Boy oh boy, how much those young whipper snappers have yet to learn!
https://youtu.be/X2zpbq8mr7w
https://youtu.be/IPT6CrYzN8M
https://youtu.be/X2zpbq8mr7w
https://youtu.be/IPT6CrYzN8M
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.
31,760 responses Add your response
I'm in a rut, more Mingus music. But not by Mingus hisself. This time by the Mingus Big Band, a tribute group. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sxz9eZ1Aons |
pjw the date the date you referenced with Lee Morgan and wayne shorter together are both on a cd twofer I purchased many years ago on mosaic records. When I pull them out and looked at the credits Eddie Higgins name did not appear. That's where I got confused because I thought both Lee Morgan and Wayne shorter played with him together. Apparently he did separate dates with Lee Morgan and Wayne shorter that he referred to as being a major boost to his career |
frogmanThat Wayne shorter date you posted with Eddie Higgins must be the one that he referred to in the interview I quoted. It seems like a nice Straight Ahead Bebop date. Most of my Eddie Higgins material is from later in his career so discovering the earlier a dates is great. Eddie Higgins also mentioned that he played and recorded a lot with Al Gray who became a good friend of his. |
Oh My, Sounds Great, Great music! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1gUwH7qbDKE https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lpJizlAhlT4 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DiusrLjQ-dw |
The greatest horn player I ever heard, young, old or middle-age Is Hermann Baumann ! The first time I ever heard him live I was stunned . One of the top 5 players I have ever heard of anything. 85 and still teaching . Do you two think the changes are to move toward what audiences hear these days, aka rock, or are just a natural progression ? In all things human the new thing is, more often than not as good as the old thing . |
Always good to have you check in, Learsfool. I will defer to you on all things French horn. I agree about Bloom’s greatness and would add that no one player is ever “king” to all concerned. Yes, things have changed quite a bit stylistically over the last couple of decades in NY as in many other places; on all instruments. As a friend often says “We’re the old guys now”. |
frogman, I was not aware that Eddie Higgins played piano on that Wayne Shorter album which I do not have. I shall have to remedy that. Using Higgins without putting Eddie or Billy in front of it could confuse the uninitiated who may pop up here from time to time. Speaking of the drummer, Billy Higgins, here is an interesting video I stumbled on this past winter which made me purchase volumes 1 through 3 of Cedar Walton's "The Trio" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y4BYt3l7zEM |
nsp, I have the 3 Lee Morgan sessions on the Veejay label. Eddie Higgins piano on "Expoobident". Wynton Kelly piano on "Here's Lee Morgan" Both feature Clifford Jordon on tenor sax and Art Blakey on drums. The bass player changes from Art Davis on "Expoobident" to Paul Chambers on "Here's Lee Morgan" The third Veejay album with Lee Morgan, "The Young Lions" has an altogether different lineup and Wayne Shorter does play tenor sax on it. The rest of the personnel: Frank Strozier alto sax Bobby Timmons piano Bob Cranshaw bass Albert "Tootie Heath" drums on tracks 3, 5, and 8. Louis Hayes drums tracks 1, 2, 6, and 7 All three Veejay album sessions were recorded in 1960 sandwiched in between Lee Morgan Blue Note dates. |
Checked in tonight to catch up on this thread, and noticed some postings of the Ravel Pavane for a Dead Princess. For me personally, one of the very most beautiful versions of the opening horn solo was Myron Bloom's, with the Cleveland Orchestra and George Szell conducting. It is on an LP with the Debussy La Mer. Anyway, Mr. Bloom died just the other day - horn players all over the world are mourning him. I listened to his Pavane that day. Quite a bit different sound from Stefan Dohr, who although of course a very great player, is definitely not everyone in the horn world's king, especially from the musical side.....horn playing has changed in New York a very great deal over the last decade or two, Frogman, especially if many are expressing a preference for Dohr, who is pretty much a polar opposite of what used to be the New York horn style. Although that was not my style (and neither is Dohr's or Bloom's), it is sad to see it almost completely disappearing now. |
