Jimmy Heath passed away.R.I.P.
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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I am sorry to hear of Jimmy’s passing. He was one of my favorite jazz musicians/composers. He was also an excellent teacher. The jazz community has lost one of its premier ambassadors. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bub0sqPgTTM https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8nOhQAHNBQ8 |
Jimmy Heath's obituary as printed in The Guardian Heath was born in Philadelphia, began playing the alto saxophone when he was 14, and was making his living with it five years later. His father, Percy Sr, was a car mechanic who played the clarinet in marching bands at weekends and introduced Jimmy to the instrument, and his mother, Arlethia, sang in the local church choir. Rejected for the second world war draft on account of his slightness, Heath toured with the New Orleans bassist and bandleader Nat Towles’s group in 1945-46, but then formed his own local big band in Philadelphia, modelled on the audacious swing-to-bop chemistry of Gillespie’s new orchestra. Heath’s ensemble included several Philly players who were to become stars later, including Benny Golson and John Coltrane. Heath moved to New York at 22, eventually landing a spot alongside Percy Jr in Gillespie’s big band, and also in the trumpeter’s sextet. During 1947-48, the brothers also played in the bebop trumpeter Howard McGhee’s group, appearing with it at the first Festival International de Jazz in Paris. In 1950 Heath switched to tenor sax, and his musical identity quickly acquired a more distinctive strength. From 1952 to 1953 he was working with Davis’s band – and though later in the decade arranging and composing took up an increasing proportion of his time, he did co-lead a bop-oriented quintet with another trumpet star, Kenny Dorham. The Davis connection was also periodically re-established, with Heath occasionally deputising for Coltrane in the famous first Davis quintet in 1959 and 1960. However, Heath’s progress during the 50s was hampered, like that of a number of his jazz contemporaries at the time, by an addiction to heroin. He spent 1955-59 in the federal penitentiary at Lewisburg, Pennsylvania, following convictions for dealing. He kicked the habit during that period, learning the flute, and smuggling compositions out of the institution that would turn up on jazz recordings of the era, such as the famous Chet Baker/Art Pepper cool-bop album Playboys. Probation stipulations following Heath’s release initially stopped him returning to the road, but freelance arranging (for Ray Charles, among others) and studio recording and staff-arranging work for the Riverside label restored his profile. Heath was thus in his 30s before he recorded under his own name, and on his debut album The Thumper (1960), which featured Nat Adderley on trumpet, he immediately impressed the jazz world with the warm authority of his composing on such striking tracks as For Minors Only. In his own groups during the 60s, Heath often appeared with his siblings, in ensembles that were sometimes augmented by Nat and Cannonball Adderley, and also by Sun Ra’s saxophonist Pat Patrick. A signature Heath ensemble style began to evolve, built around sonorous, Gil Evans-like low-brass effects, and homages to 30s jazz-orchestral innovators including Jimmie Lunceford. Much of Heath’s most trenchant tenor-sax improvising on disc was also captured in this period, sounding authoritative and surefooted even up against partners including the young trumpet firebrand Freddie Hubbard and the pianist Wynton Kelly on 60s albums that included The Quota and On the Trail. In the following decade Heath worked extensively with the trumpeter Art Farmer and pianist Stanley Cowell, with his brother Al on drums – his arranging talents continuing to make small bands sound much larger than they really were. Heath’s son, the singer/percussionist James Mtume, appeared with his father’s bands from the late 70s, as did the guitarist Tony Purrone. There continued to be occasional appearances with Gillespie, and after Gillespie’s death in 1993, Heath celebrated his former employer’s music in tribute concerts at such venues as Lincoln Center in New York. Writing and arranging occupied Heath extensively in the 80s, but he did sporadically record for the Muse label. His saxophone playing, full of character as ever, became increasing economical and unusual, with as much being said in the pacing and spaces as any note-rammed stream of jazz virtuosity. In the mid-80s Heath also began expanding the educational work he had begun with the New York jazz-outreach organisation Jazzmobile in 1964. He pioneered a jazz course as a professor at Queens College, City University of New York, remaining in that role until 1998. His big band continued to perform into the 90s – his composing achievements in that field having included the fine orchestral works Afro-American Suite of Evolution (1975), Smilin’Billy (1976, written with Ornette Coleman's drummer Billy Higgins in mind) and Praise (1994). Heath was nominated for Grammy awards three times, and was presented with the National Endowment for the Arts’ Jazz Masters award in 2003. His autobiography, I Walked With Giants, was published in 2010. He is survived by his second wife, Mona Brown, and their daughter Roslyn; and by James, from his first marriage, seven grandchildren seven great-grandchildren and his brother Albert. James Edward Heath, saxophonist, born 25 October 1926; died 19 January 2020 |
