Excellent catch! The second, third, fourth and fifth notes of the melody (played by the tenor) are the first four notes of “Giant Steps”. Organized in a different rhythm but the same note intervals. I’m impressed! I think it’s great to catch those things, The more one does it the easier it gets.
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.
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frogman Except for Maxine ( I don't remember ) all of those tunes ok now we have to convince jazz artists to record them. My favorite is B Joel's :New York State of Mind" . I like this version I found with electric piano: http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=aLN_xA4Wcps BTW- Didn't Joni Mitchell do an album of Mingus tunes in the past? I have a jazz album of Joni's tunes done by Tierney Sutton. I'LL post some if I can find online. I need to go back to your 4/7/18 post of Miles quintet live 1967 . i just caught the beginning of it orpheus10 indicated interest in people posting some "avant garde" music. Should I ask him what type he might be interested in ? I don't know if I want to bother him as I am not sure how well he is feeling. |
Nice read for those wanting to learn about Cecil Taylor. Hard to figure, on the surface how someone who’s hero’s were Ellington and Monk. Not so hard if you listen. Just the next logical step, although Monk himself was not a fan. https://www.theatlantic.com/entertainment/archive/2018/04/cecil-taylor-obituary/557507/ |
Candidates for popular songs adapted as jazz standards. Of course there are many more but these happen to be among my favorites: Not exactly recent, and most often performed as a vocal, but this is one I love from one of my albums - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NbQHNrCotcc Another one from a few decades back but often done - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2PI_xb6jSD4 Just in case you missed it in my recent post - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=23VCyohcUxg |
nsp, it's nice of you to be concerned about my health. Joni Mitchell made a recording of Mingus's birthday party, and sung some songs on that recording; more talking than music, but I found it interesting. I was only curious about people who are fans of the "avant garde". Even when my favorite musicians go "avant garde", I can live without it; however, if you have some you like, please post it, I never know. |
o10, I have her "Mingus" LP. The live recording from his BD party was interesting the first playing, but became tiresome for me in subsequent listenings. I'd much rather anything like that be placed at the end of the album or even on an enclosed 45. But maybe that's just me? ;^) I don't really listen to anything I'd call "avant-garde" so have nothing to contribute with that. My old Ornette Coleman would be as close as I'd come. |
I would like to offer a different perspective on the idea behind the “raps” in Joni Mitchell’s “Mingus”. I completely understand why it can get tiresome and I do confess to skipping those tracks sometimes. I would also have to point out that I am a huge Joni Mitchell fan, not to mention Mingus and every musician that plays on this record. I love this record. To me this record is tremendous labor of love all the way around and the facts around it’s creation clearly demonstrate this. The raps are intertwined with the songs to create a certain continuity to the album as a whole. For example the rap “Funeral” is followed by the song “Chair In The Sky”. Besides, it should be noted that the raps in total take less time than the shortest of the six songs (about 3 mins in total). The playing is fantastic and even if one is not a big fan of Mitchell it’s hard to not appreciate the playing. Jaco sounds amazing, as does Wayne Shorter who is a master of economy in his very soulful soloing. And it’s Peter Erskine for real this time. acman3, thanks for posting the clips, it had been a while since I had listened to this. |
acman3, really liked that Ran Blake clip. I wasn’t familiar with his music and I’m really glad to have heard this. Very “moody” stuff. Some of it sort of reminds me of the music of Messiaen. Very distinctive and unusual. Thanks for that. re avant-garde: What do you get when you combine avant-garde jazz with funk?: https://m.youtube.com/watch?list=PLzj4H3Zf3X_zq31QGtZQGwE668GGN3p_t&v=PppJOrnVtkg |
acman3 enjoyed that Ran Blake piece. As frogman says it sets up a mood. Is that cut from an album ? or just an online posting? I couldn't tell. orpheus10 Don Cherry: http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=B-BJs5AzVoI Paul Bley http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=IiSGb2MfGXM Jimmy Giuffre http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=Y9riM3qsQ9k http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=mFqJNrhL8vU http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=LtUxKBb2ZGs http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=nm5b-tQLMu0 |
After the musician has learned all that is required, and mastered his instrument, he must then find some music worthy of his knowledge and skills. In the jazz idiom, music is derived from human relations and expressions; in other words the society in which we live provides the inspiration for the music; without this, where does the musician go for his music. Does he look inside his head? Without additional external stimuli and action, he won't find much material. In all generations, the society at large provided the inspiration for the music; the music is a reflection of a particular society, it is nothing more than a mirror. I pose this question, "Can anyone present music that is a reflection of today's society?" |
