Jazz for aficionados

HUGE +1 on Lew Tabackin! Incredible musician, while I own a few of his solo projects I must own at least a dozen records by the Akiyoshi/Tabackin Big Band. IMO their best recording (although they've made quite a few stellar records!) would be 'Long Yellow Road', simply amazing! Another huge +1 on Conrad Herwig. Got a buncha records featuring him also. Coincidentally, less than 24 hrs ago I got the latest by pianist Bill O'Connell, 'Zocalo', a smokin' Latin Jazz record featuring Herwig & Steve Slagle on horns. When I was listening to it I actually thought to myself that Herwig's playing sounds better than ever, truly a musician that's currently at the top of his game!

Rok, I don't know if anyone can appreciate Monk anytime and every time. I recall going to an all night grill between midnight and daylight where we spiked our coffee, and they had a lot of Monk on the juke box; for whatever reason, me and everyone else seemed to be in tune with Monk at that odd hour. The background chatter on this CD reminded me of that grill.

I was referring to the CD "Desert Lady" which is not the same as "Desert Lady/ Fantasy"; consequently, I had to listen to the latter in order to refresh the sound in my mind, and it was quite a treat.

There are so many saxophones on this CD, I couldn't tell who was playing what, but since they were all good....... Bass Trombone was certainly impressive; that was Tim Newman from the way I read the CD.

In regard to really hearing, and listening to this CD, it was the first time for the both of us. Since this is Toshiko's Jazz Orchestra, it's quite different from Lew Tabackin's "Desert Lady". This is not Part I, and Part II, but two entirely different CD's; consequently, if you ain't got "Desert Lady", you got to git it.

Enjoy the music.

In case anyone is interested. As I said before, this features some of Lew's very best work. Definitely worth owning. And sealed!

http://www.ebay.com/itm/FREDDIE-HUBBARD-SWEET-RETURN-SEALED-ALBUM-/390675478669?pt=Music_on_Vinyl&hash=item5af612b88d

Today's Very Pleasant Surprise:

Alvin Batiste -- LATE

Alvin Batiste(clarinet), Kenny Barron(p), Rufus Reid(b), Herman Jackson(d)

All of these players are also in the field of music education. Batiste at Southern University and Barron at Rutgers University in NJ. But all teach somewhere.

I have had this one a while also. Batiste is supposed to be an Avant-Garde player, but not on this set.

He has also played with Ray Charles back in the day. The Avant-Garde and Ray, just does not seem to mix. Also a few dates with Cannonball. But education is his main gig now.

7 tunes. 'Body and Soul' and a very unique 'when the saints go marching in', among them. ALL are just wonderful. This is a CD with no weak tracks. The playing is simply wonderful.

This could have been named Batiste and Barron. I am more impressed with kenny the more I hear him. Here they compliment each other perfectly.

This CD is already in the clutches of 'these sellers', but they are only asking $1.49 for it new. Hmmmmmm That's like being kidnapped and held for a 20 dollar ransom.

Anyway, great playing great tunes.

You know you want it! So get it!

Cheers

.
I went on Rhapsody music service today and pulled up and played eight different versions of one of my favorite songs, 'Ceora' by Lee Morgan. That was a real treat.
.

Mitch4t, "Ceora" is one of my favorites, by my favorite trumpet player.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ECw3WAX41OA

Enjoy the music.

This is one of the most beautiful albums ever made; Bill Evans, and Toots Thielman "Affinity". Toots said this is his best work, and as many fantastic works as he has produced, that's saying a lot. Here's my favorite cut on that fantastic album, "Sno Peas".

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TBM8h41w8i4

Enjoy the music.

Today's Listen:

Art Blakey & The Jazz Messengers -- 3 BLIND MICE VOL 1

Blakey(d), Freddie Hubbard(t), Curtis Fuller(tb), Wayne Shorter(ts), Cedar Walton(p), Jymie Merritt(b)

One of the best Messenger lineups ever. Since Blakey always had some of the best players avalabile in the Messengers, it was almost impossible to make anything other than a very good record.

As the liner note allude to, the personnel changed so often, the playing never got stale or boring. Some recordings are more essential than others, but all are worth having.

This one is not a 'must have', but it is a very enjoyable CD. All the arrangements are by the band member themselves. All too good to choose a favorite.

Recorded Live at the Renaissance Club, Hollywood in March 1962. Mercy me, they actually recorded music outside of NYC!!!

