Salt water fish will die in fresh water, did you know that?
It doesn't hurt to have a little culture in your collection.
Enjoy the music.
It doesn't hurt to have a little culture in your collection.
Enjoy the music.
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.
31,624 responses Add your response
*****
It doesn't hurt to have a little culture in your collection.***** My collection is full of culture, it's called Jazz. I also listened to this today. Karajan - Berliner - LvB's 9th (1963) SACD. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GXb9cjIqCdU&index=9&list=PLL6zl3g4rvEMCe863XBsN-gypgjTzoUNh Cheers |
Has Kathleen Battle ever sung "Senor Blues", or any other kind of blues? Here is an album I'm sure should be in your collection; it has "Senor Blues" and "Ysabels Table Dance" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kcD5EJoeNO0 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PCq96ioO-UY Enjoy the music. |
*****
Has Kathleen Battle ever sung "Senor Blues", or any other kind of blues? ****** Not that I know of, but she did do this Ellington tune with Branford. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kmfPiEoFHm0 Cheers |
*****
If Kathleen Battle sang Honky Tonk Blues it would sound like classical.***** I think you're right. Here is some blues that sound like blues: Today's Listen: Duke Pearson -- DEDICATION with Freddie hubbard, pepper adams and others https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZmcGijmEtCg https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dzCON1osVOI Cheers |
Your question prompted me to compile a list from my LP spreadsheet of all the artists for whom I have at least 20 LP's (below). I'm not sure this completely represents my list of the greatest (IMHO) since there are another 250 names on the list of the 1700 Jazz LP's I own, most all of which I love, But some of my real favorites, of course, did turn up. I agree with Frogman that Kirk is among the very best, as is Mingus and Dolphy, but then I could go on and on ... Miles Davis 55, Charles Mingus 51,Art Farmer 42,John Coltrane 39, Dexter Gordon 35, Thelonious Monk 35, Sonny Rollins 30, Donald Byrd 29, Rahsaan Roland Kirk 29, Cannonball Adderley 28, Sonny Stitt 27, Eric Dolphy 25, Duke Ellington 25, Gene Ammons 22, Art Blakey 22, Yusef Lateef 22, Gerry Mulligan 22, Count Basie 21, Dizzy Gillespie 21, J.J.Johnson 21, Jackie McLean 21, Horace Silver 20. (P.S. I won't get into the whole CD vs LP thing because with Tidal, I essentially have everything in) |
Hear the First Jazz Record, Which Launched the Jazz Age: “Livery Stable Blues” (1917) The first jazz recording to sell a million copies. And helped set off a jazz craze. http://www.openculture.com/2017/02/hear-livery-stable-blues-the-first-commercial-jazz-record-which-l... |
I define "Dixieland" as something distinctly different from Jazz, they didn't even spell it right; but each to his own. My definition of "Jazz" is that music that came after the "Bird"; he was the most influential man in the history of jazz. The current music people call jazz is lost, it's like a river looking for an ocean, meandering all over the place. Thanks to "you tube" I'm discovering more "real" jazz day by day; they created so much of it there was no way to consume it all in such a short time, I'm not going back in time, I'm just listening to the music I didn't get a chance to hear when it was created. The "aficionados" we have right now, have helped me to discover all the music I didn't hear when it was created during "The Golden Age of Jazz" and I appreciate that; if we kept the aficionados we now have on this thread, but never gained any more, I would be quite satisfied, and that includes disagreements and all. Enjoy the music. |
Has anyone noticed how "fundamentally" different we are from the rest of the Agoners? That's a reality we have to face. The people who we love and miss, as opposed to the people "they" love and miss, is the best example I can think of. When they are heartbroken, I don't know the guy from Adam's house cat. Now I'm heart broken over Al Jarreau. I'm sure they would grieve with me if they knew who Al Jarreau was, but since nobody has mentioned it, I don't think they do, and he's not some unknown, but that's just how different they are. I know my timing is bad, but it's just another one of my faults. Al Jarreau seemed like a warm hearted friend who I knew personally. This will always be my favorite; https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p3qYZv9J9dM We miss you Al. |
