Everyone---PBS tonight at 9 p.m. on the career of Miles Davis
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.
31,744 responses Add your response
I agree with o10 the bass clarinet can be a wonderful thing to hear. But that's not easy, at least in jazz. Years ago I had a Herbie Mann album that included him playing bass clarinet (which somehow disappeared over time) and I've heard Eric Dolphy on a few albums, but there are not a lot of choices. So I Googled it and found this, more than I expected - https://rateyourmusic.com/list/Chzn8r/music_featuring_the_bass_clarinet/ |
pjw, there are three Brubeck brothers. I believe two are currently part of a regular working quartet and all three played and recorded with their father together and separately on various projects. https://youtu.be/1yw12V2KK0Y I like Roberta Gambarini. I see (hear) no reason that Hank Jones’ praise would not be genuine. She has a wide ranging and interesting voice a little reminiscent of a young Carmen McRae in character and with a bit of a “cabaret” vibe. Thanks for the clips. I particularly liked the clips with Hank Jones; what a classy piano player! This is the only recording of hers that I was familiar with (via a singer/friend). Interesting recording with less obvious emphasis on Jazz: https://youtu.be/bDRP5pccL9w Btw, a propos our OP’s recent mention of the bass clarinet as a favorite instrument, this rendition of a Ravel Classical piece features the contrabass clarinet, a beast of an instrument: https://youtu.be/AFlp-eEu6mY |
frogman I never knew Dave Brubeck's sons followed his path into jazz music and those 2 songs you posted are so good I ordered the albums. Since nobody seems interested in Roberta Gambarini or maybe never knew of her what do you think? Was the great Hank Jones genuine in his praise of Roberta? This is from the recording session with Hank Jones: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hwvDhn8VdNE https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DAfMDPkg6a8 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-pAaZpTud_s And one from another album: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QJc_fCSxz2w I posted a live Roberta concert up the page. |
I think you are correct. Doesn't mean Darius Rucker couldn't put out Jazz. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hvKyBcCDOB4 |
On a hunch. Maybe this one? https://youtu.be/BU6IlHD5Nb8 Or this one? https://youtu.be/riIACYFhUCU Just a hunch. What say you, arctik? |
Great clips of female vocalists from all of you. Here is a lady from Italy that Hank Jones gave the highest accolades to. I have this album and consider it a great display of vocal talent. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B002EE57QM/?coliid=I2L5L2N2CMIW5V&colid=2MJEFFF7AFXNS&psc=0 Amazon blurb: Every once in a while, a truly great singer comes along who possesses the beauty, individuality and talent to remind us of the magic and majesty of the human voice: that singer is Roberta Gambarini, celebrated throughout the world by fans, critics and many of the world's greatest musicians. With the August 25, 2009 release of `SO IN LOVE,' Roberta Gambarini affirms her status as the "true successor to Ella Fitzgerald, Sarah Vaughan, and Carmen McRae" (Boston Globe) and "the best singer to emerge in over 60 years," as declared by 2009 GRAMMY Lifetime Achievement Award recipient, Mr. Hank Jones. Mr. Jones, the legendary pianist who accompanied Roberta Gambarini's 2008 major label debut, `You Are There,' a superb follow-up to Gambarini's GRAMMY-nominated debut, `Easy to Love,' knows a thing or two about great vocalists - he has accompanied almost all of the most renowned vocalists of the 2oth century such as Ella Fitzgerald, Billie Holiday, Sarah Vaughan, Carmen McRae, Peggy Lee, Frank Sinatra, Bing Crosby, Nat "King" Cole, and Billy Eckstine. Roberta didn't set out to call the new album `So In Love,' but looking back at the song list after the recording, she realized that the "album is all about love: the love between a man and a woman, the love of song, children, and most of all, the love of life." As Roberta explains, she rarely goes into the studio with a "concept," instead she says that she tries "to let the songs come out of a balance between life experience and reflection," capturing the music I feel in the moment." Joining her in this adventurous journey is a group of "exceptionally talented, sensitive, and sympathetic musicians," who are long-time supporters, friends, and collaborators of Roberta since her arrival in the States from Torino, Italy: James Moody; Roy Hargrove; Tamir Hendelman; Eric Gunnison; Gerald Clayton; Chuck Berghofer; Neil Swainson; George Mraz; Jake Hanna; Al Foster; Montez Coleman; and Jeff Hamilton. Recorded by Al Schmitt at the legendary Capitol Studios, with Roberta arranging all but two of the tracks, `So In Love' is dedicated to the loving memory of her dear friends, Johnny Griffin, Ronnie Mathews, and David "Fathead" Newman. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R-c90wXB-J |
Today's Listen: Cannonball Adderley -- THEM DIRTY BLUES with Bobby Timmons (p) on 'Dat Dere' The second recording for this quintet. Notes: "...For the soulful spirit of the blues---the real, low, wonderfully emotion-stirring, and downright dirty blues that has always been and always will be the bedrock of Jazz--is the basic message of this group. ---- Orrin Keepnews About sums it up. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VlepuNi40M8 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6e-jphhx8xA https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FAzHD5nSa1M https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8FXrHg20_GA Cheers |
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A woman that puts her bare naked soul in her voice and gives all that to us. For free. With no expectations in return. Someone like Billie. She had so many impressive performances but in my eyes this one describes her the most: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ouuRsRz8syM Was she nice girl? If yes, to whom? To others? What about being nice to yourself? Wish you nice weekend guys. |
