Funny, acman3!
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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mary jo I watched both Tyson/Holyfield fights and in both fights Tyson showed his only vulnerability, and subsequently, the way to beat him. Now don't get it twisted. Tyson was a great fighter. One of the best heavyweights of all time but far from contention in the best ever. Tyson had heavy hands and could knock out any boxer even one who was recognized as having a "great chin." Tyson's power was intimidating. As Tyson himself once said and I quote "Every boxer has a plan [against him] until they get hit. I would even go so far as to say a handful of Tyson's opponents were already beat before they climbed through the ropes. Evander knew his weakness. Stand in there with him through the early rounds and weather the storm. Keep him at bay with jabs and clutch him on the inside. Make the fight go into the later rounds or the "championship rounds" as they are called. If Mike was not having it his way by rounds 5 -8 he was beatable in the championship rounds (9 -12). Now that I taught mary jo a thing or two about boxing its jazz time. |
acman3 I listened to the song off of "Bonegasm" called Stellar. Different but I liked it and found this interesting clip on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wk2LJdJaefg Jennifer Wharton's got talent! |
pjwArchie Moore was the longest reigning Light-Heavyweight champion who did not get a title shot until he was 36!! George Foreman took his style of fighting (peek-a-boo) and Moore trained George when he made his comeback.You were right about Tyson. A bit of a bully ,most guys who fought him were too defensive and lost before they stepped into the ring(worst example was Michael Spinks) . I could talk boxing all day and night but back to jazz: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pSZgYdg4u-Y http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IQqGyMO27h0 |
nsp Archie Moore was the second greatest Light heavyweight of all time. Number one, IMHO goes to Ezzard Charles. The "Cincinnati Cobra" beat the "Mongoose" every time they fought. I know your reading the Stan Getz book now but you may want to put these 3 books on your list of books to read. I read them all and can highly recommend them: https://www.amazon.com/Ageless-Warrior-Boxing-Legend-Archie/dp/1582612552/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=archie... https://www.amazon.com/Ezzard-Charles-Boxing-William-Dettloff/dp/0786497432/ref=sr_1_1?crid=21INOE84... https://www.amazon.com/Charley-Burley-Black-Murderers-Row/dp/0954392426/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=the+black+murderers+row&qid=1564529297&s=books&sr=1-1 I’m sure you have heard of the greatest boxer to never get a title shot Charley Burley and the "Black Murderers Row" If you end up reading the Archie Moore book that was my source for the connection between Archie Moore and Lucky Thompson. Back to jazz - James Carter had many influences but I know 2 of his favorites are Don Byas and Lucky Thompson. |
frogmanThat is some connection you found. The tempo is speeded up for Milestones and a few notes are added but it is too similar to be a coincidence. But borrowing a simple add on intro and taking a song written by someone else and taking credit for it are two different things. Not giving Bill Evans credit for writing "Blue In Green" not only robs him 0f royalties but the esteem for having written a major jazz standard performed by countless others for over a half century. My question is :If this is true why didn't Evans sue to have his name put on the song? Did he leave the physical evidence in the studio and had nothing to show as proof? Did he consult a lawyer? Maybe he was naive and did not think his work would be claimed by another? Certainly he wrote mainy other great standards but none so simple and beautiful as BIG, This ones for you you posted this sax player last week. Here on this cd he is with other top notch musicians playing standards: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NG2_JtXc7T0 |
pjwInteresting I'll have to check their records. And both Charles and Archie Moore lost in heavyweight bouts to my favorite fighter Rocky Marciano.I have heard of Charley Burley but only read a little bit about him. I'm currently reading a biography of James J Corbett. I'll check out those other titles you listed. |
