Jazz for aficionados
Zoot Sims was one mellow dude who blew a mellow horn. We haven't discussed him much. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oSMMKEjyLcE I saw musicians in LA that were as good as any we've discussed. The reason they're not famous is because they never left the West Coast; they didn't have to in order to make a living. Zoot is one of the best; I like this interview. |
Regarding sadness and Chet...for me, his music is never sad, just beautiful The same I could say about some other artists too... .Edward Hopper, for example, his paintings never make me feel unconfortable, or lonely, or alienated...just enjoyed the beauty of it.... https://youtu.be/s8bob6MH5bg Thoughts? p.s. Orpheus, I agree, but dont tell anyone,ha,ha |
Here is an artist who has continued to evolve; we discussed him from the time he was on the "South Side" till now. That was a long time ago; he's still playing some of the same jams, but they are so different. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cytUz9KkK9M |
Let me explain why older jazz albums are better than new jazz albums. I heard this cut on the radio and bought the CD. I think this is a real nice cut; https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rSxcrufI6T0 I didn't think the rest of the cuts were as nice. I found that to be a consistent pattern when buying "unknowns". Rok confirmed this. When you compare the musicians on older albums with those on newer albums, you will notice many well known musicians on the older albums, as opposed to musicians you never heard of on newer albums; that makes a big difference. While I'm always looking for something new, I don't have money to burn, therefore I'm much more selective; especially with the knowledge that I'll get more music with older albums than with the newer ones. |
One of the definitions of insanity is doing the same thing over and over while expecting different results. I'll give you an example of how I did this for years. Since I already had the best jazz artists in my collection, I began to look for new artists and new music; rarely was I successful. This became a habit; a bad habit I might add, plus, at that time you had to buy the record before you listened to it. To make a long story short, I've got a lot of records that need to go to "Goodwill". Now that I can listen before I buy, and the names of the best jazz artists doesn't change overnight, I intend to have a 99% success rate. I have no idea why some like this and others like that, but as Rhett Butler said to Scarlett O' Hara, "Frankly My Dear, I Don't Give a Damn". Now I go for the best (as evaluated by yours truly) and leave the rest. It helps a lot to have other like minded people who have gone through the process of selecting what they consider the best jazz available; that enables me to add "winners" to my collection faster than I can scrape up the cash. What's music to one person is noise to another person; that's just a fact of life. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lHnjxPZGEmM Let us scrutinize that record; Donald Byrd – trumpet Julian Priester – trombone Frank Foster – tenor and soprano saxophone Jerry Dodgion (#1, 3) – flute Lew Tabackin (#2, 4) – flute Duke Pearson – electric piano Jimmy Ponder – guitar Roland Wilson – bass guitar Joe Chambers (#2, 4), Leo Morris (#1, 3) – drums Nat Bettis – percussion John H. Robinson Jr. – percussion Here again we have "Duke Pearson", plus other "A" rated musicians. I only want records that will stand repeated listens. |
Nice! Paul Bley was a monster. The clip and Alex’s mention of “emotion” made me think of this. I loved this YouTube poster’s comment: **** Chet plays sometimes a note that is so tragic, so wildly sad that it feels like an angel just died, died some agonizing poison by traitor death, and then to top it off no one goes to his funeral. **** https://youtu.be/Rl5wuQn0KJk No second line at this one. |
Out of all the exotic rhythms, those of Bahia are the most hypnotic. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_3ORkB1eKWE https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tR7oXVELPgk I hope you guys will permit an old man to roam through the rhythms of his mind, and come along for the ride. |
Fortunately I have a lot of Dom Um Ramao on vinyl; his rhythms are somewhat unique. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eyM1WQtKDyA |
Without a doubt, emotion; and no cliche. That “Angel Eyes” is fabulous. Thanks! I can understand your association to “modern” jazz with the way that Pearson “extends” the harmonies of what is actually an old standard. I would call the sound simply great playing. If there’s no emotion it’s not great playing. And, I do think it is about our ‘settings’; we each have them. The trick is recognizing the emotion even when it’s somebody else’s settings. |
More Pearson... https://youtu.be/OpeVxr9zAyo https://youtu.be/Jjiy9xLOHPE Now, on another note, as Frogman would say.....This type of 'sound' its just got something that I can hear in some modern jazz....If I would call it emotion, would that be a cliche? is it just because of my'settings' or do you think the same? |
On a related note, another side of Duke Pearson: https://youtu.be/ATc5tTyESEQ https://youtu.be/8ujI6e66ATQ |