nsp, re Bobby Henderson: Yes, stride piano. “Ain’t Misbehaving” was written by Fats Waller, considered the greatest of the stride piano players. Great clips, Alex. Loved that “Jitterbug Waltz”. Wonderful player, Henderson. nsp, great Lee Morgan clips. Higgins is great as always. Wasn’t familiar with that record and it goes on to buy list. Interesting about the dates with Wayne Shorter? Here’s a favorite Wayne Shorter record with Higgins, but with Freddie Hubbard on trumpet instead: https://youtu.be/pFb51lJzw7k https://youtu.be/qFZ-F4RIIQQ |
pjw -Eddie Higgins stated in an interview that he did two dates with Lee Morgan and Wayne shorter for veejay records. This was in 1960. The records were done in Chicago where he lived at the time. Not sure if he confused Clifford Jordan with Wayne shorter but I did find one of them with lee Morgan is the leader. he stated that his reputation in the Jazz world was enhanced more by those two dates than any other recordings he did. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=43RITTTUiOM .http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q5Ahqkb_8iA http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Resk15Akf-E |
This jazz pianist lives in a world of her own .https://youtu.be/e1FCKaep2R0?t=3 . Yes , that IS jazz. https://youtu.be/PHi4tFz-F0g?t=8 (jazz from this planet) https://youtu.be/agyor0ksmqw?t=2 (Gershwin in honor of frogman) |
Did I miss it, or has there been no discussion of the new Coltrane album "Blue World"? OK hard to say much until one hears it but I expected to find talk of great expectations. ;^) https://jazztimes.com/blog/previously-unreleased-john-coltrane-album-debuts-september-27/ I did hear about one minute in the car on Sirius but that wasn't much to judge by. |
frogmanI listen to all three Fred Kaz cuts & I would have to agree his compositions were more interesting then his solo playing. Didn't seem from his bio that he pursued a Jazz career. if you get a chance to listen to the Bobby Henderson Cuts Alex posted I was wondering what style he was playing in. It's old school I wasn't sure if it was stride? |
alex don't feel bad the same thing happens to me sometimes. the forum moves too fast for me to catch up!!The cuts I posted for Don Friedman were from Oliver Nelson's "More Blues and the Abstract Truth. as a habit I check my music videos to see that they will open prior to posting so I know they were good here. Don't understand why they were blocked maybe it's a legal thingI will post more Don Friedman playing later when I have time Fred Katz was a cellist who was in Chico Hamilton's group from the late 50s. Is Frogman thinking that was the guy you posted? BTW--- Don Friedman studied and play classical music until he was 15 so if you hear classical influences it's understandable. I'm not a classical fan so I would have nothing to compare it to. |
Well, Alex, that explains why I couldn’t find the album you posted in his credits. Please note that in your post with the clips you wrote Fred Katz, not Kaz; that was the beginning of the confusion. Anyway, not a total loss for me since I was able to rediscover Fred Katz. Re Fred Kaz: The crazy thing is that there are a lot of parallels between the two different players. Both were film composers, both Classically trained and how they started, and both had an interest in Eastern music. My earlier comments about his piano playing also apply. There is nothing “wrong” with his piano playing. He certainly has good “command” of the instrument as you point out, but I don’t think he is an exceptional piano player nor stylist. He has a certain swing feel and general approach that is not, as you say, rooted in the blues; what some, fairly or not, refer to as “too white”. As with Katz I find his compositions more interesting than his piano playing which is good, but not anything that I would consider exceptional. In the clips you posted the compositions are the focus, IMO. In fact on the third clip, “Sand”, there is not one single note that is improvised; it is entirely through composed. Still, interesting musician. I’m glad to have learned about him. Thanks for that. |
Frogman,i think its possible that you have mistakken kaz for katz.... https://www.fredkaz.com/bio.html |
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Thank you for your time frogman. Digital can’t reproduce that hall , at full cry ,as the principal said , the strings have a sheen and the winds are like a mountain spring . You hear a round tymph and can hear a slight snare swish or a singer minus mike in the highest seat in the hall . I usually tell knowledgeable classical fans its a bit like the Concertgebouw because I knowif i told them it is better they won’t believe me .It has the lowest prices of any major American Orchestra ,+ 2 kids get in free, that and their outreach is what I’m most proud of and why I send then money . |