Give it a listen. Good stuff. I will do Vol 2, later.

Cheers

Here's something for those who want gospel in their jazz.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MZzN3HZXHC4

Enjoy the music.

Nice clip O-10, But, For the real deal, try this. This is from the 'Say Amen Somebody" DVD. One of the few DVDs I can watch more than once.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gW7z5ASa4W0

Cheers

Don't ever go to a Baptist church without a hanky. You will no be allowed to leave until you cry!

This is one of the major stops along the road to Bird, Miles, Mingus, Armstrong, and all others.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZhSGkFwL77k&list=PL75E5DDF1FCBFC225

I think these folks are from up St Louis way.

Cheers

I can't help it, I love this!!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vZMwVj4cVyw

Cheers

Rok, she's from St. Louis. Although she was born in Mississippi, St. Louis is where she became famous, and her star is on the St. Louis walk of fame. I recall seeing the video on PBS with her and Thomas Dorsey; that was when St. Louis was an entirely different city, it was a good place to live then; but the same thing can be said for most of the cities in this country.

Enjoy the music.

O-10:

******she was born in Mississippi****** well, everyone who became anyone, was! :)

*****St. Louis was an entirely different city, it was a good place to live then; but the same thing can be said for most of the cities in this country.*******

I know what you mean. You can surely add Atlanta to that list. It's what happens when The Lord is absent from people's lives.

They now put their faith in the Government! You know the government, they are the folks that gave us the 'Great Society' :( We may never recover from that lunacy!

Cheers

Rok, although I hate to go from "jazz" to other issues, this time I must. While I like gospel, that CD "Say Amen Somebody", and my fond memories of what St. Louis was like at that time, the demise of St. Louis, ain't about "The Lord", it's about greedy people who sucked the money out of everybody's pockets, and left them poverty stricken, as can be illustrated on this website.

http://wp.me/p2vRlu-4

Frogman, what do you think of this, it's from "Shadowfax"

"Dreams of Children"

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V9CLBGBuOhU

Enjoy the music.

Acman3, that should set the Rok a rockin; I know I certainly liked it.

Enjoy the music.

Oscar Hijuelos Dead: Pulitzer-Winning Novelist Dies At 62

"The Mambo Kings Play Songs Of Love" Was the title of the Novel that won him the prize

He was Cuban and a New Yorker. I wonder if he was also into Cuban music. The book's title and all. Perhaps The Frogman is familiar with his work and can offer insight.

Cheers

Today's Listen:

Dee Dee Bridgewater -- LIVE AT YOSHI'S

Bridgewater(v), Thomas Bramerie(b), Ali Jackson(d), Thierry Eliez(p)

Recorded Live at Yoshi's in Oakland,CA 1998. This would have been Ella Fitzgerald's 80th Birthday.

9 Songs. 8 Standards. She did a, mercifully short, fun take on James Brown's 'sex machine'. She even tried to sing it as she thought Ella would have sung it!! Some things are best left to Brown!

This was a probably a great show to see in person. There was just too much going on that had to be seen to be appreciated. Too much talk and attempts at humor.

All the listener gets is the audience's reaction, with no idea of what is being done on stage. Ok, the first time around, a little tedious with repeated listening.

A great version of 'Midnight Sun'. The rest were good but not 'must haves'.

The group backing her was very good. Esp the Bass player.

Quite a bit of scatting. Not up to Ella's standard, but she has spoiled us all. Dee Dee has a good voice but she cannot do it as effortless as Ella. But who could?

Bridgewater just might be the best of the Jazz Divas still performing. She does love her work!

Very Good, but not great CD. Make sure you have her 'tribute to horace silver: Love and Peace' first.

Cheers

Acman3: Very nice clip. I am not familiar with them. Must mean they are still alive:)
Thanks for sharing.

'Mambo Kings' was a wonderful book made into a so-so movie. The book, while being fiction, was centered on the very real NY 'Mambo King' era of the '50's and actually had a scene were the book's characters went to Hollywood to be featured on 'I Love Lucy', she was married to one of the true Mambo Kings, Desi Arnaz. Loved the book. RIP Oscar!

Rok, O-10, Greg Porter was a football player who got hurt and started singing. Great story. Read up on it. I think he has one major recording. On Blue Note.

A little more Soul/Gospel than Jazz, but he is young. I like him.