Loved the Dom Un Romao recording! Thanks. Great arrangements. One of the best Brazilian musicians to be active in the USA jazz scene. The three years he spent with Weather Report were my favorite period for the band. Made me think of another amazing Brazilian musician that I was listening to yesterday. Not nearly as well known, but very enigmatic and a true genius, multi instrumentalist Hermeto Pascoal: https://youtu.be/KGfvsVW5Mw4 His more “out” music makes me think “Brazilian Frank Zappa”; complex, full of surprises, and often a little bit of humor: https://youtu.be/epA2DD1ZlSc https://youtu.be/dgcmoJ1uD8M |
I was listening to this and will have to hunt it down. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pBWOUDNHc7g&list=PL5mmlA7_U9pSdLxSvbXpfc82dLcQxKK-F |
We may never get off of "Duke Pearson", and my feelings won't be hurt; he appears on some of my favorite cuts; (McCoy Tyner piano, Duke Pearson arrangements) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xa4UECLqR7E Duke Pearson piano on this one; https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vRgvGOmEDSU |
I first heard Curtis Fuller with the "Jazztet"; https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oNUrsp8Dkic&list=PL8UY4yJvCPFlh88G4z8g5ChiiCyzkwSuG&index=2 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oNUrsp8Dkic&list=PL8UY4yJvCPFlh88G4z8g5ChiiCyzkwSuG&index=2 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ox3LiGpLBRc I first heard these tunes in the Summer of 60 on the jukebox; that's where I heard most of the music I bought during that entire decade; home was a place where I took care of the three "S's". |
Alex, since you're curious about time, I'm trying to put it into perspective. Miles and his trumpet must have been in 39 when he was 13; which was before I was born in 41; as a matter of fact I'll be 78 in September. That funeral must have been in 82, which means that Miles was still alive at that time since he died in 91. Of course the lady who let him into the house (the funeral was her husband) to learn whatever he could learn, is no longer with us. Shopping at record stores is something I've missed for a long time. I shopped at what was without a doubt one of the best record stores in the country, and I had superb relations with the owner, whose tastes ran like yours; he was very vocal about what he liked and didn't like, although his record store had everything; especially "vintage vinyl". Unfortunately, I was always shopping for something new when he had a store full of collectors items; I regret that now. I hope I've answered some of your questions. |
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OpeVxr9zAyo http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AUownIXdOyE orpheus10 & pjw you are cuts you are cuts from several Duke Pearson items in my collection that I think you'll enjoy. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iYIds0OBPCs http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9GPPAluXs10 Kinda mixed up the cuts guys sorry. O-10 enjoyed your Miles Davis stories interesting that someone knew him as a child. If he was running around trying to learn something at that young age and music was in his blood. And brain. |
Welcome back alex, 56 here. This Freddie Hubbard album, "Minor Mishap"(released in 1989), featuring Duke Pearson on piano was originally released as a Duke Pearson album titled "Dedication!" released in 1961 on the Prestige label. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wHPenlTH7UY |
I am afraid I will blush, after reading last few pages. Orpheus and Nsp, thanks for the interest, but I must say that I do not feel that my collection is really that special. Ok, maybe I dag out some more unknown guys, but in general you guys got it all covered as well. Orpheus, I am glad that you are back, since you was absent, I felt that my taste is even more archaic than it is....maybe you like my posts because the music suits your better than some other here, but sometimes I am kind of worry that I am stuck in one time period more than I should,ha....tell Rok to join again too, the more the merrier... Nsp, just to answer to you, I am not very much inclined to all present internet technology (I do not even own the smartphone) do not care about pc audio, streamers, etc. So, majority of music I obtained old fashioned way, anywhere I would travel, I would spend time searching for record shops and browsing the new and used stuff I could find. Of course, in recent years, the records shops are becoming the things of the past, so I switch to the ytube, like everybody, I guess, but I've got the big help via all music jazz encyclopedia https://www.amazon.com/All-Music-Guide-Jazz-Definitive/dp/B019NENNSY/ref=sr_1_4?crid=1BEAR4MPSSJXY&keywords=all+music+guide+to+jazz&qid=1566426031&s=books&sprefix=all+music+%2Caps%2C409&sr=1-4 Mostly during winter nights, I read it and when somebody's life or music story seems interesting I try to find and hear some of his music and than order it via amazon. By the way, I am 46 years old, but I will admit only 30 and something if somebody asks....what about you, guys? Curtis Fuller 'South american cookin' from 1961. it suits warm summer nights... https://youtu.be/nHPMncP1tyw https://youtu.be/gXlmzg2G1Wo https://youtu.be/KSj8b8s7vpE https://youtu.be/nBc1HgwhssY |
Orpheus10, I have both of those Donald Byrd albums with Duke Pearson on piano. Like you I also have none of his sessions as a leader and plan on fixing that. Big fan of Jackie Mac here. I have around 15 discs with him as a leader and to many more to count with him as a sideman like on the Mingus song you posted. BTW, J.R. Monterose, the tenor sax on "Pithecanthropus Erectus" is outstanding as well. |