alex, I just listened to all 3 songs off of the Fred Kaz album "Eastern Exposure" I like the groove of the first song "Ameer" but the other 2 songs I found nothing "catchy" in them to keep me interested. All Music site lists only 4 albums with him as a leader. I did some research and apparently Kaz started working in Hollywood in the early 60's. Here is the story: https://www.chicagotribune.com/entertainment/theater/chi-fred-kaz-legendary-musical-director-at-seco... |
Frogman,to me Kaz seems to be very much in command of his instrument and his choice of music and its execution on this album (and on year 1960) sounds thougtfull,but playfull,with 'twists and turns' that are interesting to follow which may not be the case for lots of music of that era,if talking about the one with soul or blues foundation. It reminds me on Eddie DeCosta,as hee seemmed to play somewhat untipical music too. |
Great video, Schubert. Proud as you should be; great organization. I have followed the goings on at SPCO for quite a while; ever since NJSO lost Hugh Wolff to them several years ago. Not that I was much of a fan of Wolff, but it signaled that SPCO was moving and shaking. The hall looks fantastic. Thanks for sharing. |
Paul and Nsp, glad you like it. Also, both of you have posted earlier some new guitarists, for me, that I liked, but never got to thank you,please forgive me for that,but lately you all have been very productive, so many posts,its hard to even read and listen to all, yet alone to answer, the conversation is unwiding so fast, when I wish to reply I am already 3 pages late. (pure excuse, I know,ha) Nsp, could not open the Kellaway link, again that regional thing on ytube. From what albums are those compositions? Take a listen on that Fred Kaz guy,I have only that album, but he seems interesting, perhaps Frogman could tell us whats 'wrong' with his playing, why he is not more known? (i am not sarcastic) Paul, here is another 'jazzical' piano player (also mentioned before) Don Friedman https://youtu.be/V0_U6WEFk78 https://youtu.be/KNJsn0m8VL8 |
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RiOf7oZnlP4 alexThanks!! Wow when you post it's a monster. A lot of good cuts to listen to. I happened to be a big fan of Roger KellawayHere's some cuts With Roger Kellaway on piano from a classic album: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nh0xUu9r5as http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=13QDt1CDTis |
schubert I am really enjoying all these Lizz Wright posts. I am a little disappointed because when I went to search her recording output I have not found a jazz oriented CD. I was looking for another Jazz singer but I'm not sure that's the direction her recording career has taken. She's so good I still might buy one of her other CDs. If anyone finds anything she has done in the Jazz field let me know. |
nsp, Great story of Higgins encounter with Art Blakey. I had read on Wiki that he turned down the offer but with none of the details you gave. Thanks for the info on the Lizz Wright album. I still cannot believe Chick Corea is paying a venue that is a 15 minute drive from my house. I saw the Return To Forever reunion tour in 2007 but had to drive to go to the United Palace Theater uptown NYC for that. |
alex, That post was a handful! The first link to Higgins' "Soulero" I really like. On the first song the first 50 seconds piano solo sounds like classical not jazz. I have just 2 Higgens albums with him as a leader - "Haunted Heart" and "Dear Old Stockholm" but I will be buying "Soulero" for sure. I enjoyed "Time On My Hands" as well. The Roger Kellaway song also sounded a bit classical. If you listen to the bass and percussion in the rythm section throughout the whole song it can be translated and used in a classical setting. Kellaway's piano playing can be described as "jazzicle" - did I just make up a new word? |
