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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Yes, I do believe he was talking about young and dumb, but the young encompasses many things, Strength, agility, speed, and Dumb is basically the same as brave, just a different side of the coin. Are you dumb or brave to get out of your foxhole and attack? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LA-Uc6mjX6c |
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Rokid2, "Just as I was about to anoint Lee Morgan King of Jazz trumpet, I put 'Sketches of Spain' by Miles Davis in the player. Order is now restored. I sat there mesmerized. One of Miles' Best ever." Great collaboration with Gil Evans and one of my favorites but if I'm not mistaken, Miles mostly plays the flugelhorn on this album. J.Chip |
Thanks for “Hymn For The Fallen”; always an extremely thought provoking day today. On a lighter note: https://youtu.be/gmVNhgrKnxY (Not very “limited” at all. I think most here would agree) |
It ain't a good thing .https://youtu.be/Omd9_FJnerY |
Jack Sheldon!!! Now, there’s a trumpet player who has remained under the radar here. Actually, I think I posted one clip he played on early in the history of this thread. Swinging West Coast player who many of my generation heard in the house band for the Merv Griffin TV show of yesteryear; could sing also. Glad to see a retraction of Wynton as “punk” (Btw, good to see you here Isochronism). While I have never been a big fan of Wynton as a particularly interesting jazz player I don’t think that his importance as a figure in the overall scheme of the Jazz scene can be overstated. He (and Brandford) came along when, correctly or not, the general feeling among many Jazz lovers was that “Jazz is dead”. The brothers and the wave of “young lions” that they ushered in served to bring new life to the music and, most importantly in Wynton’s case, increased public awareness of the music and it’s history. Wynton’s public persona, huge ego and all, has probably done more to bring new listeners to Jazz than anyone else in the last 30+ years. While I agree that AS IMPROVISERS Branford is probably the most talented in the family, Wynton’s other talents as band leader, educator and promoter of the music (particularly its roots) do far more for the music than any lasting contribution that Brandford will make as a saxophone stylist. Don’t get me wrong, I like Brandford’s playing a lot, but will his legacy as a mostly derivative stylist be as long lasting and influential as Wynton’s legacy in other areas will be? No way! I also think that for the purposes of discussions like this it’s important to make a distinction between “jazz player” and “instrumentalist” (trumpet player). Branford is more interesting (“better”) jazz player. As an instrumentalist, Wynton’s trumpet playing is close to as good as it gets. He is a pretty amazing trumpet virtuoso. Btw, Schubert, thanks for the Branford “Dance OTET” clip. I had not heard that and I liked it a lot. Great stuff! |
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It just occurred to me that I myself may be the punk, by calling out Wynton when he is not here to defend himself... 😊 I like and respect Jack Sheldon!! After surviving a stroke, he continued playing left handed. Great musicians pull out nice tasteful imaginative runs... what miss they have developed!! George Benson blowing up chromatic runs whenever he feels like it.... I love you all!! |
Hi guys, yes Schubert, I suppose I was being slightly tongue and cheek. My term of "punk" just seemed enjoyable for me to type, at the moment. I imagine for anyone in the ranks of many accomplishments as Wynton has tallied, keeping the ego tame at times presents difficulties. He does deserve his credits. Pjw, What a loss, the great Roy Hargrove! Wallace Ronny (mentored by Miles) is another great. His album Misterios, (to me) is in the vein of Freddy Hubbards' First Light. Again I really do enjoy Wonton's (Grammy) album with the English Chamber Orchestra. Darn punk (sorry for paragraphing attempt) |
@ insochronism As far as Wynton Marsalis I think punk is a little harsh. Do I think he is a great trumpet player in the same class as Clifford Brown, Fats Navarro, Lee Morgan, Freddie Hubbard, Woody Shaw, Kenny Dorham, Miles Davis, or even the late Roy Hargrove who played during the same period as Wynton?..... No I do not. But many of his musical arrangements and compositions are very complex and pushing boundaries which takes b**ls and I give him his due respect for that. And, as stated by members here, his trumpet playing has evolved and IMHO is adequate. I just received the "Blood On The Field" concept album comprised of suites and after listening to the whole of disc 1, I enjoyed it. It is not swing, be bop, or hard bop but is in a class of its own. I like a change from the same old same old from time to time and this fits the bill nicely. |
Schubert, I love you and respect your suggestions always. As far as Wynton, I feel he is a punk. In his words, his Mom brought him around for some years to live music in hope's to encourage him to take up music. He alway's rebelliously held out until he was "11 or 12" (his words in an interview) he finally gave in and picked the trumpet..... ! We had AM radio when I was young, top pop 40. I heard Louis Armstrong outside the home and freaked out!!! I asked Mom, I get that and want to do that. Asked for years... (cue Promises Promises Warwick/Bacharach/David. . I very much enjoy his first Classical album but none of his Jazz. |
@pjw81563 Thanks for the links on the Wes topic. I also don't own the "In Paris: The Definitive ORTF Recording" from 1965 which would be really nice to have. Contemplating that at the moment too. Yes, vinyl is definitely an area where you get what you pay for. An entry-level turntable and entry Ortofon cartridge surely gets you started but moving up the ladder pays dividends if you want to really capture the magic that separates digital from analog according to my ears. I'm using modest TT equipment compared to many folks on here but it nurtures my soul - a Kuzma Stabi S/Stogi tonearm and Dynavector XX-2 MKII cart. I have recently ordered a Herron VTPH-2A phono pre. Can't wait to get it onboard in ~2 weeks. I use all tube equipment down the line. |
