Rok, I thought those bell ringers were beautiful. My son played sax when he was a few years younger than the bell ringers, I went to every concert and loved it. I like to see young people perform.
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.
30,874 responses Add your response
O-10: *****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.****** You nailed it!! I agree completely. This is the only CD I own by Gismonti. I also have one by Nana Vasconcelos. I never listen to either. I just took a chance based on expert 'review'. Cheers |
"Lou Donaldson" is a musician I liked before I even knew definitively what jazz was. "Blues Walk" was his first tune that captured my attention, that was followed by "Peck Time". While my tastes in music have evolved considerably since then, I still like Lou Donaldson. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tNR7822K_40 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mh0rmzefIhM Here's a little gospel and jazz that's really soulful. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_2ERGSEyBeM Enjoy the music. |
Today's Listen: Lionel Hampton and Stan Getz -- HAMP AND GETZ Getz(ts), Hampton(v), Lou Levy(p), Leroy Vinnegar(b), Shelly Manne(d) 'Fiery' Founder meets 'Cool' Giant!! And the winner is: A Delightful Draw! These two met on the set of 'The Benny Goodman Story', this Recording date was a result. As unlikely a pairing as you will find. But it works. Hampton is not so fiery and Getz is not so cool. It's a 'Goldilocks' merger. This is an excellent CD. 7 tracks including one alternate take of 'Gladys'. 'Cherokee', 'Jumpin' at the woodside' and 'Gladys' are the standouts. But all are just beautifully played. This is all Getz and Hamp. The rhythm section gives great support, but does not intrude. Hampton is truly a founder of big band / swing, and what followed it. The guys who have played in his bands Includes Mingus, Dexter Gordon, Clark Terry, Art Farmer, Dinah Washington and Joe Williams. Kennedy Center Award winner. He is also one of those people who never made a bad recording. If you like Jazz at it's best, played by two of the best, you must have this one. Cheers what's up with this 'alternate take' business?? |
The cover of the Lou Donaldson LP shows him walking with his AX in a case. Have not seen that in ages. :) I have his CDs, 'hot dog' and 'alligator booaloo'. I always associated him with 'soul' Jazz. The bell ringers were great. I was just showing how the audience didn't seem to be moved. Not even a head nod. A person could suffer from a thrombosis in the legs at a Brubeck concert. Could not find a shot of Brubeck in concert himself with a shot of the audience. Cheers |
Rok, I'm beginning to like this "old" music, it's familiar, and it harkens back to a better time. The "boogie woogie" was the music of my childhood, and I recall music clips of the "jitterbug"; that's what "Jumpin At The Woodside" brings to mind. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D91IBtXARbM http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VdWgHtTau48 Enjoy the music. |
****A person could suffer from a thrombosis in the legs at a Brubeck concert. Could not find a shot of Brubeck in concert himself with a shot of the audience.**** http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=j9GgmGLPbWU The smoking babes are definitely digging it. |
****The smoking babes are definitely digging it.**** Curses!!! Foiled again!! I will admit that, after placing a loupe on the monitor, I did detect movement. I wonder how they would have reacted to Mingus and his band doing, 'hog calling blues'? But this was a 'Playboy' crowd. Hog calling might have stunned them!! Let's not even mention Roland Kirk and his arsenal. Cheers |
O-10, thanks for the Lou Donaldson links. Beautiful player! I hadn't listened to anything by him in a while; will have to pull out his LP's. When I listened to "Blues Walk" the first thing that came to kind was "sounds like Gene Ammons on alto". Then, looking at his discography I noticed that he recorded a record with Gene Ammons; will have to look for it. Rok, Miles Davis is quoted as saying that one can well wether a musician can play or not by the way he carries his horn's case. |
