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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Epic, indeed! Fabulous Trane. Listened to this last night. For me, Coltrane and Cannonball seem to compliment each other even better than on the classic records with Miles on which the stark differences in their styles border on the distracting. Cannonball’s “Stars Fell On Alabama” is classic https://youtu.be/OgdnbJ5smR4 |
Trivia that's troubling me; "I'm not sure of the color of Dinah Washington's "Continental Mark II" but I saw it parked in front of the famous "Pershing Lounge" surrounded by a crowd of people before she came out of the lounge and got into the car. No, it wasn't after a performance but in the middle of the day, maybe she was there on business, too early in the day for cocktails. This car was so striking at that time, that it drew a crowd of people; not everyone knew it was Dinah Washington's car. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BKxVVEXtZkA After looking at these cars, I believe it was black with gold lettering on the trunk spare. |
For those who have been following my health; I was curled up in the fetal position in a hospital, comfortably waiting to die, when without word, they hauled me and my belongings to another hospital. I was told the surgeon who was to operate was out of the country, but would talk to me in about a week when she returned. Well, all is well that ends well; so much for that. |
http://www.chicagoreader.com/chicago/john-wright-piano-jazz-south-side-soul-prestige-gathering/content?oid=1499599 orpheus10 Above is an article on John Wright's I think you'll enjoy. Thanks for posting him again I just bought a CD set encompassing four of his albums.John remained very popular in Chicago and true to his roots there until the end of his life.With regards to Alex purchase of music I don't believe he purchased these titles when they originally came out. I think that the internet and it's information and places like YouTube and others where people can be exposed to music led him to find the Jazz titles he now has. but of course until he weighs in on the subject we will not know. |
Acman's, "Ole Coltrane"; this was released in 1961; that's very important because Trane evolved at a very rapid pace. This is arguably his best album. I call several of his albums the best, depending on my mood when I'm listening. Musicians not normally in the Trane lineup on this album are: Freddie Hubbard on trumpet; and Eric Dolphy on flute. I make this comment because of the significant contributions they make on this album. |
"Afro Blue"; here we see Alvin Jones in his favorite shirt; this was recorded in October of 1963; note Trane's progress on Soprano sax. I saw Trane, McCoy Tyner, Alvin jones, and I'm not positively sure of who the bassist was, but we had a table close to the bandstand; It was in the early Winter of 63. Every jazz musician in St. Louis was there, without their girlfriends; they didn't want any distractions. Jazz drummer Kenny Rice sat at our table. It was nice to have a professional jazz musician at your table; he politely answered our questions. "My Favorite Things" was the tune everybody came to hear, and Trane performed his very extended live version; it was as I recall 28 minutes long; much longer than what's on record. Man, I was feeling good and in a fantastic groove on this one. After 25 minutes, I was ready for it to end, but Trane kept on; he had lost McCoy Tyner and Elvin Jones. Tyner looked at Jones as if to say; "We'll hang together until the boss gets back". Me and my date looked at Kenny Rice who was in heaven; this is what he came to hear; we were lost. Miles commented on these live extended trips to the outer galaxies that Trane made. That was the most fantastic performance I have ever witnessed in my life, even if I was momentary lost. |
nsp, thank you very much for that post, it affirms everything I said about the album "South Side Soul". You could have taken photographs of those places mentioned on that album, or you could have filmed those places, but nothing captured the feeling and vibrancy of being alive at that time and experiencing the "aura" of those places like John Wright's music. |
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. |
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? |
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 |
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. |
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. |
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 |
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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. |
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 |
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. |
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 |
"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. |
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. |
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. |
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? |
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 |
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. |
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 |
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 |
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. |
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. |
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". |
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 was listening to this and will have to hunt it down. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pBWOUDNHc7g&list=PL5mmlA7_U9pSdLxSvbXpfc82dLcQxKK-F |