O-10:
Interesting.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nDO1SL-gj98
Cheers
Interesting.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nDO1SL-gj98
Cheers
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.
31,496 responses Add your response
Rok, I could continue the silliness and ask you to point out one single statement that I have made that is not defensible, but I will let your ridiculous comment pass and simply say that it is time, once again, for me to take a break from trying to have meaningful dialogue with you; unfortunately (and I mean that) it's simply too difficult and all too often devoid of the only reason that I have bothered to begin with. The issue of N&B is a prime example of why its so difficult. That you still think that I have not made it perfectly and absolutely clear what I have meant by the use of the term is really beyond my understanding. There can only be two reasons why this may be: 1. It's one more example of the common tactic to obfuscate the issue when you, yourself, are the one who makes an indefensible statement. Or 2. You have so little understanding of both the particulars of and the general conceptual premise that the term N&B addresses that you truly can't see what's right in front of you. It appears to be true that ignorance is bliss for some. Anyway, I am sure I will be checking in again some time. Until then, Happy Listening and Happy 4th. Cheers. |
Learsfool, I think the C.S. Lewis quote is from one of the Narnia novels. I believe this is the trumpet player Rok is recalling with Woods. He is outstanding. http://www.youtube.com/watch/?v=uqJcd4Ljqxo |
Tom Harrell with the late Horace Silver,Bob Berg, and Eddie Gladden. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Njf7pY7oUxg |
Acman, I can feel Horace Silver's presence in this music, that's just how much of a difference, a great leader makes in the music. Over the years, I have discovered there are great leaders, and great sidemen; when a great "sideman" makes a record makes a record without one of the great leaders he's recorded with over the years, it falls flat. Rather than using any names, because it would appear that I'm putting these great musicians who were sidemen down, I'll allow you to think of examples of this. Enjoy the music. |
Rok, I am flabbergasted. I was directly quoting you, not Frogman. Everything Frogman has said is indeed perfectly clear, and what you have said about "nuts and bolts" does not in any way resemble anything he has said. Assuming that you are being serious, clearly you have misunderstood him, but I cannot figure out how, so I guess we will have to drop the subject. Acman, I don't recall that quote from the Narnia books, but it has been a very long time since I read them, so you are probably right. |
"Carmen Jones": I had recently befriended a young soldier who was about the same age as me, and we decided to see the movie "Carmen Jones". When we got to the theater, standing out front, was one of the most beautiful girls I have ever seen; she was dressed in a tight fitting, white "Carmen Jones" dress; that was a full dress that fitted tight, and flared at the bottom, it revealed a perfect figure. Instantly, we both had the same idea, so we proceeded to make ourselves acquainted. When she talked to me, her eyes were on him. After I noticed his resemblance to "Harry Belefonte", I could see that I didn't stand a chance; I was witnessing love at first sight. During the movie, they couldn't keep their eyes off one another long enough to see the flick. That's the story of my life, "I was in the right place at the wrong time". Enjoy the music. |
Crazy music: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HT4RainY-lY Even "Jazz aficionados" go crazy at times. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yG0oBPtyNb0 Enjoy the music. |
Tom Harrell is one of the great ones! Besides the records I own of him playing with Phil Woods I've got, and easily recommend, 'Time's Mirror', 'Paradise', & 'Live At The Vanguard'. There's one that I own that's always been a dichotomy for me; 'Wise Children'. It's the only record of his that I own where he seems to be playing in a different style of Jazz style. kind of that modern Soul/Jazz (for lack of a better term). The record features tunes with Diane Reeves, Claudia Acuna, Jane Monheit, and Cassandra Wilson. It's good but I'll admit it's my least-played Harrell record EXCEPT FOR....the title song Wise Children. It stands alone on the record. It's one of the most beautiful and heart-breaking songs I've ever heard. I always hear it as an ode to 9/11. it's not referred to as such anywhere on the album but the cover is a painting that to my mind suggests the Towers. I'm listening to it as I type, God, it has such a sense of tragic gravitas to it. If you have an iTunes account, go pick up the tune for $.99 and hear for yourself! |
