By the way, why do you think Miles abandoned classical jazz at some point ? McLaughlin never belonged to it, he started out by playing in London clubs, and it was not jazz, with elements of jazz, of course. Tony Williams heard him play and invited him to New York. Then Miles heard him and invited him to participate in his new music. Once some black musicians asked Miles - Why did you invite white man to join you ? He said - When I hear a black man able to play like John I'll invite him. But Miles was not a typical black man, not at all.
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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Inna, I have this on vinyl; https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IaP1KftmZ2s&index=3&list=PLqyvvqB5g-kP1iTZxqX4V-xnY5uVTeX_x |
Yeah, I have all original Dead Can Dance releases on vinyl except the first album. There is a Japanese one on ebay but I probably won't buy it, I just need two songs there. There is also Japanese It'll End In Tears by This Mortal Coil there. It's a compilation containing two songs by Dead Can Dance. Thinking, but again probably not. I keep a grip on my audiophile fund, maybe too tight a grip sometimes. |
Here are some people who definitely captured the spirit of "Fela Kuti"; https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mFSRCG4DrmI |
I finally found some "new" music that I like, Fela Anikulapo Kuti lives; https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=embxt0jQ8f4 |
This is the most beautiful music and the most intoxicating voice I have ever heard in my life; https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=36aP8ZmTYww |
"Mas Que Nada", a song popularized by "Brazil 66" takes me back to my youth; while this is a different version, I can dig it; just think, I was about the age of those young ladies when that came out; at this moment I'm right there with them. Those were the days my friend why did they have to end, but such is the way of life. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9p7ToiJ5Q9o |
Steve Coleman is a very intellectual improvisational musician. A saxophonist who’s first inspiration and influence as a youth in the 60's came from Maceo Parker (he liked James Brown), then Charlie Parker and John Coltrane. Suffice it to say he evolved quickly from the Maceo Parker funky soul sax playing into a much more sophisticated sound of improvisational layers of sound bordering on free jazz. He has released a few critically acclaimed albums in the last few years. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z6BDz9c8h4I&list=PLqnRvvr2aWWD7FgMFSsFv34BiHRqXtQyo |
Pjw, those lp’ are not the current modern remasters or prints. Probably you would pay for shipping much more than the records are worth...but if you are interested, just of curiosity, to own a vinyl that was produced in ex Jugoslavia, I could check the shipping rates and send you something...perhaps an album of King Crimson? |
Pjw, now you got me laughing, send me your name and adress on pm. will send you one on my expanse and if you want I will even sign it for you,ha,ha. Yes, I live in Split, Croatia, on the Adriatic sea...so,if you ever decide to spend some holidays here, you (or anyone of you, affacionados) are welcome... Even bettter, Mary Jo can fix you some sailing yacht and program(she runs such business) to make such visit really worthvile.... https://youtu.be/GcccM2BAshE |
Questions To The Frogman: Why are the women allowed to strut their stuff, fashion wise, while the men are stuck with the penguin outfits? Nice performance. Wish you could get them on CD. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HClX2s8A9IE Cheers What determines the length of the pause between movements? |
Alex, PM sent. Pick me a winner! nsp, Yes Sonny Rollins is the man. Every time I cross the Williamsburg Bridge I think of him up there practicing in the wee hours of the night because after he saw Trane play he thought he was missing something. After a 3 year hiatus of practice he came back with an excellent album aptly titled "The Bridge" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZtY9hpg7sic Speaking of King Crimson, here is a good one from them. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LJ3UnGQCT1E |
pjw big fan of prog rock groups King Crimson, Genesis ( with Peter Gabriel not the later version), Matching Mole, National Health, etc. , but the best jazz-rock group from that time was Soft Machine,IMO. They were all a transition period for me until I went over to listening to jazz 75-90% of the time. Still own all my lps . As acman stated recently I tired of rock , especially the drumming. There was a good NYC radio station back then that played classic and contemporary jazz that I listened to all the time. Beck is my favorite ROCK guitarist. The 1st Jeff Beck cut is a classic . Did not care for the style of the second cut . I like the 3 song clip on youtube from the North Sea Festival (tried to post couldn't copy). Thanks for mentioning Larry Coryell. I knew he passed from a thread sombody on Agon posted when it happended. Just a couple of members posted the thread I thought he would receive more attention. Did you know he was in the Guitar Trio with McLaughlin & Paco and was replaced by DiMeola due to drug problems? I don't think he cut any cd's but htere might be a dvd of that group. |
Nsp, yes they recorded an album together, ?Castro Marin'got it on lp, but I have just checked, it looks like that is issued as cd as well... https://youtu.be/v5j67JdYpuQ PJW, have not received anything thru Audiogon, try on my mail: alexatpos@yahoo.com |
nsp, Same here. I listen to jazz 75% and any other genres that I like, 25% Got tired of the same old stuff but still go back to it. Believe it or not I have about 2 dozen James Brown CD's and a dozen Maceo Parker CD's. James Browns band the JB's (the Maceo Parker/Fred Wesley line-up) really make you want to get up and dance! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ABLwmYI09Lw https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7vn0w-zHwFw https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mUsn880UWPQ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zKuq6q0GwkQ |
But then again, as I mentioned up - page, I dig "brain music" just as much. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HaWfzqur1Lk https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WOikuVbwMjc |
//Oh was not aware that you live in the Balkan’s. Shipping from there would not be worth it.// Lol, that was funny. Man, we are in the middle of nowhere... Thanks Ale for the good words. Alex’s invitation/proposal for you guys, stands for me too, if you would be anywhere near Split, Croatia, feel free to contact me. I will gladly welcome you/show you around. |