Jackie Mac is another artist that I don't have as much of as I would like to have. Jackie Mac plays an interesting solo on this one; https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p0H2G_W-O0I |
Alex hasn't responded; I hope he's OK. He was a big "Duke Pearson" fan, and that name was only vaguely familiar to me, until I discovered he appears as a sideman throughout my collection; just not as leader. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=exMaC4EYwZY https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lrpN0-WTODs I have many more, but this will do for a starter; what do you have with him as leader? |
Orpheus10 We were just discussing that very album by Donald Byrd and Pepper Adams a few weeks ago. And I agree the music they made on those sessions is beautiful. The lineup on the album is sensational. The only musician that I was unfamiliar with was the bassist Laymon Jackson. Thanks for your Miles Davis reminiscences. |
This is the best time for jazz ever in my life, that's because of "you tube" and my PC. Almost any musician I can think of, I can pull him up on "you tube". "Donald Byrd" is my chosen musician tonight; him and Pepper Adams have made some beautiful music together, right now, I'm listening to "Out Of This World"; https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CmW_iRcs3D0 "Out of This World" (Harold Arlen, Johnny Mercer) "Curro's" (Donald Byrd) "It's a Beautiful Evening" (Ray Rasch, Dotty Wayne) "Mr. Lucky Theme" (Henry Mancini) (theme of TV-series Mr. Lucky) "Bird House" (Donald Byrd) "Day Dreams" (Duke Ellington, John Latouche, Billy Strayhorn) Pepper Adams – baritone saxophone - ballad feature on Day Dreams Donald Byrd – trumpet Herbie Hancock – piano Laymon Jackson – bass Jimmy Cobb – drums "Curro's" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xNk3qtzNM_s&list=RDxNk3qtzNM_s&start_radio=1 This group is so together, Herbie Hancock was relatively new in 61 when it came out. |
"I remember Miles, he was the little dark skin kid who was always trying to play the trumpet". That's what the lady who was the most grieved in the funereal limo blurted out. This was in a funeral limo with people whose families went back to Miles old neighborhood as documented in chapter one of his autobiography. As well as I can remember dates, I can never remember dates of funerals, but I think Miles was still alive at that time. I'm not sure that's even relevant for this story; the real story took place a long time ago. Back to the funeral limo, and how she came to blurt out that statement. We had been riding a long distance in silence, when someone struck up a conversation about Miles music to lighten things up. This conversation went on for a short while, and the most grieved person in the limo blurted out. "I remember Miles, he was the little dark skin kid who was always trying to play the trumpet", and the limo was dead silent again. The conversation was about Miles music, not about Miles himself; she was the only person old enough to have known Miles as a child. The time she was referring to is when she lived in a really big house with her husband and his family, that included a music teacher and a musician. This house was located two blocks from Daut's drugstore, where Miles father had his Dental practice. Any where there were musicians and or, music teachers; Miles could be found if it was close by; she remembered answering the door and letting Miles and his trumpet in to learn whatever they could learn. |
Here are two more "Afro Blakey's" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6u5WZpSc38g https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bWKvj7z3vLQ One Miles that everyone likes very much; https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KJEzFvXx3Xw Plus one from the "infinite Coltrane"; Trane didn't change as much as he "evolved"; there is a big difference. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yagO50i6O5E |
nsp, I do appreciate your prayers for my health, and I'm sure they'll help. I know that just communicating with like minded individuals certainly helps my frame of mind. In regard to "South Side Soul", I was in my teens, and within walking distance of 63rd and Cottage Grove. This was in the Summer of 56, and Chicago had some of the most spectacular cool nights; you needed a sweater or sport coat in the evenings. My older cousin had a closet full of both. At this time, you could walk Cottage Grove at night, and feel as safe as in your own yard; the sidewalk was bustling with people; well dressed people I might add. In the evening, I would choose one of my cousins sharpest sport coats or sweaters, and go strolling on "the boulevard". There was a "Walgreens" with a long lunch counter on 63rd and Cottage, and lots of pretty girls my age would be sitting at the counter enjoying a coke or whatever, but mostly "window shopping". I liked to stroll down the aisle behind them to see how many eyes I caught; that was my evening thrill. This was only a block away from the fabulous "Pershing Lounge" where star quality people were coming and going; that was the aura in that small part of the "South Side" at that time. |
pjw you posted a cut from Jackie McClean's Action recently. Are you aware of the album It's Time by McLean which was recorded a little over a month earlier than Action? it has a slightly different excellent lineup Charles Tolliver& Cecil McBee play on both albums. Herbie Hancock is on the piano & Roy Haynes takes the drum chair. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xVl5G-gxndM http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AiqwsUus-XU |
