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.
I ain’t fan of Amy but schubi and pjw made me do it... My first choice was on Nina and No good man but the lyrics where he is bad but she still longs for him are outworn and off, so, here is the right alternative.
Good thing I could not play that well AND look that handsome in my younger days, I 'd have 600 kids . Love those congo's , I could listen to them all day !Are there recordings of just them ?
I believe the first person that introduced McCoy Turner to me was the Principal Violinist of a prominent German Symphony Orchestra . He was also a major fan of Oscar Peterson as well .
I listened to the 4 discs of that new release of early McCoy Tyner sessions. It is an import but the sonics are fine. Each of the first 3 discs contain 2 full albums totaling 6. The 4th disc was a surprise. Its and Eric Dolphy lead group with Tyner on piano playing live in Munich. I found the recording session here:
The above album is presented in its entirety on disc 4 but the sonics on this are pretty bad compared to the first 3 discs. Still worth the price and I would buy it asap before its out of print and the price gouging starts. Here is the original link for the box set:
pjwYes great cover. "Slow Drag" is on my list but I couldn't find a vinyl source on Amazon . Will have to search other sites. I like Donald Byrs's solo , especially his use of space , bent notes and slow development of his solo.
///When I see or hear Lady Day I see and hear only profound sadness . The love she needed was tough love , 5 years in a NY state prison if that was all that could be done . In the 1940’s the very word jazz meant one thing to the American public at large , DRUGS.///
Her "I am fool to want you" is the saddest song I have ever heard in my entire life. And that’s not even sadness. That is pain. Pure pain.
Two of my favorite Jazzmen , Eddie Gomez and Jim Hall, with a different take on another favorite, "Waltz for Debby " . https://youtu.be/w7xTidDeVV8?t=34
pjw thanks for the D Byrd cuts . I really liked Fancy Free and would buy it but only after I get his earlier Blue Note 60's stuff. Didn't care for Electric Byrd and the echo device used by him. Byrd was into the funky rhythms and extended vamps about the same time as Herbie Hancock but I prefer Hancock's work in this genre a bit more. With respect to that review you found on Amazon that guy is an idiot who found it necessary to trash Tyner because he doesn't like his style. So much of this goes on in today's twitter world I basically ignore it It's probably a guy who never played a note of music in his life and has no idea how much effort goes into being a professional musician. Tyner has earned his rightful place in jazz history by being in one of themost groundbreaking groups in the 1960's and today is an elder statesman who continues to entertain many fans and probably music critics also.
When I see or hear Lady Day I see and hear only profound sadness . The love she needed was tough love , 5 years in a NY state prison if that was all that could be done . In the 1940’s the very word jazz meant one thing to the American public at large , DRUGS .
pjw and acman, thank you for the valuable links. Pjw, I like your attitude in this matter and I agree with it. You already said pretty much all at the very beginning. Fro, your answer is of great value. It shows us on what we should pay attention on, when reading anything related to the skill of the professional and highly rated musician. Thank you for that.
If the musician has the required technical skill (this is essential condition, so called sine qua non), that what remains to be noted is related to the pure personal taste of the listener.
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