I remember a few years back, when the discussion was, The Best Jazz LP of all time. The contenders were 'KOB' and 'Something Else'. Miles and Cannonball play on both LPs.
If not Cannonball on KOB, then who?
Cheers
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.
31,723 responses Add your response
Well frog, rok beat me to it but the answer seemed pretty obvious. Interesting about personal perspectives as always. KOB does convey a sense of mystery for me as well, but rather than melancholy I get a feeling of reflection. The word melancholy I relate to sadness while reflection is more of a sense of realization. Just the same, a very interesting point about Cannonball’s nature not fitting the mold feeling of the album, yet his contributions are (for me) indispensable. In all these years of listening I never ask myself about a change in Miles’ line up. ;^) Considering Cannonball’s personality, he always seemed to me to find the fun in whatever music he played. Even a song with dour implications in the title like "Sack O Woe" may still be bluesy but not down - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u6rU-4za3EQ |
Good question, Rok. The one that always come to mind and my other favorite alto player, Charlie Mariano, but probably not enough of a star around the time KOB was recorded: https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=B-WOZA-sIJo https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=5tqN5R0h-0o https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=Zd-THvFsTbE Great comments, pryso and I don’t disagree; and “reflection” is a better description. Still....sometimes Cannonball’s “perkiness” seems a bit out of place for me. |
If not Cannonball, maybe a young Joe Henderson or a Sonny Rollins. In either case I don't believe neither would of made KOB the album it is today. Cannonball worked extremely well with Coltrane, with their ability to exchange improvisational harmonic blows along with the mastery of Miles made KOB revered as the GOAT of jazz music. Cheers |
I agree with Pryso. I didn't pick Cannonball because of his playing on KOB, but because of my perception of his personality. He was the odd guy out. Miles was full of himself. Didn't care if his audience 'got it' or not. Thought he was the Lord's gift to Jazz. Brilliant. Same could be said of Trane. Of course this is pre-Sinbad and Space travel to Stellar Regions. Cannonball was the opposite. Check out how he often gave a verbal introduction to his tunes. He wanted his audience to be involved. Had a lot of the Southern church in him. You could find his music on Juke Boxes. Brilliant. Cheers |
Miles whispers, Evans broods, Trane searches and Cannonball preaches 😎 As bluesy41 points out Cannonball and Trane worked well together. One of my favorite records and one which gets little attention: https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=OgdnbJ5smR4 |
A different kind of preacher.... Can't keep my feet still! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fFt9ZrOcqYQ |
frogman after thinking about it I was going to say Cannonball but rok2id beat me to it. What he conveys feels different than the other musicians. You are right to refer to the mood of this album-I think that is part of what makes it timeless. And of course isn`t great jazz about mood? Also I think the ability for the musicians to stretch out their solos without having to worry so much about frequent chord changes gave the music a freshness that still stands today. Different than hard bop , which is a style recognized as associated with late 50's thru the 60's. Yes George Russell deserves credit for being involved with modal jazz and influencing Miles. This is why Miles bought Bill Evans back into the band-Evans had studied with George Russell and was familiar with the modal concepts. I had read somewhere that Bill Evans helped Miles write "Blue in Green" but the writing credit was solely given to Miles. Have you ever heard/read anything about that? "Blue In Green" is my favorite cut from the album. Have not listened to KOB too much as my original lp is worn out , I need a later version lp or sacd. |
frogman Mariano may have been a good choice not sure he would have been better than Cannonball; http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=G1csDan6wuA |
On subject on melancholy and Cannonbal... Cannonball with Bill Evans...’Know what I mean’ from 1962. https://youtu.be/dt9XmhLfG4E https://youtu.be/KmFfy56nSzY Aldo, my first thought about ’melancholic sax player’ is Paul Desmond... Could I imagine him playing on KOB? Interesting question...but if I should choose, I would say Stan Getz could do it |
Stan Getz always seemed tome as a player who could play 'gentle' and 'hard', even at the same time... Frogman can say more about it, but to me he looks like he had great command of his instrument and (or) great 'ear' musically as well as imagination. from album with one time only line up ,Dynasty' from 1971. https://youtu.be/MWcRtztr35A |
**** Mariano may have been a good choice not sure he would have been better than Cannonball; **** nsp, I’m not sure either, but the mood of most of his playing is closer to what I feel is the overall mood of the record; if that were to be a priority. Always hard to argue against Cannonball. Loved “Smoke Gets In Your Eyes”. Beautiful and very expressive playing. Thanks for that! Toshiko’s “So What”, didn’t do much for me. That drummer.....!?! Great clips, Alex and your description of Getz leaves little to add and I agree about he and Desmond re melancholy. Very familiar with that great Cannonball/Evans record, but the Getz clips and “Horizon” is new to me. Loved it! I have to look for that record; one of the few by Getz that I don’t have. Fantastic player. |
frogman On the what ifs; Mariano had the sound AND the chops. Also agree with alexatpos on Desmond and Getz. Both players could really set a mood and had sounds that were clearly identifiable to them within a few notes: Desmondhttp://m.youtube.com/watch?v=n-y8AgX4fVY Getz : http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=2lfHV6C3E0Q |