orpheus10 Glad you enjoyed the article it was quite extensive and a nice tribute to John Wright. I wholeheartedly agree with your assessment that the music of a time and place is as important in defining that time as any pictures or words maybe even more so. Your memories and stories relating music two different places and times are always interesting keep them coming!! I hope when I receive my John Wright CD and listen to his music that I can capture some of the atmosphere and feeling of the time& place . Obviously I can't come close to your experience as you lived it which makes it so much more special. with regards to your experience with Miles Davis it must have been quite a culture shock. I've read that Legions of fans dropped Miles Davis when he went into his Jazz Rock thing.But miles knew what he was doing he picked up a lot of new fans with the style of music he created at the end of the 60s. I discovered Miles the opposite of you by first listening to bitches Brew in 1974 . Of course having been exposed to rock music up until this point I thought it was interesting and quite different. When I discovered his earlier work a few years later I was really blown away. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7aQN6ozACk8 I will say a prayer for the return of your good health. |
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Miles Davis is the definition of the word "Enigma". Lou Donaldson was one of the first jazz musicians whose music I played over and over; I just couldn't get enough. Here is an example of his beautiful early music; https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rEuygM3EDSU https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1fqq0J5p7sE https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W5aAB5BWe5Y https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UiUt9dGxUg4 |
Orpheus10 thanks again for sharing your memories of the "good ole days" when jazz was still king. I know your having serious health issues but when you feel up to it know that I will be watching for your posts on your favorite jazz music and the musicians that you had the privilege to see live. Lou Donaldson and I had a 20 minute conversation at a joint on 51st and Broadway, NYC, and I will cherish it always. |
pjw, I came to like Miles new music just as much as you do, but you must realize this was in 68, and I was totally unprepared for this complete change. Compare the music of Miles and Trane to that music, to understand where I'm coming from, and Miles going from a suit to a fringed buckskin vest. Think of someone turning up a bottle labeled wine that had whisky in it, or a bottle labeled whisky that had wine in it; the unexpected shock of it all made the performance null and void. |
Yes, I did see Blakey; he was my idol since 55 when I first heard him. I saw him in 1970, he had on bib over-alls, and it was at a run down joint; that brought tears to my eyes. But maybe he wasn't doing bad as I had assumed, but just doing a favor for a friend. His performance was just as energetic and forceful as it was when I first heard him in the beginning on record. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Di7ko6eST40 |
Orpheus10 thanks for that. I like Miles’ "first electric years" 68 -75. I have all of his output from those years including bootleg stuff. I was fortunate enough to see Wayne Shorter, just once, at Town Hall NYC I believe it was in 2014. It was a Shorter "masterclass" in Avant Guard. I remember now it was the Shorter 80th birthday tour. I never saw Miles live. Very unfortunate. Did you see Art Blakey? |
Pjw, only one; I was attending classes for the company I worked for in Chicago, (the classes were in Chicago) with other students from all over the country. That in itself was exciting. This was in 68, that's important. As I recall, one of the guys I hooked up with was from "Bedford-Stuyvesant", another from Cleveland, and a third from Pittsburgh. We were all jazz fans, and heard Miles, Nina Simone, and Herbie Mann were all going to be on for one night at this auditorium. We trusted Mr. New York to get the tickets, after all, he was the hippest. Was he a sight, in his sandals and Dashiki. (We wore suit and tie to class) The tickets as I remember were quite reasonable (that raised my suspicions). When we got to our seats, I have never been up so high inside of any building, I got airsick. I think Miles was the first on. Now here is where I have to go to great length to put this into perspective; Miles was with tenor saxophonist Wayne Shorter, pianist Chick Corea on electric piano, drummer Tony Williams, and bassist Ron Carter. This is the kind of music they were playing. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H3Xjm-C1VS8 Miles came out on stage in a "Buckskin vest with long fringes"; I looked at Bed-Sty, who knew all things new and hip; he told me this was Miles new music, as well as new look. "I liked the old look and old music better", I responded. The music and Miles new look was a complete shock to me. Nina Simone and Herbie Mann were absolutely fantastic. There was a horrible storm raging outside, and many people who had seats didn't show, so we moved down 10 stories and sat in the good empty seats where we enjoyed Nina Simone who was followed by Herbie Mann. |
