inna, one of the best and most memorable concerts I've attended was Mahavishnu Orchestra at Funky Quarters in SD in the early '70s. It was a small club and we had a table up front and center. Just watching and hearing all the interplay between musicians as they fed and challenged one another was exceptional. A real emotional high that I remember more than 40 years later. ;^)
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.
31,710 responses Add your response
O - I will go back and listen to all of that Shadowfax track you linked and then provide some comments. I was mainly focusing on the music category assignments you made. For me, I don't think of New Age as jazz. I guess there might be exceptions... By the way, I said I liked some Be-bop and Hard-bop along with Fusion. Probably less Be-bop and more Hard-bop and Post-bop (along with Fusion). I was doing some reading about what those category names mean. Reminded me about the latter parts of Eastwood's "Bird" where CP is sort of bewildered by the ascendency of R&B. As per Wikipedia, some music writers claim Hard-bop was the response by certain jazz musicians to this "trend". Very interesting. |
Sometime, I go so far out that you would have to send "Han Solo" to find me. Today is such a day. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X01bSO44_Cs We haven't heard from Acman or Dave. Rather than a complete evaluation could everyone give a thumbs up or down on all the other submissions? |
o10, not that it will matter to most here, but yes, I do listen to a wide variety of music, including classic rock, blues, string band (blue grass), classical (mainly symphonic), World Music (that catch-all for other than American or European), and selected soundtracks. I have around 3,000 LPs, 300+ CDs, and even still at least 100 cassettes (self recorded, I didn't care for commercial, hi-speed duped offerings). However between recordings I own and (fortunately) a great local college jazz FM station, I listen to more jazz than any other music. Then I assume the four tracks for comment were in your 8/26 post. So here are my quick impressions. - Shadowfax: never really listened to them, nothing offensive there but only a step away from "light jazz" which holds no interest for me at all. - Jazz Crusaders: yes, I enjoyed them, even after they went for a larger, main-stream market when they dropped Jazz from their name. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OahE2GGaGq4 - Silver: I've not heard them all but never listened to a Horace Silver album I didn't enjoy. As a footnote, over the first couple of years in college I attempted to play with friends in a trio or quartet. The pianist was self-taught and heavily influenced by Silver so that was the groove we attempted to play in. "Filthy McNasty"!! I don't have any real musical talent but was able to find a cheap upright bass and learned some basic "walking bass" patterns after being shown them on the piano. It was great fun, even if we were not very good, other than my friend on piano. Charles & Bags: good stuff, I like Brother Ray whether vocal or instrumental. |
Pryso, the factors that determine what music we like are many, and incredibly diverse. It's easy to understand how someone steeped in jazz, would not care for anything "New Age". As far as "The Crusaders" go, I liked them better when they were "The Jazz Crusaders". One of the local musicians who was a pianist, could play as well as Silvers, and I questioned him as to why he stayed local. To make sure that I understood that staying local was a personal choice, and that he could have gone on the road with ease; when he saw me come in, he began to play Silver's most popular tunes. I sat there with eyes closed enjoying the music, and for that time, it could have been Horace Silver himself there on the piano. Since then, I have learned going on the road and becoming a famous jazz musician is not all it's cracked up to be; I thought that rich automatically went along with famous, but it ain't necessarily so. |
I believe with Popwell and Carlton in the band that was the Crusaders, not the Jazz Crusaders as labeled. Not that it matters to me, I find both to be worthy and enjoyed that number. Re: Shadofax, I intended to say "a step away from smooth jazz". That has an identity while if light jazz is any different, not certain what that identity might be. I just don't bother with it. Acman, plus any others in the TX/LA coastal area, best wishes you have minimal impact. I have family in the Houston area and just learned they are moving what they can to the second level of their home just in case. |