Jimmy Heath lived a long and productive musical life, and he will be missed. While my collection is short on Jimmy Heath as leader, I do have many old records where he plays with the other giants of jazz. These are the one’s that are famous with many aficionados. Although he wasn’t leader on all the records in my selected discography, they display what a fine jazz musician he was. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rJdSRSusHcw https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UboCIegyBeE https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9au1qMAn80s https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EiheNIZY14o |
Jimmy Heath with Howard McGhee and Milt Jackson 1948: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=167Vsvsf_TI Jimmy Heath with Miles Davis 1953: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TdEuuok2XVg Jimmy Heath's first recording as a leader in 1959: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2lfqLenCPnk Jimmy Heath 1962: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mQdxEr6vXio Jimmy Heath with Freddie Hubbard 1965: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zVaKY5MdLOg Jimmy Heath 1975: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rbufxZe8550&t=95s Jimmy Heath 1987: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=taSMksxWGqQ Jimmy Heath 1995: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gL134DkI_FY Jimmy Heath 2006: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S8tNI373v14&list=OLAK5uy_lqYMIgmoDd2ZllslzRm_Qq7KaqS-RkJrM Jimmy Heath 2014: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sR4idZqyK-k Jimmy Heath with Roberta Gambarini 2015: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v-MJxJ-csU4 I hope you all enjoy my "Eight Decades Of Jimmy Heath" memorial tribute. |
Yes, very enjoyable. Thanks for that, pjw. I am sorry to have to report another passing of a great musician. Claudio Roditi, one my favorite trumpet players passed two days ago. Fabulous player who brought the influence of his Brazilian heritage to a modern Jazz style. https://youtu.be/I-FmBbR1iMU https://youtu.be/g-8pq26ZTEc https://youtu.be/ARANUrDEEII |
Miles Davis - Kind of Blue Herbie Hancock - Maiden Voyage Wayne Shorter - Speak No Evil John Coltrane - Giant Steps Kamasi Washington - The Epic |
Jimmy showing the world and a fool like me that you should receive every day God gives with joy till the last one . His last words on this clip are simple yet profound . https://youtu.be/8nOhQAHNBQ8?t=9 |
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aJhlriHX4nw Although they have passed on, they left us a legacy of their fantastic music, and I will enjoy it until that time comes for me to join them, and we will talk of many things, of fools and kings. |
As well as I like to listen to music, I like to look and listen even more. When you can witness the joy of musicians making good music while communicating with one another, the experience is exhilarating. I could watch and listen to these musicians all day; as a matter of fact, I think I will. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mFSRCG4DrmI |
Here is a musician who covers more territory than any musician I know; people who are into nothing but Gospel like Bobby, people who like Pop like Bobby, just about anybody who likes music likes Bobby, and of course Jazz Aficionados like Bobby. McFerrin's song "Don't Worry, Be Happy" was a No. 1 U.S. pop hit in 1988 and won Song of the Year and Record of the Year honors at the 1989 Grammy Awards. McFerrin has also worked in collaboration with instrumentalists, including pianists Chick Corea, Herbie Hancock, and Joe Zawinul, drummer Tony Williams, and cellist Yo-Yo Ma. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bobby_McFerrin This Bud's for you Rok; https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7DRketdk07o&list=PLBDRiPurSu7ziBOXHSaehGyalE_cq3KfH |
Whenever the OP comes down a bad case of noise pollution, I am ready with the antidote. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5EdmHSTwmWY&list=RDpgYEJHJXFB4&index=2 Hope this helps. Cheers |
This should clear up any residual noise in your ears. Maybe the best pop singer ever. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pgYEJHJXFB4&list=RDpgYEJHJXFB4&index=1 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PmvT7B3u7II&list=RDpgYEJHJXFB4&index=3 Vanessa Williams CDs? I have no idea, but she defined what Miss America should be. And yes, she can sing. Cheers |
If you clowns are going to get away from jazz divas why not get one who could really sing !https://youtu.be/MbnrdCS57d0?t=3 This little lady could rise a Buffalo Soldier from the grave and send him to the bugles charge . https://youtu.be/S-cbOl96RFM?t=2 |
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This music has so many ironies; McCoy Tyner is playing with Ravi Coltrane, the son of John and Alice, and his music has finally come out from under the shadow of John; this is the inner McCoy Tyner. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0dFtZbha29M |
Pjw, here is what I've discovered so far about "Afrobeat"; https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Newen_Afrobeat https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gBymUam1yxw Each musician is committed and dedicated to the sound they make, which is why I'll be following them. |
Maybe 0-10 , but I think you Airman are more romantic than us boots on the ground grunts . Still think the "crazy"lady had the best voice of the bunch . rok, I ’m not a fan of the old blowhard but I think I will buy into this statement in a book I’m reading . "If I had Canadian soldiers , American technology and British officers I could rule the world ! " . Winston Churchill |