It’s all around us. Jazz is not the only genre nor idiom that reflects the time of its creation (“today’s society and human relations”). All art does this to one degree or another and what ultimately determines how good the art is is how good a job it does of reflecting this. What can’t be taken out of the mix is how WE ourselves (the listeners, in this case) fit into today’s society or how comfortable we each are with the changing times. If anyone of us finds the societal moves away from “old school” values to only be a negative and without any redeeming value (iow, the type of person who believes that society today and it’s values is inherently worse than in the past) then that is the type of individual who is more prone to not like or appreciate art that reflects the current society regardless of that art’s ultimate quality as defined by criteria that are not only subjective, but also objective. As I have argued many times here every generation or society in time has created great art (jazz, as concerns this thread). I’ll post some examples shortly. Good topic, O-10. |
Wpryso "A Taste of Honey". This brings back memories of my first exposure to jazz. I had to post this cut from an album my parents bought when I was a young kid. I couldn't get enough of the tune or the sexy cover photo. BTW your Woody Herman clip is a much better version. http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=NC38-qqiVgg I did miss your version of "Time After Time" on the 1st post. I found a Chet Baker version I like better. Miles version seems to have a bit of a reggae beat to it. http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=0ybMVHeJZ7w That video of Sarah Vaughn is incredible. She has great range with her voice and also emotional expression. Her nickname "The Divine One" really fits. sublime. I am just getting into singers for about a year or so and don't have anything by her. I would appreciate if members can suggest albums /cd's of hers with good sound where she is at the top of her game . |
Since it is assumed we are all "jazz aficionados"; we have the right to reject the music for whatever reason we choose. While others who have been deemed objective experts can qualify the music, as fans and consumers of this music, it's only necessary that we purchase it if we like it. As OP of this jazz thread maybe I have more responsibility than others, but I have always shared that responsibility as to what is "good jazz" and we have come to a unanimous conclusion. While I have my opinions in regard to specific cuts on an album, as well as the album itself; they have never been too far outside prevailing views of other members of this forum. If anyone of us finds the societal moves away from “old school” values to only be a negative and without any redeeming value (iow, the type of person who believes that society today and it’s values is inherently worse than in the past) then that is the type of individual who is more prone to not like or appreciate art that reflects the current society regardless of that art’s ultimate quality as defined by criteria that are not only subjective, but also objective. That is a very difficult paragraph to interpret, but I would never accept anything just because it's new. Back to the original question, "Can anyone present jazz, or any music that is a reflection of this society"? |
nsp, As you must know, that Alpert cover has become one of the most famous over the years for LPs. Regarding "Time After Time", it becomes confusing because of two different songs with the same title. Baker covered the original while Miles adapted Cyndi Lauper's - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7wBgcalM4c4 For Sarah, her only album I own is "After Hours", which I think is good, but have nothing else for comparison. o10, not to get political but I can't imagine wanting any present jazz which reflects current society. Too much discord and lack of tolerance. |
Pryso, I think you have hit upon something, maybe that's why we never discuss "current" music, because there is very little worth discussing. I noticed sometime ago when I bought a fairly current CD, it only had 1 cut that appealed to me, now I don't even bother. What we talk about and like as a forum speaks for itself without my input. I'm still waiting for the "new music", and I want each one of us to make sure they comment on it. After this, we will return to whatever we like as individuals, and are comfortable with. |
**** but I have always shared that responsibility as to what is "good jazz" and we have come to a unanimous conclusion.**** Huh? Sometimes yes and sometimes no. Unanimous? With all the disagreement about new vs old jazz? Perhaps we have different definitions of “unanimous”. Not that I have an issue with disagreement, I don’t; but hardly unanimous I think. Plenty of discussion about the new music, btw. Perhaps I dreamt it 😊. **** but I would never accept anything just because it’s new. **** Of course not and I agree, and there was no suggestion that one should. Just as we shouldn’t accept anything simply because it’s old. Agree re Sarah Vaughn “Send In The Clowns”. Thanks, pryso. Great choice for “standard” status and one which probably already is; performed and recorded many many times. nsp: Sarah Vaughn “Live In Japan”, fantastic live double album. And of course, “In The Land Of Hi Fi” and “SV With Clifford Brown”. The latter two are classics and available only in mono (I believe, mine are), but great sound if somewhat “vintage”, if you know what I mean. |
Imho, of course, art does not reflects society. Art (or should say artists ) interprets society, or some brief moments within. Historically that is even more evident, as art was not available for masses, nor it was enjoyed by them. Even today, with much higher percentage of educated people and wide world spread media, art is a rare form. |