frogmanI listened to your posts of "You Must Believe In Spring" by Evans / Higgins. It pretty much proved the points that we discussed.Eddie Higgins story: from an interview he did about 15 years ago Higgins revealed that he was offered the piano chair in the Jazz Messengers band back around 1960. He told Art Blakey he wanted to think about it for a day. Higgins at the time had a regular Jazz gig where he lived and a family including two young kids to support. He was torn between the great exposure and the opportunity to play with Blakey and the other top Jazz Messengers. But he was also concerned about fitting in with the band as he did not even drink or smoke and most of the band members were hard drugs users. He also had heard that when the band got paid the drug connection got paid first, then the hotel bill was paid and if there is anything left over the guys in the band were paid.Since his Kids were young and he had a family to support he didn't want to go out on the road. He decided to turn it down and Art Blakey was surprised. I know you live I know you live in Upstate New York but this may be Chick Corea his only appearance in this area I'm not sure of his itinerary. I thought you might be interested. |
I like Eddie Higgins as well, have few albums,here are some some links of them... 'Soulero' https://youtu.be/1FruFLCr8ZA https://youtu.be/NdSzaqjenV4 just a note... On that album bass is played by Richard Evans, I've got one his album as well...'Richard's Almanac', piano is played by Jack Wilson https://youtu.be/hWXVnz0UdNU https://youtu.be/DhOch-6zn6Q https://youtu.be/yaR49KQ00jc more Higgins, 'By request', with Milt Hinton and Bobby Rosengarden https://youtu.be/EeVAc3v-Tgg from 'Time on my hands' album https://youtu.be/7yHRaeqgxQ8 Some other pianists and albums that I ve got and we have not mentioned, lately, at least... Bobby Henderson 'Handful of keys' https://youtu.be/7VLrSLbf7BM https://youtu.be/1vv6tGLC9RA Fred Katz 'Eastern Exposure' https://youtu.be/WyfXkjCzkVc https://youtu.be/XJHwPtHwRQQ https://youtu.be/by77aw62w3o Roger Kellaway 'Trio' (I find him more Evans a like than Higgins) Could not find more clips from this album, but he is worth of an attention https://youtu.be/-Rkt1gvZF0o Harold Harris 'at the Playboy club' https://youtu.be/rzRLjnu-g7s https://youtu.be/EaYvj9fCSdw Billy Taylor trio, with Candido https://youtu.be/4NB-88-W8QM Joe Bushkin 'and friends in Concert Town Hall' https://youtu.be/QEDZEfk-TlE https://youtu.be/QYFsXnOoiN0 on above mentioned album, guitar is played by Chuck Wayne, again, player that we did not mentioned (often anyway) Hope this will put some light on him Chuck Wayne 'Morning Mist' https://youtu.be/RLz2cKNNoak |
Yes, a neighbor American horn player in Madison who played 30 years in SWD Radio Symphony told me Hermann Baumann helped him with that . Dohr sounds like he could play it as a solo. You have a nice looking friend,in the clip I thought she was an All-American Girl looking lady.BTW , the large and lovely inside hall they built at Tanglewood has Ozawa’s name on it . Your friend could get a job with the SPCO and its half as expensive and twice as nice here ! We have a violinist who quit the NY Phil for SPCO . |
Gorgeous! The young lady playing the opening horn solo is a friend and currently an “Associate” in the Met Opera orchestra. Lovely player. Beautiful interpretation. As an interesting aside and arguably irrelevant performance detail: American players often struggle a bit when performing with orchestras in the East and Germany where orchestras tune to A:445; quite a bit higher pitch than the American tuning standard of A:440-442 (she’s ever so slightly under pitch). Speaking of German orchestras, and I make no comment on the interpretation of the piece, considered by most horn players the current “king” of the instrument. Stefan Dohr, principal in Berlin: https://youtu.be/wHN5sKe5pYg |
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Schubert, yes I have; Stephane Deneuve conducted. Gorgeous playing by Richter. Thanks for that. Re how the composer himself would have liked it: always an interesting question and not always what one might expect. By the man himself: https://youtu.be/QbFoW2HQ-Os Some interesting comments and description on this post of the same piano roll recording. https://youtu.be/tn6_yT9SKpM Ravel has been quoted as responding to a comment about.a particular performance being too fast by saying: *** “It is called “Pavane For. Dead Princess”, not “Dead Pavane For A Princess” ***. A pavane being, of course, a dance. |
frogman and pryso, Here is Pepper Adams' rendition of "Haitian Fight Song": https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fIu87qCZnJ4 |
nsp, another killer from Liz, the lady is addictive ! https://youtu.be/38mjw81spec?t=4 She’s on my bucket list(almost empty)She is North America once till last of year , But Toronto is as bad as NYC .Nov 10th near Graz, 2nd biggest city in Austria , one of best towns in Europe and not touristy . Got enough Lufthansa miles -hmmmmm. 50 Euros hmmmmmm. |