Today’s Listen: Wynton Marsalis -- MR JELLY LORD - STANDARD TIME VOL. SIX Wynton in his element. So, all you would be trumpet players may now pack’em up and store them in the attic. Notes: Of this, his latest effort, Wynton Marsalis says, "I wanted to once again reiterate the contemporary power of even the earliest Jazz. Jelly Roll Morton’s music proves that all Jazz is modern. His music captures the full range of New Orleans life. Jelly Roll Morton’s music however, still applies to the New Orleans of today. It is dated neither in form nor feeling." --- Stanley Crouch https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2-ZqgzGeKIY https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CJ1vF2-7CsY https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=68hgDS5dM2w https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xmBHMTsy2BY The last word in every track’s title is either, Blues, Bump or Stump. :) Lawd, Lawd Mr. Jelly!!!! Best when played LOUD!!! Cheers |
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I’m not . Canada has pulled its weight in every war since WW 1 to today. And often more . Here is the real BS . https://youtu.be/8X9tBjt0DUk?t=3 And that is the difference between crass and class .And why the day will come when we will find its a hard world with no friends . |
Lots of catching up to do. First, I urge you to take heed to tostadosunidos' recommendation: any of the Ella Fitzgerald/Joe Pass duets. My favorite is "Take Love Easy." No idea how many evenings in the last 40 years I've put this on, closed my eyes and been transported to... my own listening room, where Joe and Ella are performing right in front of me. It has to be over 200 times. This recording is that amazing: music 10, recording 10. Sublime. |
O-10: I saw McCoy Tyner probably 8-10 times. I was never more than 20 feet away, and I always set myself up where I could see the keyboard. Amazing journey - every time. And his bassist, Avery Sharpe, was (and is) a genius. When you hear and feel the music first hand while watching a master's hands on the keyboard, it's transfixing. This forum is so centered on wonderful recorded music, it wasn't until now that I realized I have little idea how often the regular posters have been able to experience the best live music. Is it a function of proximity? I'm an urban creature - how is it for rural folk? |
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Keegiam, I saw "Trane", Elvin Jones, and McCoy Tyner when "My Favorite Things" was new, and our table was less than 20 feet away. Trane played the Soprano Sax on this date and the whole gang was smoking; that was unforgettable. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NWYWgda5f0I |
As I recall, it was in February of 63; me and my date, my friend and his date, went to the club in his girlfriend's brand new 63 powder blue, Buick LeSabre. ( I always liked to ride in style, no matter who’s car). The club was Gino’s, St. Louis, MO. 5611 Delmar at Clara. We had a table as close to the bandstand as you could get; which was just an open area in the center of the room, that gave as many people as possible a close view of the artists. Every professional musician in St. Louis was there, minus girlfriend. Kenny Rice, a professional drummer sat at our table, it was nice to have a professional musician at our table, we looked to him when "Trane" lost us, and that did occur. We saw what you saw on the clip I posted, but that was not the same set. What was not on that clip was when "Trane" did his thing that all those professional musicians came to see and hear; that was when he took his "Trane" trip to the 7th Galaxy, and lost the rest of the crew. McCoy Tyner looked at Elven Jones, as if to say; "You just hang with me buddy, and we’ll get through this". My date looked at me, I looked at Kenny Rice; he said, with a look on his face like he was in the 7th Galaxy with "Trane", that it was a "Trane Thang", and for 8 minutes we hung out with "Trane" in the 7th Galaxy. After communing with all the professional musicians, "Trane" came back to earth, but from the looks on all the musicians who came to see and hear "Trane", they were still in the 7th Galaxy. |
This is "Trane" doing his "Trane Thang" two years after I saw him live. By this time, McCoy Tyner and Elvin jones knew how to deal with it; https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IsBbM5PIAHk |
Today's Listen: Cannonball Adderley -- SWINGIN' IN SEATTLE Recorded live at The Penthouse 1966-67, released Jan 2019. Excellent Booklet with interviews of band members and Julian's wife. Great photos also. Of course Cannonball talks between each track. I love that about his live recordings. Tune by Jimmy Heath. Recently deceased. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v3DHgYY-zcA https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yOPJ2q2I-tI https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EXXh_WMDbWU https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ePptkP7YI5Q Cheers |
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At this stage in my life, you would have to pay me to go to a live performance. In my time we went to night clubs as opposed to auditoriums. You would have to pay me double for going to an auditorium. I spent 20 years getting my rig to please me; my listening chair is the best seat in the house, and I don't intend to leave it. |