pjw, you asked me for my thoughts on your three favorite guitar players: Three great players. Also three extremely different players whose playing I admire a great deal. I say admire because I can’t honestly say that I always like (cover your eyes now, inna) MacLoughlin’s style. It’s not that I particularly dislike it, but I find his propensity for the use of those blazinginly fast note flurries to not always be my cup of tea; and not always appropriate for the style of music at hand. Sure, in the context of the high energy fusion style of Mahavishnu Orchestra from the 70s it definitely works and is very exciting, but when playing something not so high energy (acoustic) it doesn’t work for me. Still, amazing player and amazing technique. Just a personal feeling and preference. Of the three, the one with the most “jazz” chops by a long shot. I have followed their careers to somewhat similar degrees although Beck remains for me my favorite of the three overall. Please note that I am not saying that I think he is the “best” of the three. I don’t believe in that kind of designating when you have players that play at that high a level. They each have their own voice and it becomes apples to oranges. My point is perhaps better explained by pointing out that what they each do best, neither of the other two can do at the same level. Can you imagine Hendrix playing a duet with Paco? Or, Beck being able to get the same level of grunge and sheer R&R abandon that Hendrix could? Or McLoughlin backing Beth Hart and getting that perfect light touch and sexiness out of one note? I kind of doubt it. While the styles of all three can be said to be informed by jazz, I would say McLoughlin’s is the most and Hendrix obviously the least. All three styles are rooted in a Rock sensibility more so than a traditional jazz sensibility, imo. In the end all three are Rock guitarists with different levels of comfort in a jazz bag or in a style leaning in that direction. For me, Beck straddles the line between the two styles the best. Very tasty player. Of course, just my opinion. Thanks for the great clips. |
**** Why are the women allowed to strut their stuff, fashion wise, while the men are stuck with the penguin outfits? **** Well, I have a strong suspicion that mary_jo is likely to look a lot better wearing gold lame than Rok would. Consider the ensuing visual mayhem if it wasn’t ONLY the “Ladies of the orchestra: Concert Attire Memo” that read “Colorful Formal Gown” 😱. Only for some special (non-subscription) performances, btw. **** What determines the length of the pause between movements? **** The conductor decides, based on musical considerations; not unlike how fast to conduct the music itself. Of course, way too often it’s determined by the knucklehead in the audience who decides that then is the time to have a coughing or throat clearing fit; then the conductor is forced to wait. |
This is for everyone. I don't dislike Beck, he just makes no impression, except here. First solo by Jeff. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M033mnjBrrE |
One of the commenters said "Cuba is the richest poor country in the world". I tend to agree. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GqCXG9a2qi8 Cheers |
orpheus10 Great posts on Fela Kuti songs. I would have posted him myself but did not think anyone would know him. I followed his career from late 70's , own a dozen of his lps. IMO the most important artist from the african peninsula . His music was not only was rooted with strong african rhythms but he studied here and spoke of Sly Stone and Miles as influences. His music was comlex but accesible, had great solos but made you want to get up and dance. The cut you posted was a little more out to my ears than anything he did but still excellent.. On top of everything were anti-government lyrics in a country where it was very risky to do that. Long live Fela Kuti's music!! http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=fTBtuh8kP0g http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=yI6ZZsCElTo |
pjw Fela Kuti was friends with and recorded with Ginger Baker as far back as 1970. http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=20UbO62UJUg |
nsp, I have several DVD's of Fela, they are very entertaining. The owner of Vintage Vinyl records introduced me to Fela quite some time ago. Fela was a revolutionary on a continent, in a country where revolutionaries lived very short lives. I say live for a cause, because you're going to die just because........ While the classical jazz in this country can not be replaced, many of the records we discuss have been replaced numerous times in my collection, plus I bought them new beginning in 59; now I need something new, but new music from here just doesn't cut it for me; jazz from other countries is fresher. That's because what they call new jazz here is an imitation of old jazz, or free flowing chaos. While this is an imitation of "Fela"; it's such a good imitation and the people are different, not to mention the Spanish infusion, plus I like the way she shakes her hips. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=embxt0jQ8f4 "To Thine Own Self Be True" |
I like this mostly because of that universal "Jamaican back beat"; it reminds me of time spent on the Island of Jamaica. I like to share my experiences with you; if this is self indulgent, tell me. This was in the early 70's, and I wanted to get the full Jamaican experience according to what I had read, so I went alone; this wasn't that cruise ship thing, but weeks on the island. It began just like my lifelong fantasy; beautiful Island lady making eyes at me under palm trees and incredible Caribbean star studded nights. Am I dreaming? If so, may I never wake up. My dream went on for days,it had me in the clouds; that is until I detected a posse that seemed to be following with disapproval. When ever you go to a foreign country, there are unwritten rules that don't appear in the travel brochures; don't break them; but how can you follow them if you don't know they exist? Those were the best of times; my lifelong fantasy; palm trees, star studded Caribbean skies, plus that bonus that no fantasy can be without, you got it; and the worst of times; breaking out in a cold sweat from fear was not good; time to go home. After I boarded the plane, I kept looking behind me to see if the posse had boarded to. I could have kissed the ground Miami sits on when we landed. Nevertheless, I lived my fantasy, and that Jamaican back beat brings it all back. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XDLCmMV68lE |