Rok, I hate to get into that "audiophile thingy", but Gene Harris is probably the most subtle and nuanced jazz pianist I can think of, which is why the crazy people pay so much for some of his records, especially with the Three Sounds. You can get around that "very expensive" audiophile thingy with HD downloads, but here you must follow precise rules in order to get what you want. I have WAV and that's not working out so good. This is the reason we had the disagreement about the "Three Sounds" CD's. I only mention this because I know how much you like Gene Harris. Enjoy the music. |
Calling all Aficionados!! I just received this from Amazon today. An 8 CD set titled "The 100 Best Jazz Tunes Of The 1950's" Someone posted the track listings and I have re-posted them below. The song lineup is beyond criticism. The only possible concern could be the sound quality. I have only listened to the first CD and the Sound Quality was top notch. Nice packaging. Thick Booklet with excellent pictures and info about the music and artists on each CD. Each CD is in a cardborad case, like a LP case, with an aboslutley wonderful picture of a Jazz great on the outer cover. That alone, is worth the asking price. How much is that price? $15.77 I am sure you all have some and maybe most of these, but altogether with pics, booklet, and for less than 20 dollars??? How can a body refuse or resist. All this magic for less that a tenth of the price of a half-way decent 'high-end' hi-fi fuse!!! Christmas is coming up. Jazz lovers on your list?? Check out the play list. Did I mention the pictures??? Of course the Pictures on the first three CD covers were Bird, Miles then Trane. According to the liner notes, medics were on hand for the Brubeck stuff. :) Cheers And here is the track list: CD 1: Bloomdido - Charlie Parker Subconscious Lee - Lee Konitz Bouncing with Bud - Bud Powell My Funny Valentine - Gerry Mulligan The Surrey with the Fringe on Top - Ahmad Jamal Au Private - Charlie Parker Straight No Chaser - Thelonious Monk Lullaby of Birdland - George Shearing Almost Like Being in Love - Lester Young Black Coffee - Peggy Lee Nuages - Django Reinhardt Django - Modern Jazz Quartet Walkin' - Miles Davis Caravan - Dizzy Gillespie If There's Someone Lovelier than You - Tal Farlow On the Sunny Side of the Street - Johnny Hodges Lover Man - Sarah Vaughan Joy Spring - Clifford Brown CD 2: Doodlin' - Horace Silver Confirmation - Dexter Gordon Afrodisia - Kenny Dorham New Rhumba - Ahmad Jamal Round Midnight - Miles Davis Misty - Errol Garner St. Thomas - Sonny Rollins Blue Monk - Thelonious Monk The Champ - Jimmy Smith I Was Doing All Right - Carmen McRae Avila and Tequila - Hank Mobley Guarachi Guaro - Cal Tjader April in Paris - Coleman Hawkins Route 66 - Nat King Cole Have You Met Miss Jones - Art Tatum & Ben Webster CD 3: Senor Blues - Horace Silver I Remember Clifford - Lee Morgan Mack the Knife - Louis Armstrong The Kid from Red Bank - Count Basie The Maids of Cadiz - Miles Davis Blue Train - John Coltrane Funk in a Deep Freeze - Hank Mobley I Want to Be Happy - Stan Getz Birk's Works - Dizzy Gillepsie They Say It's Spring - Blossom Dearie Russian Lullaby - John Coltrane Well You Needn't - Thelonious Monk One O'clock Jump - Lambert, Hendricks & Ross CD 4: Line for Lyons - Gerry Mulligan Playful Flute - Yusef Lateef Billie's Bounce - Red Garland Come Fly with Me - Frank Sinatra Haitian Fight Song - Charles Mingus Soulville - Ben Webster Dial S for Sonny - Sonny Clark I'll Close my Eyes - Kenny Burrell `S'Wonderful/They Can't Take That Away from Me - Anita O'Day You'd Be So Nice to Come Home To - Art Pepper Farmer's Market - Art Farmer Landslide - Curtis Counce Group CD 5: Whisper Not - Benny Golson My Baby Just Cares for Me - Nina Simone Stockholm Sweetnin' - Quincy Jones Dawn Ray - Ray Charles Dimineundo and Crescendo in Blue - Duke Ellington Poinciana - Ahmad Jamal Trio Summertime - Louis Armstrong Milestones - Miles Davis Way Out West - Sonny Rollins Autumn Leaves - Cannonball Adderley CD 6: Moanin' - Art Blakey & The Jazz Messengers Hip Strut - Jackie McLean Do It the Hard Way - Chet Baker Cherokee - Johnny Griffin Let's Face the Music & Dance - Ella Fitzgerald Ginza Samba - Cal Tjader In the Wee Small Hours - Ben Webster You've Changed - Billie Holiday The Night We Called It a Day - Chris Connor Along Came Betty - Art Blakey & The Jazz Messengers Cheek to Cheek - Ella Fitzgerald Peace Piece - Bill Evans It Ain't Necessarily So - Oscar Peterson CD 7: Cool Struttin' - Sonny Clark The Sermon - Jimmy Smith Here I Am - Donald Byrd Let the Good Times Roll - Ray Charles Better Git It in Your Soul - Charles Mingus Manhattan - George Russell What a Diff'rence a Day Made - Dinah Washington The End of a Love Affair - Wes Montgomery Polka Dots and Moonbeams - Chet Baker CD 8: So What - Miles Davis Lonely Woman - Ornette Coleman Take Five - Dave Brubeck Keep It Moving - Wynton Kelly Ramblin' - Ornette Coleman Goodbye Pork Pie Hat - Charles Mingus Blue in Green - Bill Evans Naima - John Coltrane Blue Ronda a la Turk - Dave Brubeck Giant Steps - John Coltrane |