O-10, thanks for the Shadowfax link. I like it; it's not the kind of thing that I would go out of my way to listen to, but I like it. I am not a big fan of music with that "New Age/World Music" vibe; just a personal preference. It's a pretty melody and the playing is good; but..... the tune needs a good "bridge" to break up the sense of too much repetition. I can imagine, after the melody is repeated once, a variation on the melody in a double-time feel. Notice how the drums and bass play in a half-time feel throughout while the keyboards suggest a double-time feel. It would have been very effective if after the first repetition of the melody, all the instruments would break into a double-time feel playing the variation and then return to the original feel and melody to the end.

The tune made me think of this other tune which, for me, pushes similar buttons, but is "kicked up quite a few notches":

http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=sF9kW-8NPqs&desktop_uri=%2Fwatch%3Fv%3DsF9kW-8NPqs

Oyez, Oyez!!

Wynton Marsalis Septet -- IN THIS HOUSE, ON THIS MORNING

Could have been named 'in church in Nawlins'. The music takes you through an entire service. Said 'home' to me.

Is it a stretch to say that Wynton is the Ellington of this era? I don't think so. His talent runs deeper than just Jazz. His can write music that 'depicts', in your mind, things, places and moods. Not just any player can do that.

You will love this Jazz CD. Esp, if you have ever set foot in a Southern Church.

What about my man, Wycliffe Gordon!! He is the trombone player, and he is great. I remember him from the Blues CD with Wynton & Clapton.

This is a 2 CD set. I listened to both in one sitting. For me that's saying a lot. I get bored easily with music that does not connect with me.

Guest appearance by the Gospel Great, Marion Williams.

If you like good Jazz music, you gotta have it. One of Wynton's best. He could be the most under-rated and under-appreciated Jazz player ever.

Give it a listen!

Cheers

Jeez I love this thread! I am systematically going through the recommendations and links, great stuff, thanks guys!

Tubegroover, in appreciation of your appreciation (from Tete Montoliu, one of my favorite piano players and one who seldom gets talked about):

http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=hfj8Ks9pU3s

and speaking of Cuban music:

http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=TKB5Pv4SUu8

Another Mambo King!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=El3lMf_Mfhc

Enjoy the music.

Where be The O-10??

cheers

Rok, as much as I like Dee Dee, I don't like the way she treats the standards; while I admire her ability to scat, she does it too much on the standards. Now here's a tune where it's very appropriate; as a matter of fact, I like everything she does on this CD. Here, she can do no wrong, and I'm sure Horace Silver would agree.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=otcHh-90eo4

Here's another version of that same song.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xh7aZ_Q6ibw&list=RD02otcHh-90eo4

Enjoy the music.

O-10:

The Leon Thomas version was good. A lot slower tempo than either Dee Dee or Silver. His 'scatting' sounded as if he was trying to scat while being smothered with a pillow.

But it was a nice take on the song. I wish he had dressed for the occasion.

I have several CDs by Dee Dee. The Tribute to Silver is her best work. IMO. Not a weak track on the disc. However, when she scats, it sounds just a little bit strained or forced. With Ella, it was as if the song was written that way. So effortless.

I think it's very hard to be a great Jazz Diva. We have / had, so few.

Cheers

O-10:

'Take Five' by Tito Puente. WOW!! Dave who???? I like this better than the Brubeck version. A really tight Latin Jazz band is just hard to beat.

The percussion was awesome. I have said before that I think the drum solo on Brubeck's 'Take Five' is one of the few drum solos in Jazz that does not distract or interupt the flow of the music.

Well, Tito has surpassed that. Paul Desmond and Joe Morrello can now move aside. This tune has been taken away from them.

For some reason after hearing this, I think the Brubeck tune should have been Latin. Or maybe it was.

Great clip.

Cheers

As much as I liked this by Dave and Joe Morrello, Tito took ten and left them in the dust; that rhythm is ripping like nothing I've heard before.

Enjoy the music.

John Handy is an artist I don't think we've mentioned. Consistency is not his dominant trait; I'm not referring to whether or not he was good this time and bad the next, but his choice of what music to play seemed to be all over the map. Here are some of his works in my collection that get a lot of play.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MeQv3cWJnxA

Here's a spiritual tune by John; although not as in the gospel sense, it's spiritual still. The title "if Only We Knew" convey's the intention of this music. It's best listened to in the middle of the night after waking up and trying to go back to sleep. It's long and deep, in that eastern spiritual sense; too long for the Gon.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lJhp43v-yd8

As far as where he ranked as a reed man, we'll leave that to the Frogman.