Thanks for the Abercrombie/Bergonzi “Come Sunday”, nsp. Fabulous! I loved it. Great band with some of my favorite players. Bergonzi is one of the unsung heroes of modern tenor. Gary Versace sounds awesome. Now, I must confess that it took me a minute to appreciate the very different approach to the tune. It is one of my favorite ballads and I am so used to the painfully slow approach of the classic Ellington/Johnny Hodges/Mahalja Jackson that it was almost shocking to hear the tune done that way. It works big time. **** My question is :If this is true why didn't Evans sue to have his name put on the song? Did he leave the physical evidence in the studio and had nothing to show as proof? Did he consult a lawyer? Maybe he was naive and did not think his work would be claimed by another? **** I think he answer is in what I tried to describe of Evans’ generally understated attitude and personality. Personally, I think it was Evans who wrote the tune and it can be heard in the tune itself. Very Impressionist. Evans was a huge fan of Classical Impressionist composers Ravel and Debussy and took a lot from their harmonic language. Perhaps an answer to your question might be in the visual. Maybe I’m being unfair; but, if you knew nothing about them, which of these two individuals do you think is less likely to want conflict and call lawyers 😊: https://youtu.be/mW_7gRH7ASE Or: https://youtu.be/bH8GeQZTdHk |
Miles Boxing. https://images.search.yahoo.com/images/view;_ylt=AwrExlT_3EFd3EYAcriJzbkF;_ylu=X3oDMTIyM2Y3ZThvBHNlY... Bill Evans Boxing. |
"Maybe I’m being unfair; but, if you knew nothing about them, which of these two individuals do you think is less likely to want conflict and call lawyers" A picture does not always tell the story...… Miles Davis kicked his heroin habit after 2 years of using(cold turkey no methadone). I believe he kicked it in 1953 or 54. After that he was always on top of his band about using. Philly Joe Jones and John Coltrane received verbal thrashings numerous times from Miles. Miles once told Coltrane when he showed up for a gig that he looked terrible and his suit looked like he slept in it. Bill Evans, oth, used heroin for approximately 25 years (1955 -1980) and I bet he stayed on methadone for the remainder of his life. He was strung out all the time. In the following book, Evans' friend Gene Lees described Evans's struggle with drugs as "the longest suicide in history." read:https://www.amazon.com/Bill-Evans-How-Heart-Sings/dp/0300097271/ref=sr_1_1?crid=223NU8960Z1RK&ke... I am not saying that Miles did not do anything underhanded. Maybe he did, maybe not. I can hear the similarities in the two songs. However I think Bill Evans addictions affected him badly and impaired his judgement in certain areas of his life. (definitely not his brilliant piano playing). |
Excellent points; and, of course, you are correct. A picture does not always tell the whole story. However, I don’t see it as a question of judgment. Miles was known to often be a very aggressive individual with a huge ego; personally, I don’t see room for debate as far as that goes. Evans was known to be, drugs and all, of a much gentler demeanor. Certainly compared to Miles and I associate that type of demeanor as that of someone who would likely not want to deal with issues of legality and simply not pursue it; while being glad that his tune was out there. Imagine how Miles, THE Miles Davis was perceived by musicians at that time. Genius, bigger than life, aggressive; and, last and certainly not least, he had chosen Evans to be in his band. Challenge THAT? Not easy. And, I do think the visual tells at least part of the story. |
frogmanGood juxtaposition. Miles certainly looks mean with that scowl on his face. I think pjw's point about Evan's addiction could be telling. Someone pursuing a heroin habit is less lilkely to have the time and energy to devote to his business circumstances.And you are right Miles was the KING back in the late 50's and who was going to challenge him? pjw--Correct about Miles getting on his bandmates drug problems. In fact he fired Coltrane for a spell due to his unreliability and then rehired him after he weaned himself off drugs. |
nsp That's good news about the "Side Steps" price. Yea Trane's personal life was a real mess at the time. But when he quit all the substances he rose like a phoenix. I visit his grave often and also the house in Deer Park located off the north service rd. 495 eastbound. One of my favorite "go to" Trane discs: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vbSWzaDAf10 |
This is the only album I have for Tom Harrell but I keep going back to it often. He has surrounded himself with a group of excellent young musicians including on sax Wayne Escoffery, pianist Danny Grissett and drummer Jonathan Blake. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=80TTB6ZlxNM |
Very nice Tom Harrell. Fabulous player with a thoughtfulness that in a way reminds me of Bill Evans. Love his playing. Check out his solo on this; pretty much as good as it gets (a 24 yr old Bob Berg is on fire). https://youtu.be/jzcgAaWK5GM |
First heard Tom Harrell with Phil Woods. Some teachers who owned a CD store would play great music. Fantastic time. https://vimeo.com/269293170 |
My first Tom Harrell disc. I bought it when it was released in 2012 and I like it a lot. Still filling out my Harrell collection. Any recommendations? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LU71pXt2Nyg |