*****Rok, I'm beginning to like this "old" music****** It ain't old O-10, It's just Jazz. People(like me), who listen to Mozart, never say they are listening to 'old' classical music. Not even Bach is called old, Just great muaic. Beware of any music with a prefix. Esp, modern, free, avant garde and contemporary, etc... Just use the prefix ' NON ', that would be more accurate. Cheers |
O-10 The dancers were awesome!! In that sort of performance TIMING, is everything. Miss a beat and a person could leap into the air and kiss the floor, or get his head kicked in. My favorite growing up was 'pine top' boogie woogie. I think that was the name. One of the things that stood out about the dancers was that, there were no fat folks. I guess this was before the 'heavy' or 'a few extra pounds' era. Not too many young folks can fly thru the air like that these days. And these dancers were not that young!! I have a dvd about the temptations. Several shots of 'Band stand' and other scenes of young people dancing. Not a fat girl to be seen. Reminds me of my school days. I bet you could not find 10 guys in NYC that could fit into the outfits worn by the temptations. :) Thanks for sharing Cheers |
"Desmond Blue" is one cool tune. Leo Cheers, a jazz DJ in St. Louis, used it for his theme song. When I heard it, around midnight, I knew to look forward to the best jazz on radio. I recall seeing Dave Brubeck at a free concert he gave at "Our Lady Of The Snows shrine". It was on the most picture perfect fall day I can recall, red, green, and yellow leaves dotted the scenery, while the weather was sunny and just right for a sport coat. He came up a winding road in a limousine and he still looked good for his age. I don't recall him saying anything as he sat down at the piano on stage. Modern dancers in colorful pastel flowing gowns began moving to the music as he played. I was spell bound and in awe of the man; especially since everybody he had played with and all of his contemporaries were dead, I don't even remember the music, but I'm certain it wasn't anything I'd heard before. While I spotted some "old boppers", many of the people there just happened to be at the shrine on that day. In regard to your statement about the audience, this wasn't that kind of jazz, it was more "cerebral", the kind of music you contemplate as opposed to reacting to; and that's how it affected me. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tBa2zKHe9Ig Enjoy the music. |
Acman3: Well, it was non-jazz. Very Good? I think so, because great non-Jazz should be as far from Jazz as possible. This was. When I hear/see stuff like this, I always wonder, what is the player thinking. Where is he going with the improvisation? Is this music written down on paper? Do they rehearse? Is it possible for one of the band members to play a wrong note?? Inquiring minds wanna know!! Thanks for sharing Cheers |
++++What was the player thinking? +++ Just look at their faces. They were having a blast! As far as the other questions, I don't know. I's about emotional reaction, just like Bop. That"'high" is what makes us all listen to music. I have been listening to Ronald Shannon Jackson music, since I heard he had died yesterday. Been a fan for 30 years. Sonny Sharrock died almost 20 years ago. Very good players, but in a style most won't get.That's OK. I mostly do. On a different note, You may want to check out a Phil Alvin record I was listening to. Phil Alvin plays with the Blasters, but in 1984, while the Blasters were split, up he put out a solo recording of mostly pre 1940 songs, and enlisted the support of Sun Ra and the Dirty Dozen Brass Band. It shows where Jazz roots come from, The only song on Youtube is without these bands, but will give you a taste. It was out on CD for a while, but may be a little scarce. |
I looked up Jackson and Alvin. I think you are right, not my cup of tea. Interestly, of the reviews on Amazon, from fans of Jackson, most held back from giving his stuff unqualified endorsements. Red Flag! The snippets I heard, I didn't like. But I am sure a lot of people think the stuff I like stinks, or worst yet, is too OLD! Thanks for the posts. Cheers |