Enjoy the music.

The challenge for singers when they scat is that, no matter what, they will be judged according to the standard set by the great instrumentalists; those are VERY big shoes to fill. Only a handful of singers, Ella being at the top of the heap, even approach the fluency of good instrumental improvisers in the harmonic language of jazz. They usually simply gloss over the complexity of the harmonic changes of a tune. Among instrumentalists speaking about other instrumentalists, that limited command of the harmony is usually referred to as "bullshitting". A smart singer keeps scatting to a minimum.

Re "Take Five":

Tito's version is great; very exciting. Like Rok says "a really right Latin Jazz band is hard to beat". Thanks for the link. But, and not meaning to, in the least, take away from the enthusiasm that my esteemed fellow aficionados have for this cover of this classic tune, for me there is no way Tito's version can supplant the original as the definitive version. Most importantly, they are almost not even the same tune. The melody is the same; almost. What makes Desmond's (he wrote it) "Take Five" unique and ground breaking, particularly for the era when it was written, is that it was written in odd-meter; in five, of course. I don't kow if anyone noticed, but Tito's version is IN FOUR !!!! It should more correctly be titled "Take Four". Still, a great and exciting cover.

I told The Frogman some time ago, that he knew too much. This proves it. While The O-10 and I were jamming to Tito, in blissful ignorance, The Frogman was keeping time.

Of course he is correct. But, no one is suggesting Tito's version supplant Brubeck. The original will always be just that, The First!

But it is possible for susequent artist to do any tune 'better'. Happens every day. Better recording techniques, better instrumentation, better arrangements, better players etc...

I think Tito is better not because of any time uniqueness, but because of the Latin flavor and the percussion. It was faster! It made me wanna move!

Brubeck never made me move. It was a Nice tune, melody, a great drum solo and Desmond's tone. I know the TIME thingy, but that's not why I like it. I suspect, only the pros and his peers, realized the significance of the TIME thing.

And last but not least, I could SEE Tito and his guys playing. On a CD, I might not have been as impressed. But both versions are great. I own LPs and two CDs of 'Take Five' by Brubeck, none by Tito.

Brubeck did a lot of experiments with time. Some more successful than others. 'Take Five' was popular because of the melody and the unique sax(tone) and drum playing.

So can we say, I like Tito's "take Four', better than Brubeck's 'Take Five'. Sort of like preferring Mongo Santa Maria's 'cloud Nine' to any other.

Brubeck's version is on the local PBS FM station's playlist. When it comes on, the wife cranks the volume all the way up. The only Jazz tune she likes. :)

I wonder what Tito could do with 'Blue Rondo A La Turk' I bet that would be something!

Thanks for your informed input Frogman. You are a vital asset to this thread.

Cheers

The Frogman:

I agree with your comments on scatting. I was trying to say some what the same thing about Dee Dee. Her voice becomes harsh when she does it. With some singers, it has become the 'obligatory' scat break. Most often, adding nothing to the performance.

Ella was in another league and I thought she could 'solo' with players. Not all perhaps, but certainly some. It's almost unfair to compare anyone to her.

Cheers

Rok, I don't disagree with you except for two things. First is that I don't believe one ever knows too much. Or, at least, don't assume that knowing means there's no jamming :-) . The second, well.... its really not worthy of disagreement; it's personal preference. Tito's version is better for you. Of course, that is cool. For me the original is better not because its the original, but because I like and appreciate the chamber-jazz feel of it, the coolness if you will; and Desmond, that sound.....!

Cheers.

Speaking of jamming, this is unbelievable! How does one explain genius?

http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=-on4qQYDGVA

Rahsaan is on fire. Tete, brilliant as usual.

Frogman,

Thanks for the great clip. Sizzling stuff.

Rahsaan and Tete:

What type of instrument was Roland playing? Did he make it himself?

And SOMEBODY please tell me I didn't see him play the last note on that little wooden thingy with his NOSE!!!

Cheers

O-10:

John Handy:

Both clips were very good. The 'If Only We Knew' was the better of the two. The rhythm section on the clip 'Love Rejoycing' was a little too monotonous for my taste.

The 'if only we knew'clip was just irresistible. I came to these with an attitude, but the second clip just over powered my preconceptions. Great buildup. You can't wait to hear what happens next.