Fantastic document, Alex; thanks for that. One of the many beautiful things about Jazz is that it is a never ending continuum; always evolving. Some may not be willing to accept (or like) this fact, but a fact it is and it would serve "aficionados" well to put their favorite period in the history of the music in the context of this fact. There are no "best" nor "most influential" in this music since our favorites from any given period would not have been possible without those who came before them. Bird would not have been possible without Pops. So, with that in mind, who then is the "most" influential? Personally, I find early jazz fascinating and very enjoyable just as I do quality examples from any other period, early or recent. I would never suggest that everyone has to like jazz from every period in its history, but I would suggest that to not be dismissive of the music that led to our favorite period adds a great deal to our appreciation and enjoyment of our preferred style of jazz. I would also suggest that to be so quick to dismiss those early styles belies a fundamental flaw in a person’s understanding of the music. The origins of the word "Jazz" is one of the most researched in the English language and the spelling "jass" is not "wrong". It is, in fact, how the word was originally spelled; along with "jasz", "jasm" and with origins in the word "jism" (!). It’s a very interesting story which every "aficionado" should be aware of; just like the very important fact that Pops was far more than an "entertainer". Personally, until I understand things of this nature, I would not be so quick to pat myself on the back for being so unique and insightful compared to others. We tend to think we know a lot more than we do; human nature, I suppose. |
Frogman! How was the weather in the Caribbean? Or was it The Med this time? (that's short for Mediterranean) Well it's good to see that you're back. Since I'm not a historian, but an "aficionado" with feeling, I'm only curious about what I feel in regard to the music, and the only thing I feel when I hear 'Dixieland' is turn it down, or turn it off. Sometime I think of this song; https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IUjLE_N1Cuc Each to his or her own. |
Thanks for the "welcome back", O-10. Nothing nearly as exotic as the Med this time; just busy with life and work. "Detente"?: **** I would be quite satisfied, and that includes disagreements and all. **** Al Jarreau truly was a great jazz singer; a great musician. The vast majority of "great" singers couldn't come close to pulling this off with this kind of rhythmic confidence and accuracy. In five! : https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=hhq7fSrXn0c A favorite: https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=LRbtvRQUi8w |
I just discovered a record that was recorded in 60, but the entire album has this early 50's sound; King Pleasure can take you back to the good times of "Be-Bop", and the saxes are smoking, the sound is reminiscent of James Moody and the "Bird". https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=22vW4hza1vE&list=PLFqxqeCgaWFqBGkJSRsPysWyfwQJLf98f Enjoy the music. |
Today's Listen: Arturo O'Farrill & The Afro Latin Jazz Orchestra -- CUBA: THE CONVERSATION CONTINUES https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WXtsK6sZ0Jw Havana meets Nawlins? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dd9RxvAIIAk Cheers |
Randy Weston -- PORTRAITS OF THELONIOUS MONK He out Monks Monk. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yfhK3c-UO7o https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z88BeQtaxRg Cheers |
A quick hit & run to drop this off... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U8G_GvHeDx0&ab_channel=GEORGIEgirl.I Hope 2017 is off to a SMASHING start for everyone. |
Hail, hail, the gangs all here; they even brought some good music, current too. Ghosthouse, your music kind of reminds me of one of my favorites; https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tR4tHq1F_EY I am enjoying the music. |
Today's Listen: Kenny Drew Jr. Trio -- PORTRAITS OF MINGUS & MONK mingus https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZHl9YXqvqxY monk https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xo3YXSYoeVI Cheers |