That tune I submitted for Dave is in reality, "the best of the best" when it comes to "soul jazz, blues"; it's been that way since they did it in 58, I believe. My CD of that is not the best, if I can ever get 45 vinyl, I will; that's the way it came out on the juke box, and got many of my quarters, but it was worth it. "Blue Funk" is the best of the litter for my money, but they were all so good, that any one else who differed, could very well be right. Those were some of the very best musicians who made that double album; and that's fact with very little room for argument. |
Alex, this one is for you; https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zfr9sfPAUAQ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3MEfBb3qulA Alex, I looked but didn't find "Brazilville" ,The Charlie Byrd Trio with Bud Shank; hope you got it. |
O - I listened to the Shadowfax track you liked (and linked), "A Thousand Tear Drops". Quintessential Shadowfax. Sweet melancholy. I enjoyed the way it built from the opening’s simple melodic statement (Lyricon over piano & guitar) to the more complex, layered interplay heard around two minutes in. A well crafted piece. It has a similar feel to something by Oregon, just replace the Lyricon with Oboe. This is something that, a long time ago, I might have been inclined to spend more time with. Not so much now. Tastes change. On the other hand, this might be something I come back to when the mood hits. Of greater current "interest" is something like this: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xV32wlkZe1g&ab_channel=ChickCoreaQuartet-Topic Or better yet, try this... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3TxJiuKqir4&ab_channel=GaryWillis-Topic Both are very short. |
Thank you acman and o. Water level in front of our house stayed stable today so no flooding. I consider that a blessing considering. Heavy rain is predicted to end in my area around midnight. If so, out of the woods for this one. Great pick o, maybe too easy? Who can argue with that one? ;) Thanks again for your thoughts and prayers. Dave |
Glad you’re glad, ghosthouse. O-10 has been trying to run me off this thread for some time now and point-blank asked me to leave and start my own on several occasions; sometimes realty checks are a little tough to handle I suppose 😊. No worries, I'm still here with no plans to leave. Personally, I would much prefer to not have this type of dynamic creeping into the discussions and instead be able to have disagreements and expression of different perspectives without drama; and, yes, occasional reality checks. Regards. |
| Post removed |
| Post removed |
I've brought up guitarists in the past, since listening/playing is a passion of mine. Dropped out since I felt there's nothing to add. Always surprise myself when I find someone current and who plays "straight ahead"influenced music. This cat is channeling a few greats-Barney Kessel, Jim Hall..I hear some Wes octaves... https://video.search.yahoo.com/video/play;_ylt=AwrTSXe7AKZZU1gAnvq5mWRH;_ylu=X3oDMTByMjBzZmhtBHNlYwN... Perhaps there's a player or two here, that's hip to this fine musician, Royce Campbell. Clearly he's one of so many "under the radar" musicians, that only get mentioned by a more "immersed" Jazz fan. This no frills video of Royce playing the beautiful song "Laura" brings images of the 50's greats to mind, but Royce "owns" the song https://video.search.yahoo.com/video/play;_ylt=AwrTSXcjDaZZwhEA7Q25mWRH;_ylu=X3oDMTBycTlydWI1BHNlYwN... I hope some some of you have Julie Londons 1955 mono album, "Her Name Is Julie" On another thread, I mention I always fall back in love with her, anytime I play this album. https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=LA5Rqm |
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JJ_VPBW9ieo&list=RDJJ_VPBW9ieo#t=80 Sound quality is MUCH better on new HDtracks 192/24 download -Jen Chapin revisions: Songs of Stevie Wonder. Dave |