O-10: I have no clue on downloads. If I like certain music, then I want the physical item that I can touch and read. I always wondered why some out of print stuff is so much more expensive than others. I can make do with Harris without the three sounds. They weren't THAT great. But never hard on the ears. Gene Harris is my favorite. I have a lot of his stuff including the best of the Concord years. I do have one CD of the three sounds, but a lot more on LP. You using the word 'Audiophile', did give me a headache. When I am in the gym on the treadmill, listening to my Sony CD walkman thru Koss'sportapro' phones, I am in audio heaven, :) and the most 'high-end' guy in the gym. Cheers |
"Desmond Blue". Beautiful does not do it justice. One of my very favorite records. Interesting that this clip should follow the "Last Exit" clip. I can't think of two more different approaches to "jazz"; and, yes, I think the Last Exit performance can probably be, fairly, be called jazz by virtue of the fact that it is about 95% improvised. In answer to Rock's questions: no this music was not written down. What were they thinking about? As little as possible; that's the point, and the goal. It's visceral, high-energy, let it all hang out, however the moment moves you improvisation with the most sparse musical outline established ahead of time: short drum intro, 24 bars of "free" ensemble improvisation, followed by a series of improvised solos and more ensemble playing all in the same minor tonality with no harmonic changes. High energy, exciting (to some) and basically a jam. Music like this often walks a fine line between art and bullshit; the individual listener decides. If anyone is interested the instrument that Brotsmann plays besides tenor saxophone is the Tarogato, a Hungarian folk instrument which even though is referred to as a "tenor clarinet" in the credits is really more like a wooden soprano saxophone. O-10's description of Desmond Blue (and his personal story) is perfect; jazz that is about contemplation instead of visceral reaction. There is an unbelievable amount of subtlety and introspection in this kind of jazz, and Desmond and Hall were two of the masters. There is constant dialogue between the players and with the orchestration. Desmond was a master of thematic development; all done in the simplest of ways. Listen to how he takes a simple melodic fragment and develops and transposes it to fit the changing harmony; all in the most logical way possible and always harkening back to the melody of the tune and using the least amount of notes possible. One particularly beautiful moment happens at 2:16. While Desmond improvises there is a simple little melodic statement by the winds in the orchestration, Desmond immediately reacts and "answers" it with a statement of his own having the same shape as that in the orchestration, and incorporates it into his improvisation in the most perfect way. This is really great stuff. Thanks for the link. |
*****In regard to your statement about the audience, this wasn't that kind of jazz, it was more "cerebral",******* CEREBRAL: 1 a : of or relating to the brain or the intellect b : of, relating to, or being the cerebrum 2 a : appealing to intellectual appreciation *cerebral drama* b : primarily intellectual in nature *a cerebral society* Hell, no wonder I don't GET IT. Every since I had my lobotomy, (in a vain attempt to be able to hear wire), I have noticed Brubeck's music has lost it's appeal. Now all is clear. Cheers |
As always, The Frogman has restored order. I found nothing to disagree with in your comments on the 'last exit' clip. You explained it perfectly. Thanks for the info on the 'tenor clarinet' thingy. My sense is that these guys play primarily for themselves. The audience / public can take it or leave it. I guess all artist play for themselves to some degree. I just think that the successful ones, make an effort to take the audience along with them on the trip. ****Music like this often walks a fine line between art and bullshit; the individual listener decides**** Well said!! Nothing to add to that!! I will now read your thing on Desmond Blue. This might take a while, going back and forth to the clip etc... :) Thanks for taking the time to be so thorough in your answers. Cheers |