So nice girls with so nice voices. "She was a nice girl, obedient, polite, socially acceptable. A bit too reticent, some might say, but so very pleasing nonetheless. A really nice girl. from L. Hybels, Nice girls don’t change the world. |
A few good ones by one the most awesome talents in the business. She is also the most awesome Fox in Foxdom. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CfscL_f_uyU https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JCY8GpCNEh0 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dNLbRdoB9Z8 Cheers |
o10, regarding Ahmad Jamal, in college in the early ’60s several friends and I went downtown for his concert. We were all fans and looked forward to seeing/hearing him in person. So he came out with his trio and sat down at the keyboard and began his first number. Within a few seconds he stopped and scowled at the instrument. He then tried a few short runs which only drew a shake of his head. Suddenly he stood up and walked off the stage. We just looked at one another, all of us stunned. Someone started a rhythmic clapping and most of the audience joined in. But to no avail. A minute later some guy came onstage and announced the concert was cancelled. Later on when I’d learned more about concert performances I wondered why he hadn’t played a warm up prior to the performance to be certain the piano was tuned to suit him? Sorry rok, I had to offer it - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z0e2G32f3IU |
Not to whack a stick on the hornet's nest of the value of "Kind of Blue" yet again, but for those who do favor it you might like this excerpt from the PBS American Masters program airing next Tuesday -- https://www.pbs.org/video/how-miles-davis-recorded-kind-blue-hkiwjs/ Look for other links below that presentation as well. |
The point I was trying to make was that it seldom snows in that part of the USA. But every 10 years or so.... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wi8gAl8ul-s |
Hi mary_jo I guess we all are busy today. I am at work but taking lunch right now. Its snowing in North Carolina!! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xv1OztY8bTM |
Today's Listen: Cannonball Adderley -- PHENIX Cannonball reworks all his greatest hits, hence the name. Interesting the different paths taken by Miles, Coltrane and Cannonball, once they had 'Reached the Sea'. I wouldn't call these improvements. I don't think most of these could be made mo' better. Esp 'Preacher.' But, since Cannonball was not capable of making bad music, it's all good. Loved 'Alabama'. Four months later Cannonball died of a stroke at age 46. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V5kEUkaBz1U https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-hqSekMMxls https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aU-bhxY3xQ4 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v9-A3qvd7v0 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JsRMAQrVsZc Cheers |
*****
that he was not pleased with the crowds reaction to his performance.***** I was outraged by the crowd's reaction to his performance of 'Poinciana' on the 'at the Pershing But Not For Me' album. Loud talking while he was playing, and lame perfunctory applause after such a brilliant performance. Spoiled the entire tune for me. ***** Marseille France where he's given the respect an artist of his stature should be given. ***** It's all an illusion. If he has to go to France to get respect, he's a sad case. Cheers |
I was just listening to Ahmad Jamal, and realized that my serious initiation into jazz began about 3 blocks from where his group appeared at "The Pershing Lounge" about the time his first big hit "Poinciana" came out in the 50’s. I saw him in Chicago in the mid 80’s, and I could see by his reaction, (He left immediately after his performance at Ricks nightclub) that he was not pleased with the crowds reaction to his performance. Although it was fantastic as usual, they were used to seeing Ahmad; he was received like Christ in Bethlehem, "Oh there goes Jesus"; rather casual like. I talked to his drummer "Frank Gant", who told me they had tickets to Japan, and that they could not make a living depending exclusively on the USA. Presently he makes his home in Marseille France where he’s given the respect an artist of his stature should be given. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gOAepSLbohs |
Everytime I find some fault with "our way of life" somebody pipes up with "Love it or leave it", and I say to them "I'll leave it in a pine box"! I found a way to duplicate very expensive interconnects, and by word of mouth made them for those who got the word. Not long ago I discovered the wire I needed was no longer available to ordinary consumers. (no more interconnects) The people who make a bundle from commercial interconnects discovered high quality interconnects could be made by buying a certain bulk wire that was used for industrial projects, and paid that company not to make it available for little people like me. I know, all's fair in love and war, and capitalism. |
One a cold rainy day in central Texas, this puts a smile on your face. we don't need no stinkin' ice-man https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fmDqIY-A7HI the introduction is awesome, so is the rest of it. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-zOlugtNz0k Cheers |
alex, ARC is a move up from Audible Illusions. My beginnings in jazz go back to Johnny Smith and "Moonlight In Vermont". I liked all of those albums you posted. As everyone knows, I'm all about memories, and Johnny Smith brings back some good one's. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gRNpc-hFkCs |
"My entire adult working life was in electronics." So has mine, I failed to see the connection between that and the high end? My knowledge has enabled me to achieve "Stereophile Class "A" sound" at a cheaper price; just yesterday some RCA connectors came in the mail that will be used to make interconnects which sound as good as very expensive one's. If you can't hear the difference, it would be pointless to pay the difference; I'm not buying for status, I'm buying for sound. |
Lately I've been listening to the Tsuyoshi Yamamoto Trio - the beautiful sounding 45 pressing from Acoustic Sounds. Lately I've been getting into Japanese piano jazz trios. The Yuko Mabuchi Trio is another one. |