https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tNR7822K_40


Lou Donaldson - alto saxophone
Herman Foster - piano
Peck Morrison - bass
Dave Bailey - drums
Ray Barretto - congas


                https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AL05FVn5TNw


              https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mh0rmzefIhM


Enjoy the music.

Things seem kinda quiet lately.  Maybe this'll get them woke up...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I_CPjSdSVEM&ab_channel=IkeDysonSOULTUBE

I don't know these guys from Adam.  Just stumbled on them now looking for something funky to post.  They got that.  

Well The JBs wore out their welcome somewhere way north of track 10.  Party over but they wouldn't go home.  

Something a little more interesting here, maybe...  


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=spH_3GV6YsY&ab_channel=u0u0

When I was a kid, my mama told me, if you haven't got anything nice to say, keep yo mouth shut. Somehow I still follow her sage advice.

Takuya Kuroda is nice; he achieves a very pleasant balance that makes for easy listening.


Enjoy the music.

Ghosthosue and others, if you are looking for some funky music, guess this you might like.

 Couple of live albums of Maceo Parker

 'Maceo'
https://youtu.be/wlC3Y8d5Iio

'Life on planet groove'
https://youtu.be/x9fNIrpkEiE

Great accompanists don’t necessarily make consistently great soloists and great soloists don’t necessarily make great accompanyists. "The JB’s", as good and as funky as they were, were still usually "somebody else’s band"; and not just James Brown’s. Not a put down at all. Backing up a singer, especially one as imposing as James Brown is an art unto itself. I like the record and there are some real gems, and eventhough I may not make it to track eleven there’s some fun stuff........but I never feel like turning off James Brown. Imo, "The JB’s" seldom reach the level of tightness and funkiness that they do with James Brown up front. James Brown truly was a rhythm machine; the kind of soloist that could really propel the rhythm of the band and raise the overall level. At the same time, as good as the horn players in the band were at playing the usually sparse horn arrangements used when backing Brown with an amazing amount of tightness and "feel good" rawness, they just aren’t (even Maceo and he’s great) the kind of player that can sustain interest when playing extended solos instead of the short funky little statements that sound so good in James Brown’s arrangements. Also, as far as I’m concerned, if Clyde Stubblefiend is not the drummer it’s just not the same.

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=8L4gITE3nUc

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=AoQ4AtsFWVM

I liked the concept behind Kuroda’s music. Nice player and band, but I generally liked the concept more so than the execution of it sometimes wishing for a little less politeness in the playing; especially from the leader himself. I liked the dreamy and mellower tracks much better than the ones which tried to bring some funkiness in. Those did not have enough groove for me; ironically, especially when Kuroda played. One of my favorite "new jazz" trumpet players:

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=yMCdXT2p5Mk

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=PgwSZzsh1_I

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=yYJ7Trh81Z8

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=8tH4vayjWcA

Thanks for the clips; good stuff.