Gene Harris is a musician Rok and I both admire. This is something I found on "you tube" that I liked, and since this is one of Rok's favorite musicians, maybe he'll write his review on it; especially since we all like his reviews. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eATnDPvzN_s Enjoy the music. |
Frogman, speaking of comments that have more truth in them than people realize, or are willing to admit: ****Music like this often walks a fine line between art and bullshit; the individual listener decides**** Love it. Still wondering if any of you have heard this Jack Teagarden guy (trombone). Haven't had a chance to listen to these records yet, hoping to tomorrow. They are billing him as King of the Blues Trombone. |
Jack Teagarden : A real old timer. Back to the 1920's I believe. I don't have anything by him. I would take that 'King of the Blues' thingy with a grain of salt. That title was just a sign of the times in this country. Remember, when Louis Armstrong, Bird, Ellington, Basie, and Lord knows who else, were alive and in their prime, Benny Goodman was anointed 'King Of Jazz', by the music and entertainment media / industry in this country. Don't mean to critize Goodman. He was a pioneer in many respects. I think it was just the 'King" of any and every thing prior to WWII, had to be white. He may be a good player. But my advice, forget the Blues 'King' part of it. Cheers |
I don't think that Jack Teagarden's relevance in the history of jazz should be considered simply hype. It is true that the titles "King" of this or that were overblown titles, and partially the unfortunate result of the terrible social biases and injustices that were prevalent at the time. Rok is, sadly, correct that it is unlikely that a black jazz player at the time would have been designated "King" of anything by the majority white ($$$) audiences. Nonetheless, it is also true that Benny was responsible for exposing vast audiences to "Swing"; hence the title "King of Swing". Having said that, Teagarden is correctly credited for bringing the trombone to the modern jazz era. He was the transitional link from the traditional supporting role of the trombone in dixieland to the more prominent role as solo instrument in "Swing". The guy could really play and demonstrated a facility on the instrument that must have been considered amazing at the time. http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=4MlFCDcP2zM Bottom line for me: Louis Armstrong chose him to play in his band. I doubt that Louis succumbed to hype. Interesting that Teagarden and Benny should be mentioned: Teagarden was a white player in a black band, and Benny Goodman's band was one (maybe first?) racially integrated band with the addition of Lionel Hampton, Charlie Christian and others. |
I don't approach jazz from a historical or rational context, I approach it the same way I approach "all" music; from a purely emotional context, either I like it or I don't. While many of Rok's controversial statements may or may not be true, I consider them irrelevant today; and the same for Frogmans statements in response, except for "BTW, Learsfool, please post your impressions of Teagarden when you listen to that set. Thanks." Leersfool, I would like very much to know your detailed impression of "Jack Teagarden". Enjoy the music. |
O-10: **** this is one of Rok's favorite musicians, maybe he'll write his review on it;***** The best youtube clip on this thread ever!! Outstanding Video and Audio quality. Gene Harris playing Silver? There is nothing more to be said. And he does it all with a smile. Just like Pops. If a person can see and hear, no review is required! I just checked in this morning to see what had been posted, saw this, and listened to the entire thing twice. Awesome even thru computer logitechs. I am not familiar with the other player. They seemed to feed off of each other. Good thing too, because if this was in Japan, I am sure it was like playing before the Terrra Cotta soldiers. Thanks for posting. I will visit it often. Cheers |