O-10: *****Over the years, I have discovered there are great leaders, and great sidemen; when a great "sideman" makes a record makes a record without one of the great leaders he's recorded with over the years, it falls flat. ******* Truer words were never spoken!! It's amazing how often you mention stuff that I happened to be thinking of, along the same lines. It's why some people that I declare noise makers, can be brilliant when playing as sideman to other artist. I can even think of quite a few Blue Note types. I won't call names. As always, you have the insight of a true 'aficionado'. Cheers |
O-10: ****I've done this a number of times, and added considerably to my collection by doing so. Occasionally, I've added brand new musicians, but primarily it was old musicians who I thought, I already had their greatest recordings.***** My only problem with youtube clips is that, while I may love the clip, I have to think, can I listen to an entire CD of this music. A little, of some music, goes a long way. Cheers |
O-10: ****I can feel Horace Silver's presence in this music, that's just how much of a difference, a great leader makes in the music***** Of all recent losses, his death truly sadden me. Almost as if I had known him. In Nica's book, his first wish was for immortality. I think he really loved his music life. It showed in his performances. Over-used word, but he was a true Giant. Cheers |
O-10: Mungo Jerry: good driving music. Dr. John: one of those special artist that never makes a bad record. All of his stuff is very good. I think because he is an authenic artist. He lives in the enviroment that produces the music. Check out his CD "dis dat or da udder". Not a weak track in sight. BTW, anyone into Shaped Note singing? I love it. Cheers |
Unfortunately, the best "Silver's" music you will ever hear are on "You tube". That's because he couldn't take extended solos on his records because of time limitations. His solos on this "Senor Blues", are much longer than on the record. He was one of the very few artists who could have extended his solo for the entire record, and I wouldn't have minded. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lecamup2yko Enjoy the music. |
Rok, "Nica's" book had in it, the best jazz musicians who ever were or ever will be. I don't know why, I don't know why, I don't know why; but I do know that was no typographical error. When my computer went on the blink, someone decided to replace the rug in the bedroom, and I had to sleep in the den; to make a long story short, things were so turned around that my only source of music was the jazz station on FM radio. The beginning wasn't bad, but after awhile the "Jazz" music began to have some kind of "sameness", before long I couldn't stand it. It seems that currently, there is some kind of requirement for the music to be "jazz", that shouldn't be. I've heard this same statement from musicians who played with the one's in Nica's book. Either current "jazz" musicians are limiting their imaginations, or whoever decides who is and who is not a good jazz musician, is limiting things for them. Financial success is a requirement for whatever one does, if one has to make a living at it, and that's one possible answer to this "sameness". Enjoy the music. |
O-10: Silver: Great clip of 'Senor Blues'. On the same page I saw a clip for 'Filthy McNasty', one of the great song titles in Jazz. I had just received Silver's "doin' the thing - at the village gate". I think this is the album on which 'Filthy' was first released. On this clip, Andy Bey, who seems to be everywhere these days, sings. I love it. Have not heard silver sung, since Dee Dee's tribute. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jnc-y2D5RBg You are right about the time restraints. Esp when you consider this music was recorded for LP. On the positive side, it forced players to say what they had to say, quickly. Pertaining to lesser players, this was sometimes a blessing to the listener. Thanks for the clip. Cheers |