I wonder what Ken Vandermark is up to this week? https://vandermark1.bandcamp.com/album/wired-for-sound |
Gene Ammons music is synonymous with the word "jazz"; his music makes you feel "jazzy", and I could listen to it all day. Lets try "Ca'Parange", and a couple of his other tunes that make you feel jazzy. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M9CxF7qxYqc https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=If77_P8v7iE https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BdvienyK758 |
“Jug”, from the Chicago school of tenor players. Huge, husky and very inflected sound. That “Angel Eyes” is a classic. Thanks, O-10. Eventhough most of what he played and recorded had that funky bluesy feel, he could bebop with the best of them. Check out Art Farmer and Jackie McLean. Beautiful and expended solos all the way around: https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=Wp780t2Q41M In answer to O-10’s request to post music that is “a reflection of this society”. I think it’s good that no specific genre was specified; too limiting. I would say that this music is a reflection of todays’ society in certain ways. Unique aesthetic and attitude that rubs some the wrong way. Fabulous musicianship all the way around. Guitarist Jon Herrington is fabulous. His solo on “Planet D’Rhonda is amazing and if that is not is not great jazz then I don’t know what is: https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=tbGMIfCdrdk https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=w-vGINaAR-w https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=0u4ms4mVdcI |
My request to specify music to reflect today's society was not, nor did I intend it to be music specific. Since I see and analyze this society from the top to the bottom under a magnifying glass, I see it like it is; the top could care less about the bottom;"Raise yourself up by your bootstraps." I saw an adult young lady from the Bronx in New York City, who had been cast into the spotlight, and could not even speak decent English. I could see she was aware of this, and uncomfortable speaking to the Nation on an award show, but they wouldn't let her go, and she did the best she could, which was horrible. She was intelligent; I determined that from how she managed to get out of a hell hole, and succeed. How could a place with so many rich people fail her so miserably in the school system? (I am who I am) Donald Fagan has acquired a unique fan club, of which I am a member. "I'm Not The Same Without You"; a very different perspective. I liked the music, but failed to see how it is a reflection of society; although I'm better off without you was a different perspective. |
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It's not about any of the symptoms people rail against. It always has been, and will be about the heart. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tzy2XNEHOpw |
orpheus10 I think all artists in one way or another are a product of the society they live in and reflect this consciously or subconsciously. Maybe an artist plays their sax,for example,more strongly or softly, subconsciously, to reflect their internal view of society. Or an artist may consciously write lyrics bemoaning society or showing the beauty of something they have experienced, which reflects their feelings. If musicians today were to reflect society I feel the music would have to be turbulent and as pryso said , discord and i add, dissonance. someone I just discovered: http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=7WfPqd4s7wY classic Wes: http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=dqn3PF_DcSg in rotation on my stereo: Blue Note blues; http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=ixzfBEQ2t_w Getz: http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=YWErSDDu89c |
pryso & frogman Thanks for the Sarah V. recommendations. pryso I was confused and now realize I like the earlier version of "Time After Time". That Herb Alpert cover is a classic ! acman3 I like Ken Vandermark also, especially the Vandermark Five group, whose music is a little more accesibile than his other work. http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=wV4VYj2t25c |
You are welcome, nsp. Here’s another singer who is very possibly my favorite of all female vocalists. I just love the way this woman sings. This record is a fantastic marriage of gorgeous singing and the art of orchestration. Fabulous arrangements and one of my very favorite records: https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=cCIUx2EXSbc https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=cXAj-H5pR4U https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=g1-j6RcNup8 https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=DZq9mocJkDQ |
@jafant - you mentioned Joshua Redman who happens to be one of my all time favorite musicians. I love this song Sweet Sorrow. This particular night was at the BMW festival. You will notice that he is accompanied by the great Christian McBride on bass. https://youtu.be/_a1UTGPe0UA Cheers |
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DUHZmN00A4M On a surprising note Ethan Iverson has been replaced by Orrin Evans https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YgISz9pI16Y https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZDwkKpsCmz4 |