Greetings O. Wasn't gonna visit long but you threw out this long lasso and hauled me back. :-) I LIKED that Vince Guaraldi. Tried to find info on the other musicians playing. Guitar work impressed me. Not finding "A Taste of Honey" or "Ballad of Pancho Villa" listed in Wiki for Vince. I do see credits for his work with one, Bola Sete. Is that who is playing? And what is the actual recording, a compilation? Melody sounded somewhat familiar but not exactly like A Taste of Honey that I remember from when Herb Alpert was getting airplay with it. Clue me in, please. In line with, "all flesh is grass"... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LGmQXuySF28&ab_channel=AUGUSTUS66ful |
I will never forget when the love of my life married another man; that's when I spoke to the river (the mighty Mississippi) I spoke to the river And the river spoke back to me It said man you look so lonely You look full of misery And if you can't find your baby Come and make your home with me. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ypSlDCbxETg https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JOHAXdD_mx0 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=axNkMWRcrPM Take your choice of one of these, or pick another one. Enjoy my music. |
Ghosthouse, I've got Vince and Bola Sete on record, but I can't find the record, and I'm not certain, but you can not go wrong with those two if you see them together. Although Herb Alpert sounded much different, it was the same tune. Here's another one by Vince; "Cast Your Fate to The Wind". https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rTA3aOfrDHA |
Orpheus, that is a really sad story, did it end well for you, somehow, somewhere, at the end? If you dont mind me asking? Ghosthouse, I could not open first Orpheus clip, to check whose on guitar, but some time ago I have posted first two albums of Vince Guaraldi, where he is joined with Eddie Duran on guitar. Here are couple of songs from that two albums for you to check and compare is it the same guy playing. https://youtu.be/-XWAqEG_uwk https://youtu.be/g0AiG4zFEMk If he is the guy that you like, than you could check his music as well, from the same period. 'Jazz Guitarists' from 1957 Duran was 32 when he recorded Jazz Guitarist, his first album as a leader in 1957. His sound and approach were deeply rooted in the bebop tradition, with echoes of Tal Farlow. With Duran on this debut was Howard Dudune—a cleantoned young clarinetist and Getz-derived tenor saxophonist—with support from bassist Dean Reilly and drummer John Markham. https://youtu.be/r690ZKDfZaU https://youtu.be/Tt8_78NL-dA Also,album from 1955. trio session with Ron Crotty and Vince Guaraldi. Crotty was a part of Dave Brubeck’s early groups and trio produced some relaxed and swinging jazz. Modern music from San Francisco https://youtu.be/lfNpRmod4eY https://youtu.be/gEEJNPuHb3Q Hope you will like it |
@alexatpos Thank you for that generous and informed reply. I will look into Eddie Duran and check out those various links you provided. See if this link works for you: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I7R6UoOkF6M&ab_channel=RW This is not the same link as what Orpheus posted but it is a version of Taste of Honey, a track on "From All Sides". Ballad of Pancho Villa (the link from O you could not open) appears to be a YouTube playlist with 27 Vince G tracks. Track 4 is Ballad of P.V.. Track 5 is Taste of Honey. Credits... From All Sides Bass – Fred Marshall Drums – Jerry Granelli Guitar – Bola Sete Piano – Vince Guaraldi "A Taste Of Honey" by Bola Sete |
Since it's a true story and you asked, I'll tell you. It's easy to fall in love but almost impossible to fall out of love. I was 18 when we met, and stayed together for a couple of years; then we broke up over something silly. (she was the same age) She got married, and that's when I spoke to the river, but it was too crowded at the time, and the river told me to come back when there was more room. I saw her out one night, and we went back together, while she was still married. That was pure hell, but I couldn't help myself; it was time for "Since I Fell For You"; I was living that song. This went on for two years, and I discovered that me and her husband were not enough, there was somebody else; that was the only thing that got me out of that mess. Her husband found out about me, and didn't want anything else to do with her. The funny thing is, after he dumped her, she came back to me, but I didn't want anything else to do with her. You can fall out of love but it ain't easy. (real life is convoluted) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vOpEg4VhyEw |
That looked good but this was what I heard at the same time when it came out; https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U7xrQY_FLM4 |