Most here may know that Cannonball was a HS teacher/band director prior to being recognized for his chops as a jazz musician. That may have had some influence for his habit of making introductions with more than simply the song title. Yes nsp, I've also read about "discussions" regarding credit for some of the songs between Miles and Evans. Interestingly Evans' album "Everybody Digs Bill Evans" included Miles' signature on the cover along with other musicians offering their approval, and it featured this classic by Evans which certainly seems "at home" with KOB. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nv2GgV34qIg |
**** ...the what ifs **** Exactly. Desmond Blue is a gem. Speaking of musical attitude in a player (Cannonball), for me the reason that this record is so good is that the musical attitude of Desmond works very well with the production. Not surprising being a player who said he wanted “to sound like a dry martini”. I love the orchestrations and the way he interacts with them in his solos. The Getz clip is fabulous! Thanks. One of the best live things posted here. “I Remember Clifford” killed me. Amazing story teller. pryso, **** That may have had some influence for his habit of making introductions with more than simply the song title. **** I like that. I know his history, but never made the connection. You’re probably right. In a way this goes hand in hand with his musical attitude. Gorgeous Bill Evans that definitely could fit into the KOB vibe. Another great live clip: https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=HE9bRhUwELE https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=beCGdmrP8Xc |
pryso Thanks for that lovely solo rendition by Bill. What a consumate artist, such delicate touch and use of dynamics. Creates a mood within the first few notes. Of the many piano players I admire Evans is at the top of the list by himself. I had to include this next clip. When Bill solos he takes me to places I didn't think existed. read the comments a lot of people gave Bill credit for writing this song: http://m.youtube.com/watch/?v=mW_7gRH7ASE |
frogman I was thinking of a word to describe Desmond's playing and came up with terse which is listed in the dictionary as " Smoothly elegant, polished ,refined". Yes Stan Getz seemed to never rush anything and plays a little softer than others and has a lot to say. I've neglected him lately need to get back to his music. liked that medley with Trane &Getz. Seems like a rare clip. I play the 1st & 3rd songs on piano occasionally 2 of my favorites. Who is the piano player who did "Autumn leaves"? Did not recognize him. Tranes solo is a perfect example where he plays melodically and doesn't get too far out there. On "Hackensack" he cuts loose and is great also. Which brings me back to the discussion you and pryso were having about Coltrane. pryso mentioned the "sheets of sound " style and you mentioned some people having a cutoff point to where they would listen to Tranes music but nothing after.That's probably true. I used to think like that but I have changed my opinion over the years . I agree with pryso who observed some product done in the 60's like "Ballads " ,"And Johnny Hartman" "Duke Ellington & John Coltrane" goes back to his more melodic style. These are all just observations. Coltrane is difficult to pigeonhole. But one thing is for sure-he was a consumate musician who knew his horn and music forwards and backwards. In fact I believe he traveled further musically in his short lifetime than most musicians do for their whole careers. I am sure there are those who don't wish to listen to anything Trane did after his prestige years. I too tend to cherry pick when I listen to him. As I have aged I am more apt to listen to music which is less intense and jarring. Although I do still have an ear for the "avant garde" music just not as often. Just my 2 cents. BTW his solo on KOB'S "Blue In Green" is beautiful. Another possible alto substitute in KOB sessions?: http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=o75obi0Ce6w |
Nsp,its Wynton Kelly on 'Autumn leaves' Great pair of clips, Frogman, thanks, it was discovery to me. Interesting, I was just listening 'Autumn leaves' at home, but in this version. https://youtu.be/jGgAjdK1bHA https://youtu.be/9prWYPwahUI It is from Curtis Fuller album 'South American Cookin' from 1961. with Zoot Simms, T.Flanagan, D.Bailey and J.Merrit Have we speak about Simms ? Like his playing very much...and as we have mentioned Getz before, read somewhere that on one occasion Simms was asked about his opinion of Getz, said, that 'Stan is a great bunch of guys'... |
nsp, Wynton Kelly is the piano player on the first clip. Then on Hackensack one can see Kelly get up and hand the piano over to Oscar Peterson. Re Coltrane. Clearly we all have a favorite period in his career, but I enjoy just about everything he did. I may not want to listen to his out stuff very often, but every once in a while I’ll be in the mood for it and I find it puts his other work in a certain perspective. Btw, one of the things I like about those clips with Getz is that for whatever reason his tone was incredible at that point in time. Maybe a great reed that day 😊 |