O-10: Jazz on radio: Yesterday was 'Big Band Sunday' on the local pbs station. They play mostly music from in and around the war years. Yesterday they featured Billy Eckstine. Eckstine also played trumpet, until Dizzy arrived on the scene. Then quietly changed to valve trombone. :) What a talent. His orchestra has to have had the most illustrious lineup ever. Dizzy said that even as a big band, they played Bop. Dizzy, Miles and Fats on trumpet!!! Also on the program was 'Sidney Bechet and his New Orleans FeetWarmers'. How can you not wanna hear a group with a name like that!! :) Found out that Pittsburgh has contributed a lot of great players. Another player was Garnet Clark. Left the US for Paris. He never returned. Died in an asylum in France. 1938 I think. Cheers |
O-10: I don't get an all-Jazz station at my location, but, I can imagine what you are talking about with the word 'sameness'. Another source for hearing music and getting a history lesson is cable TV. No one has mentioned it. On my TWC provider there are a lot of channels just devoted to music of all genres. Several of them Jazz. The channel name serves as a warning for the 'smooth' and 'contemporary'. I go for the 'Classic' i.e. real stuff. The classical channels are a wealth of information about the music and composers. Same as the Jazz Channels. Cheers |
I heard an hour long casual interview of Billy Eckstine, and it was the most impressive interview I've ever heard. I never thought about a musicians education, or ability to utilize the English Language in order to express themselves; but Mr. Eckstine's facility with the language indicated a formal education that included more than music. Miles was just the opposite, but he sure could blow that trumpet. Just a little trivia that I've been exposed to over the years. The most entertaining discussions are about "Nahlins" when Louis was a young man; they always include the "cathouses" and nicknames. When you hear Dr. John using those nicknames in his songs, he didn't just make some of them up, they represent real characters in New Orleans. I can't think of any of them right now, but they would have you crackin up. The discussions I heard came from Lincoln Center, so maybe I can look them up Enjoy the music. |
O-10: *****Miles was just the opposite, but he sure could blow that trumpet. Just a little trivia that I've been exposed to over the years.***** That little trivia is a major component of what makes Jazz so fascinating. Today's Listen: Lou Rawls -- AT LAST His best ever? I think so. Includes duets with Dianne Reeves and Ray Charles. David "Fathead" Newman and Stanley Turrentine lend support. Great tune selection. Outstanding recording quality. Oscar Peterson Trio + Milt Jackson -- VERY TALL Sort of like MJQ with new personnel. Nice playing, but they lack that ethereal sound of MJQ that I love so much. Cheers |
Rok, you hit upon my favorite tune by my favorite male vocalist, his songs come to life; sometimes they're like slices of my life, and at other times they bring back memories. One of his funniest tunes was "Street Hustlers Blues"; that corner he sang about, was even the same when I passed it after driving to "Chi Town" in my brand new "Duece". Milt Jackson is one of the few artists who are so select that I can count them on one hand, and still have fingers left; they're the ones I can't find a bad LP or CD by in my collection. He takes on more different colors than a chameleon; that's why so many people like to record with him, he makes whoever he records with sound better. While I like that "ethereal" sound of the MJQ, this is the first time I realized that's what it was. That ethereal sound is the reason they've been chosen for many movie soundtracks. Lately, I'm enjoying my collection a lot more; especially after being forced to listen to the current crop of jazz musicians for days on end, on FM radio; it sure feels good being back to normal. Enjoy the music. |
O-10: ****when I passed it after driving to "Chi Town" in my brand new "Duece".***** Are you speaking of the iconic "Duece and a Quarter? :) In the CDP today: Ellington / Basie -- FIRST TIME! THE COUNT MEETS THE DUKE The Orchestras of Duke Ellington and Count Basie playing together. That's all an aficionado needs to know. Maynard Ferguson -- CONQUISTADOR Everyone says it 'commerical'. I say, what does that mean, and, so what? Love it. Any would be trumpet player would. The only recording I have ever thought, from a distance, was a live band. And from Sony speakers sold in the PX. THE GOSPEL AT COLONUS Great Gospel singing. the Five Blind Boys are awesome. Playing For Change great songs and fascinating rhythms. A brilliant concept. Fairfield Four -- STANDING IN THE SAFETY ZONE The best recorded sound ever? Great Gospel singing. Lari Siffre -- SO STRONG Great songs with meaning. No weak tracks. Cheers |