The violin was great. Sometimes that instrument can sound out of place, here, it seemed to be the most natural thing in the world. Electric!

What kind of reedman is he?? He played with MINGUS!!
Next Question.

I only have one CD by John Handy, "Excursion In Blue". I have more on LP. I will get the 'live at monterey' if it is still available.

Thanks for sharing.

Cheers

Paul Desmond:

Got my October issue of BBC Music magazine yesterday. The Jazz 'page' has a nice review and synopsis of Paul Desmond.

Snippets include:

'Composed 'Take Five''
'epitome of cool'
'the antithesis of bebop' (I knew something was wrong with him)
'the world's slowest alto player' (he couldn't play with Tito)
'disciple of Lester Young' (from Mississippi), :) 'admired Charlie Parker'

The CD they recommend is 'Blues In Time' 2CD set. Desmond with others, no Brubeck.

Also the Christian McBridge Trio CD, 'Out Here', got 5 stars for performance and recording. Check it out.

Cheers

****I knew something was wrong with him****

You crack me up; that was very funny. I am sure you have heard the story about Desmond being asked how he got that sound and he replied that he "tried to sound like a dry martini". Gotta love it.

Re Rahsaan:

Yup, his nose; that was his "nose flute". Come to think of it, Desmond and Kirk were probably as diametrically opposed as two players of the same instrument can be. Desmond: statetly, meticulous and dignified in his approach to jazz; Rahsaan: wild, raw, umpredictable and with a touch of humor. Both great, and for that, a testament to the greatness of the art form.

Anyway, the instrument that he is playing is the "mansello" (he named it). His mansello was a modified "saxello" which was a straight alto; a rare but production horn by the Conn Co. You will notice that it sounds kinda like an alto and in the same range as the alto. Imagine taking an alto and straightening it out so it no longer has the curved bell. Rahsaan, as you obviously know he would sometimes do, modified it by attaching that extra large bell on it.

One of the things that makes his playing on that clip so remarkable is that all those rare and unusual saxophones that were manufactured in the 20's-40's were very aukward in their key mechanisms and usually terribly out of tune. Not many were manufactured so they were not perfected nor refined like modern horns. Truth is that the modern horns really helped facilitate, to a degree, the great technical playing strides made after the "swing era". The way that Rahsaan gets around on that bizarre horn, and with pretty good intonation, is simply amazing. A little bit like a sprinter winning the 100 yard dash wearing army boots.

Rok, I completely forgot he played with Mingus, that say's it all; especially when Mingus brought out the best in whoever played with him, and he selected only the best. Here's "Wednesday Night Prayer Meeting", with Handy on alto.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kG6ydLYG4uY

Enjoy the music.

****"tried to sound like a dry martini".*****

I had not heard that before reading the article. It was mentioned in the BBC column.

Kirk:
Roland has to be given much credit just for having the audacity to show up on stage with a horn like that.

Cheers

Today's Listen:

Egberto Gismonti -- SOL DO MEIO DIA

I played this with the intention of 'reviewing' it, but I cannot. I wouldn't know where or how to start.

This is more in the bailiwick of The O-10 and The Frogman. So feel free to weigh-in.

I did like it, in spite of myself.

Cheers

"SolDo Meio Dia" is an album I acquired after watching a Brazilian film festival that included capoeira, which always includes the berimbau; that's the instrument Nana plays. This album is quite beautiful at times, boring at others.

It's like winding up in a Brazilian wonderland with Alice, strolling down a path through the jungle; you never know what's going to happen next, but with this unusual aggregation of musicians, you know it's going to be different. While I have Nana Vasconcelos, Jan Gabarek, Ralph Towner, and Collin Walcott on different albums in my collection, all of them go in completely different directions; I guess that's what gives this album such a unique quality. Here's some music reminiscent of the film festival.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hpP5poqFq4E&list=RD02jAxjdYDBK4c

Enjoy the music.

O-10:

They came pretty close to calling them hogs! Great Music. I have that CD. Maybe I need to listen to it more often.

Cheers

Parting Point.

I am not suggesting these folks can play at Brubeck's level. It's just a fun thing. There are many like it on youtube. Some doing 'Blue Rondo Ala Turk'. My main point in presenting this, is to watch the audiences. This is my main problem with Brubeck 'Jazz'.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m9sjnSWSH7o

Cheers