T.E.P. I am not a vinyl collector and own just a handful of LP’s one of which alex graciously donated to me. As such I never researched about the current modern methods of new vinyl pressings. I had some free time on my hands today and did a little research. I’m sure you know most of this stuff already being a vinyl aficionado. https://forums.stevehoffman.tv/threads/whats-the-difference-between-150gram-180gram-200gram-vinyl.87... The following has reviews: https://forums.stevehoffman.tv/threads/wes-montgomery-wynton-kelly-smokin-in-seattle-resonance-recor... Of course your turntable, tone arm, and cartridge is a huge factor. Just out of curiosity what equipment are you using. I have seen reviews of quality turntables (Project) with Ortofon cartridges for under 500 dollars but obviously you could spend a lot more but does all that money make the audio so much better? BTW I just ordered the resonance CD issued at the same time as the LP. I will let you know if the audio on it is better then the same CD I bought many years ago from a different label. Anyway sorry for the rude answer earlier and good luck. |
T.E.P. I ve got that album on cd, its a good one, however, you must decide is it worth it to you. Here is the link with the album,perhaps it might help.... https://youtu.be/ZX93pqnuXKI |
Do any of you jazz fans have the Resonance Records (2017) pressing of Wynton Kelly/Wes Montgomery "Smokin' in Seatlle"? Just trying to decide if it's worth the hefty cost of trying to obtain it on vinyl. I know only 4 tracks (about 19 minutes) include Wes but I've also heard this RTI pressing is done pretty nicely and the packaging is an added plus. Thoughts? Is this worth $70+? Occasionally I will hear "Jingles" from this album on Real Jazz SiriusXM and think "man I need this one!". |
School time from the most talented of a talented family .https://youtu.be/gN0Hyy-FUBE?list=OLAK5uy_mnooUdCwiYxedlDoRiX17D7sV5C0C16MI https://youtu.be/JjMtRips0WE |
A very talented English lady saxophonist ,why they don’t show her on clips is beyond me. Quite pretty . https://youtu.be/tBuqmBn1G7w?list=OLAK5uy_npszRbz0qKfF7VHWsPQ4PcMu3M8LG8-Bs https://youtu.be/medgctMuP10 P.S . she wrote most of this music . |
frogman, Ron Carter, Herbie Hancock, and Tony Williams may just be the best rythm section of all time. At least on a short list. A Jimmy Heath composition that Miles and his 63 - 68 group played with great intensity especially Tony Williams. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jbs_-BobfOs |
nsp I listened to the whole album Purple Haze from DLS. John Abercrombie on guitar and Marvin "Smitty" Smith on the drums. The Voo Doo Chile interpretation is my favorite. A favorite Mingus album I have is live at Cornell University. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kLA0zT0mr8s |
schubert Had to post these after your "Tonight At Noon " post. Long Live Mingus!!http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HafQ0B36ZIQ http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eoLi0VrNLQw |
pjwQuite a lineup with DLS's group . J Pelt on trumpet!! Foxy Lady:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vD_Cmp4lGAU http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-GU-AUZ8gLE |
nsp I have 10 of the doctors albums but not those 2. I knew of them for years now just never purchased them. My favorite Smith disc is Live at Club Mozambique. I will check You Tube for the Hendrix interpretations. BTW I have seen Lonnie numerous times and will probably go again in July. Chris Potter is playing with Lonnie's group just one night on Sunday July 7th at the Jazz Standard NYC. That's the show I plan on attending. http://www.jazzstandard.com/?event=20190707 |
pjwI own two discs by dr. Lonnie Smith Purple Haze and Foxy Lady, both jazz interpretations of Jimi Hendrix material. I'm sure you're aware of them and probably own them As You Are a big Hendrix fan. these are the only discs I consider a worthwhile attempt at playing Hendrix music in a jazz context. |
More Wild Bill with some of the greats https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VNHO6S65PIk https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sGKWWTDqw6A https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BlalObaqUTo |
Here is great B-3 player. Some say he was the one who first made the organ a mainstream jazz instrument: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JCkboM60BAQ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XjZL5Km_J5k https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s-sfjtumdKA Wild Bill also played piano: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qKZoi0W1zuM |
nsp, I know as much about Gerard Gibbs as you do having read the same biography. As far as jazz organists there are not many big names like back in the day. Dr. Lonnie Smith is still carrying the torch and playing at Birdland NYC this week and again in July. http://www.drlonniesmith.com/ J,D. Allen does have a very similar tone and tenor voice as Coltrane. Not always but sometimes I think I'm hearing Trane when JD plays. https://jodyjazz.com/endorser/jd-allen/ |
https://youtu.be/bzWN-25jVpQ The mighty one . Had more chords than a Navy battleship. https://youtu.be/rpcyHiC9jgA |
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pjwRead his bio and Gerard Gibbs has certainly rubbed shoulders with and Been Mentored by some top organ players. does he play Just organ? I can't think of any other young jazz players play strictly Organ and no piano. It seems like the organ is not as popular today as it was back in the 50s and 60s, in other words it's lack of popularity has led to fewer and fewer players over the years. I do like Larry goldings a lot but he also plays piano.I am checking out some recordings by JD Allen thanks for the link. His playing has a lot of soul and at times he sounds like Coltrane somewhat. |
Apparently, its considerd rude, in Finland, to start first talking, when in company and there is story that pictures that well, where one neighbour visits the oher who lives in a house next to his. After knocking on the door gets invited in, where he sat with the host for a couple of minuts in silence and than,when asked what is the purpose of his visit, he said that his house is on fire and that he would need some help to put the fire down... |