alex, a bit of co-ink-a-dense? You posted Fuller and earlier today I happened upon a reference to this album by JJ and Kai. So I was thinking we needed some ’bone work here. As it happened, it was one of my jazz selections in that initial Columbia Record Club batch I mentioned earlier from so long ago. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5MAx_907Qh4 But just prior a few of you paid tribute to Getz, another of my favorites. So to close the circle here is a strong album with both Stan and JJ. Just check the line up, great energy and JJ is on fire on some cuts, but then they all are. I have this one too but with a different cover so didn’t recognize it until I read the title. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kOIsqIRSvbM |
A lot of good music today. Thanks to everyone! Had a chance tonight to listen to the new Bobo Stenson record . I still miss Paul Motion, but these guys are tight and good. Introspective, for those who don’t know Bobo Stenson’s work. https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLXd8AWoLfO0RTE6C_kDSAh0jr7ijx_TTg |
acman3 Thanks for posting Bobo Stenson cut. I did not know he had a new cd out. I miss P Motian also. This drummer sounds a little like Paul. Who is it? I like Stenson he is never overpowering, always interesting,and yes introspective. alexatpos & frogman Thanks I should have recognized Wynton Kelly. alexatpos -nice cuts by C Fuller. I was only familiar with his sideman work on Blue Note dates so this is new to me. What a strong full tone he has on this album. Another Fuller blues I like: http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=bipU5t0GvR8 wondering who the sax player is? frogman I feel the same on Coltrane it's all good depending on my mood. I have been listening to Stellar Regions lately and find it very powerful and lyrical ; http://m.youtube.com/watch/?v=ri78Ci5tqGw |
pryso Thanks I never noticed the lineup until you brought it to my attention. I like Lateef especially on this album: http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=DB_Y8A1Mie4 Curtis Fuller on a pretty ballad: http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=tRuwcOvhUrw |
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I just heard this on my local FM jazz station. I have the album but have not listened to it in a long time. My loss! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-M2ADUgffFE Which reminds me, any of you who may not be so fortunate to have a great station locally, they are available via the internet - https://www.jazz88.org/listen-jazz-radio/ |
alexatpos I like Zoot Sims also he reminds me of Hawkins or Webster somewhat. Here's 2 ballads: http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=NQzJ6FdIQhI http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=P2f2smMowT8 Another solo piano piece by B Evans: http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=NHKCUHESQTc |
Love Zoot! What a beautiful and effortless tone and swing feel. I hear Lester Young more than anyone in his playing as well as Webster as nsp points out. Another of Woody Herman’s “Four Brothers”. I started to post “A Time For Love” which I posted a while back (one of my favorite Johnny Mandel tunes) but nsp beat me to it. Gorgeous playing. Anyone remember this, or is it me just me getting old? Fantastic debut record by one of the most unusual pop singers that ever was; featuring Zoot on some tracks: https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=UNnwUQ8Z-nc |
Anybody out there into Charles Lloyd ? He just turned 80 this month and is stiill going strong: http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=WM3F1tMO_Y4 "Gypsy 66" http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=jznqvZcXLy4 "Rabo de Nube" http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=f21sORTMZ20 |
nsp, yes he was. The Four Brothers consisted of Stan Getz, Zoot Sims, Herbie Steward and Serge Chaloff. Unusual saxophone section in that it was three tenors and a baritone (no alto). All except Herbie Steward has been discussed here and all played in a generally similar style; Lester Young influence with that that light vibrato at the end of phrases. Here’s a possible little mystery. Two different downloads of the same 1950 recording. The second (with better sound quality...not a hint 🤔) is noticeably faster and a full half step higher in pitch (gotta love analog!). Which do you think feels correct? https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=QHkdPQWG7fk https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=znQ6bCQhcc0 Here’s something did Steward forty years later (1992) showing a move toward a somewhat more modern style with a little more edge in the tone: https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=X8oHMZIuUyk pryso, as you may know, I like big bands a lot. That Jones/Lewis is a favorite and that is Thad Jones’ best known composition. Beautiful tune. When I saw the link to you San Diego jazz station my mind went to Newark’s Jazz88, WBGO 88.3. A treasure of a jazz station it is another worth checking out on line. https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=F1jTqWLrzjI |
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Hey folks, it's Good Friday so I'm thinking something spiritual would be appropriate. Then, forgive me, I'm still in the mood for some trombone - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a6s0cjSUDJE And my favorite, which I posted once before, but it bares repeating - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EUDBBUPOKbc |
Then, simply because I enjoy variety, try this, minus any trombones - https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=dg0AHN9lqH0 |