Nice post, tablejockey. When I was in college I roomed with a jazz quitarist whose two quitar idols were Howard Roberts (discussed here many moons ago) and Royce Campbell. I remember Campbell’s "The Art Of Chord Solo Guitar" playing incessantly in our dorm room. Royce Campbell is an excellent player who has had a very successful career in the studios and as touring guitatrist for major acts and has remained, as you say, "under the radar" for a lot of jazz fans. Your description of his style is spot on: Barney Kessel meets Wes Montgomery; I would add Joe Pass to the mix of influences. Not surprisingly he recorded a Wes Montgomery "tribute" album. What may be surprising to many listeners is that they have probably heard his playing many times without realizing it. As a longtime member of Henry Mancini’s orchestra he recorded much of the popular Pink Panther music including the famous theme. Gorgeous Julie London "Laura"; thanks for that. Coincidentally (?) its Barney Kessel on guitar on the beautiful minimalist arrangement of this Johnny Mercer classic. The opposite of minimalist I love this arrangement of the tune by the great Nelson Riddle for another favorite rendition of the tune: https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=TMUsrY-ED0A |
I stumble on this piece of gold, just now. There was one short clip on ytube, but never saw this one. It is a live show with Kenny Burrell, Grant Green and Barney Kessell, all together!? and it lasts more than half an hour https://youtu.be/_4jMQNJFPO4 Orpheus, thanks for suggestion, that clip was just a little bit 'soft' for my taste. About that other album, I honestly dont know, I am away from home this summer, will check it when I come back. Dave, if this is not too little, too late, this device could be a life saver. https://youtu.be/-vd3I5HSz4s |
Alex, I couldn't find what I was looking for, and now that you mention it, what I submitted was a little soft for me to. "Jazz on The Rocks" is no longer available, (the one you submitted) and I'm almost certain you have the album I was looking for in your collection. To put you in the same game we played before, I'm going to submit something for you exclusively. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GLk5BHJih8g&list=PL1va9EK7MSUMBY8uo4okV7rp6SWoEpMe0 |
Orpheus,that one is classic. Here is the link for Fresh Sound Label, they have large inventory of albums otherwise out of print or impossible to find,all new, you can buy the 'Jazz on the Rocks' there and many more. Take a look, of course, hope that other will too. You can order directly. http://www.freshsoundrecords.com/ |
Hey there, Frogman. Now that you are back (vacationing?) maybe I can get someone else to join in appreciating this lesser known Chick Corea recording. Chick Corea Quartet, actually. Recall, if you will, comments made a few months back about not enjoying soprano sax. This track with Bob Berg is making me reconsider (along with some performances elsewhere by Jan Garbarek). I gather the album is considered fusion but more than rock I hear strong classical influences. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P5FNzMICmsQ You might also enjoy track 4 (tenor not soprano) that I posted yesterday or the day before. |
Tablejockey; All we need to add to those three guitar players is "Skeeter Best", his playing is timeless. He is accompanied on these cuts by some of the greatest jazz artists that ever lived. I have "Skeeter" on old records, but I don't know whether or not you can find new records or CD, but this puts you in jazz heaven if you can. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_XrhG2956Uo |
Skeeter Best is hard to find, that's why you have to accept him as a sideman with other great artists. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NHold6ylvEM |
Orpheus10-Always nice to hear another player from the "Golden Years" He's from the era of Freddie Green. https://video.search.yahoo.com/video/play;_ylt=AwrTSXez0KhZaGoA6Z.5mWRH;_ylu=X3oDMTBzbmRuNmJiBHNlYwN... Thank goodness for the internet. We will always be able to at least get a glimpse or hear the era where all this great music was at its peak. Hows about this one...Billie Holliday just hangin' while Mary Osborn shows the guys how it done. What an impressive resume this woman had...Perfecting her Jazz chops with Charlie Christian? Wow! https://video.search.yahoo.com/video/play;_ylt=AwrTSXcvyqhZATwAQ_.5mWRH;_ylu=X3oDMTByZWc0dGJtBHNlYwN... Mary Osborn-https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mary_Osborne Kinda sad,that video is mid 50's? Billie was on her downward slide with addiction/health, and she doesn't look too good here. |
Thanks for the Mary Osborn TableJockey. It made me think of this player. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wJYqqA1U0mc https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rm81CKZpqEA |