Ghosthouse, thanks for the clip. I ve got that album as well. Orpheues, hope I did not evoked some painthfull memories... Acman, that song came with perfect timing. Some thoughts on the same 'subject'.... https://youtu.be/swP4GyfmrnQ?list=PLux2ruI39ROp4aO1oBrc5qQ4FWgeO5lan |
Alex, those painful memories also brought back memories of some of the best times. Girls are never so beautiful as in those early and mid twenties, plus they are very active. The comments under both Lenny Welch songs say it all; read them, we all seemed to share the same emotions for an eternity; but stop and think about how incredible that woman who caused those emotions must have been. That same scenario was repeated many different ways throughout my life, and my only regret is that I'm too old for it to be repeated again. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2JSi3i_1lZQ Enjoy the music. |
I'm still down loading my vinyl to the PC play list, and making observations at the same time; the sonics on this $36 dollar 180 gram record are not as good as the original record. Think about it; it's easier for a lathe to cut through something soft, than something hard and heavy. The very best sonics I've gotten from any LP, is one that cost 50 cents at a Best Buy sale; it was flimsy. The music wasn't worth squat, but what was there, was as clear as mountain air. Rok, I'm sorry you sold your records, because current economics for "analog" as they call it (used to be just "records") are completely out of my league, plus we discovered those new CD's were better than my old LP's on that 100 best collection. Enjoy the music. |
Even one of the worlds greatest players knows all about loving and losing; http://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-1325443/Ava-Gardner-lover-Frank-Sinatra-tame.html |
I find it amazing how the lyrics to so many songs bring the reality of our existence into sharp focus, like a photographs taken at different times in our life. It's also interesting how so many others share the same emotions that the song brings into focus. Rich or poor, we all ride life's roller coaster with it's steep drop offs and sharp twists and turns; sometimes we don't think we will ever recover, but we do; only to get right back on for the thrill of the ride. In my mind, jazz lyrics are the most universal, followed by the Blues; however, with the Blues, it's the intensity of emotion projected by the artist, rather than the lyrics themselves. With Jazz, the music can express the words as well as the lyrics; take Lee Morgan, "Since I Fell For You"; I can hear Lenny Welch's lyrics through Lee Morgans horn; that's incredible, and beautiful at the same time. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1EjBJvYIj5Q Enjoy the music. |
Race and jazz: Art Pepper overheard some jive turkeys putting him down because he was white, and since he had heard that the word on the street was the ultimate word, he assumed this was it. While this is true, it's the word on the streets of New York, Chicago, and all major cities where jazz is heard. When he played with "The Rhythm Section" that should have settled his allegations of reverse racism, as well as shut down any African American claims that he was a lesser jazz artist than many other African American jazz artist. As far as I'm concerned it did. (plus I like his jazz) Chet Baker: There is a lot of controversy that swirls around Chet Baker, and my personal opinion wont help it any. Maybe this will settle it. https://artmodel.wordpress.com/2009/09/13/jazz-art-context-and-iconography/ Enjoy the music. |
Excellent article. Insightful and beautifully written; I loved it. The author touches on many of the themes that have come up here and I agree with just about every point made including her final verdict; "Well, I like Chet Baker; I just don't love him". I particularly liked her description of his playing from both technical and expressiveness standpoints and their respective limitations. She does a great job of putting it all in the context of how an artist is perceived by audiences who, for better or worse, inevitably factor in things like physical appearance and personal habits. I like his playing (maybe a lot); I just don't love it. |
Jafant, I pretty much agree with the article and Frogman, but I think you are asking the question on an intensely personal level, and I say "It's a trumpet man, quit pussyfooting around and blow the thing". If I could ask Chet a Question, it would be "Why do you keep jiving around with people everybody else knows not to mess with? They will hurt you." Enjoy the music. |