******While many of Rok's controversial statements may or may not be true****** All my comments are true and they are not controversial. Facts can never be controversial. The Thing about Goodman being the 'King' of Jazz is true. There was a backlash, this was beyond the pale, even for the times, so it was changed to 'King' of swing. I guess everyone had to be King of something. BTW, none of this was Goodman's doing. As I said he did integrate his band at a time when that was a huge risk! I always give him credit for that courage. I think pianist Teddy Wilson was the first. I have one poster on the wall of my listening room. Ella singing at a club, and Ellington and Goodman at a table together, watching in awe. Love it! O-10, if you don't see or consider the history in music, you are missing a lot. Cheers |
Recent Acquisition: Bobby McFerrin -- SPIRIT YOU ALL McFerrin gives his unique take on well known spirituals. A lot of old favorites here: Everytime I feel the Spirit, Lay my burdens down, Swing Low, and others. 13 Tunes. My favorite was 25:15. Was it a Spiritual or Blues? Sounded like The Staple Singers meeets John Lee Hooker. The harmony and guitar was pure Staples, but the band could have been Hooker's band. Great stuff. The entire set had a Oscar Brown Jr feel to it. Without Brown's social commentary. And that is high praise. Is it Jazz? Some won't think so, but Cannonball did say it was all the same thing!! :) Ali Jackson is on drums. I remember him from the Dee Dee set at Yoshi's. Good to see young folks get into the Music. He wears a coat and tie also! Cheers |
The Learsfool: Seems as if ALL box sets by Jack Teagarden are very highly rated. He was an innoavator on the trombome as The Frogman said. I guess you could say he was to swing what J.J. Johnson would later be to Bop. His best years were pre-Bop, which is why I probably don't have any of his stuff. Sound quality issues with a lot of old stuff. He played with Armstrong from 1947-1951. Was a good singer also. He made the mistake of signing a long term contract with Paul Whiteman, so a lot of oppourtunity to form and lead his own band passed him by. To clarify this thingy. Politicians always try to 'use' famous people for their own purposes. Teagarden was probably a nice guy and a great musician. He never claimed to be 'King' of anything. Sort of like the Jack Johnson mess and the Schmeling and Louis travesty. And don't forget the tragedy of the East German athletes. Politicians using people. Cheers |
Hi guys - thanks for the comments. I did not get a chance to listen to that set today after all, too busy. So I probably won't get to it until Saturday now. A friend of mine told me that he was also a good singer, and is indeed a legend on the trombone. I am really looking forward to it. Rok, LOL - one of your comments reminded me of Peter Schickele, a musical comedian who created the famous character of PDQ Bach. He used to say "Truth is truth. You can't have opinions about truth." O-10, about your comment "I don't approach jazz from a historical or rational context, I approach it the same way I approach "all" music; from a purely emotional context, either I like it or I don't." If you do like it, doesn't that make you curious about it's larger context? In a great many cases, in fact, you will miss key things about a specific tune if you don't know it's history - musicians very often reference each other in the jazz world. That's so not grammatically correct, but I hope the point is clear. Dang it, ya'll just ain't got no proper grammar learnin'...... But seriously, the point here is that there is so much more to music than just the emotional context. That is only the starting point, the surface, if you will. Uncovering some of the other layers would undoubtedly bring you much more appreciation and therefore listening enjoyment. Usually I say this in reference to harmony/theory or ear training, but it is equally true of history, and the history part is much easier for the musical layman to grasp. I would strongly encourage you to read up on your favorite musicians/jazz styles/periods. |
I'm glad everyone agrees on me and the history of jazz; while it's true, I don't feel any loss. What I have to account is one persons story and no more. In March 1955, a witness to his death heard a clap of thunder at the moment Charlie Parker passed. In the Summer of that very same year, jazz was born for me at my cousin's apartment in Chicago. He had more records than I have ever seen outside of a record store, I was in paradise; nowhere had I ever heard music like this. I acquired, and still have many of those same records. Little did I know, at that time my history was being made in a way that would last for the rest of my life. Although I've tried very hard to get past that period, here I am, right back where it all started with many of the same musicians and records. Enjoy the music. |