Lot’s of fantastic links from you guys, thank you. You made me google about Bill Evans again. Seemed like very introspective man (agree with frogman) and musician. So was his music just like that, gentle, soft-spoken and in a way, shy but with complete absence of anything resembling compromise - which is quite stunning - to be able to reconcile the strong and the weak in the same phrase in a way to make it sound compact and matching. Imho, it looks like he definitely haven’t received the credit he deserved. Thank you pjw for the lessons from boxing. Now and then, like to observe of what is expected to be a "big boxing event". Last time that was a fight between Andy Ruiz and Anthony Joshua, that ended in a quite unexpected way. What the hell happened there? Curious to know... Boxing and jazz by Matthew Shipp "To an untrained ear jazz can sound crazy, to an untrained eye boxing can seem mad - as the ear and eye becomes trained one learns the complex patterns that underlie the boxing match or the jazz solo - the theater of Kinetic Gesture - a kaleidoscope of intelligent quicksilver action generates a structure of intense beauty. For the body becomes poetry in motion whether through a keyboard or in the ring - complex patterned action generates a poetic time and space - violent yet dancelike, uncivilized yet graceful, raw yet sophisticated." |
Loved the quote, mary_jo. Fantastic live Woods/Harrell clips, acman3. Hadn’t heard those. Besides the great playing one of the things that they remind us of (again!) is what a brilliant composer Phil Woods was. Great tunes. Interesting and complex without becoming inaccessible. Great stuff. pjw, some favorite Tom Harrell recordings (great composer in his own right): “Sailaway” with a favorite saxophone player, Dave Liebman. https://youtu.be/iDp-Fz3CA0A https://youtu.be/27V8ylNNKSo ”Form”. With Joe Lovano. Hard to find although available as a download. Took me a couple of years to find an lp copy, Fyi, I just noticed that there are two copies available on eBay currently. https://youtu.be/6KfdupfAD_0 “Upswing” https://youtu.be/j-LIXh0NElg As as sideman he has made many great recordings. Speaking of great composers, I like his playing on the Horace Silver “Silver ‘n....” series. Love the bass line on this: https://youtu.be/2Jwu2PHq6r4 |
mary jo thanks for the boxing and jazz quote. They call boxing "The Sweet Science" and you could also say the same for jazz. Anthony Joshua did not take his opponent seriously. Deontay Wilder would beat Joshua all day but since he ducked Wilder and fought and lost to a lesser contender the big money "superfight" everyone wanted (Joshua/Wilder) is done. |
guys all good vids on Harrell. I have a number of older lps he did with P Woods and submit this as one of the better ones: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FcvjRddmeOk |
frogmanLike you I did not follow Harrell's career/output much after his stint with Woods until I found "Light On" . That is going to change. pjwIf you like "Number Five" I suggest these cd's with the same group:Light OnThe Time of The SunRoman NightsI know you like Jimmy Greene check out Harrell's Live at the Village Vanguard it also features Xavier Davis on piano. Also "Infinity"' w/ guitar , M Turner on sax , J Blake on drums , no piano http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4ojmh44P7PY http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JpvWq9r2W-M |
nsp thanks I purchased "Roman Nights" a month or so back when we were discussing Harrell here. A very fine session. I have 16 Phil Woods discs (a couple have Harrell on Trumpet). MY favorite right now has been "Images" with Phil Woods and the Michel Legrand Orchestra. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_lIAy3WIRuM |
Great record, pjw. Blast from the past; hadn’t listened to that in years. Thanks. If forced to choose my favorite of all his records, this other one would have to be it. Personally, I feel this period of time was his peak as a player: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLvxWibFr0wiK1yRCnxmn2m_ywGy3FVvqE For a look at his formidable composition and arranging skills: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL_BXwixw5da5BqikO7MXj-rYiHbHgYQtA Something that sometimes goes under the radar about Phil Woods is his skill as a lead alto player. A very specific skill. There are a lot of great alto players who don’t make good lead players in a large ensemble: https://youtu.be/7uhUZYSQZVg I posted this a while back. One of my favorite things on YouTube with Phil. A great peek into the man, his personality and his life in the music scene. Fabulous stories and anecdotes; especially about Bird and Mingus: https://youtu.be/6SJxmCzYpoo Re an earlier discussion about “borrowing” musical ideas, check out the intro to “Willow Weep For Me” on the first link (Musique Du Bois). Sound familiar? Just one more of the countless examples of the tremendous influence a certain recording had on jazz. Hint: Phil Woods did NOT play on this extremely influential recording. Any takers? |
That’s right, from KOB. Actually, I was thinking of “All Blues”; but I think you are also correct, the bass line is reminiscent of “So What”: https://youtu.be/-488UORrfJ0 https://youtu.be/ylXk1LBvIqU |