Thanks for the clips, Acman3. What a loss, and what a beautiful player he was! One of my very favorites with a very individualistic approach to the role of the bass player. The clip with Gary Foster was a revelation for me; thanks for that. Foster has always been one of my favorite West Coast alto players and I had never heard him on tenor. Great on tenor as well and to say that he has listened to a lot of Stan Getz would be an understatement; striking similarity. Regards. |
"Individualistic" is a word that best describes Charlie Haden. Here he is with Don Cherry; listen to that kickin bass, that's Charlie Haden. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tp5mZxkeV1c I just wanted to point out another one of the many faces of Charlie Haden. Enjoy the music. |
"The many faces of Charlie Haden" is a subject worth exploring, for we also explore the many faces of jazz. Old and New Dreams was a jazz group that was active from 1976 to 1987. The group was composed of tenor saxophone player Dewey Redman (doubling on musette), bassist Charlie Haden, cornet player Don Cherry and drummer Ed Blackwell.[1] All of the members were former sidemen of free jazz progenitor, alto saxophonist Ornette Coleman, and the group played a mix of Coleman's compositions and originals by the band members. They released two records on the German jazz label ECM: a self-titled release in 1979 and Playing, recorded live, a year later. These discs were bookended by a pair of discs on the Italian Black Saint label: a studio record from 1976 (also self-titled) and 1987's A Tribute to Blackwell, capturing the quartet's final concert at a birthday celebration for Blackwell. Each member is now deceased, Haden died in 2014, Redman in 2006, Cherry in 1995 and Blackwell in 1992. Here is a cut from the first LP I acquired by them. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QU6Jb5m9DbM Enjoy the music. |
Rok, I would rather git whupped with an ugly stick than post a negative response, but since I know you've been waiting for some kind of response, so be it. The music was alright, it was this thing I have about the "jazz classics". The way me, you, and Frogman went round and round over "Moonlight in Vermont", I don't understand how you didn't know that. For me, it's a Cardinal sin to try and re-do the classics, and the Beys did it six times in a row. After that, I couldn't hear the music, but I'm sure it will sound different when my mood changes, and I just listen to their music. While Babe Ruth was the home run king for a long time, he was also the strike out king. The reason I mention this is because your record is much better than his, this is the first time you missed hitting a home run in regard to your recommendations Enjoy the music. |
O-10, thanks for the Old & New Dreams cut. Beautiful music and one of those improbable times when ingredients that one would think would not make a good recipe somehow come together into an unusual but delicious dish. I don't mean the individual players, as they are each masters who can play in many different styles and clearly work well together, but the individual musical parts of the tune: a beautiful and haunting melody by the horns in half-time, Ed Blackwell sounds amazing in double-time (!), while Charlie Haden's bass is the glue that holds the two contrasting forces together by straddling a fine line between the two meters. I think his ability to do that so well on this tune is a great example of, as you pointed out, the "many faces of Charlie Haden". Great stuff! |
Thanks O. I loved the Old and New Dreams. Another face of Charlie Haden. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XZZg46FN_rQ |
"The Jazz Classics", are quite often short, but very profound stories about the age old "male, female" relationship. "Since I Fell For You", is just such a story. "Since I Fell for You" is a jazz and pop standard. The blues ballad was composed by Buddy Johnson in 1945 and was first popularized by his sister, Ella Johnson, with Buddy Johnson and His Orchestra. The biggest hit version was recorded by Lenny Welch in 1963, reaching number four on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 chart. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U7xrQY_FLM4&feature=kp This is the story of a young man who had a girl friend, and he was happy with his existence; that is, until he met the most beguiling and captivating woman he had ever laid eyes on; she loved him, and then she snubbed him. Although he didn't know it, she was a "playgirl", the queen of hearts. She left the young man in an agony that he had never known before. Lenny Welch projects this to the extent I can feel his pain. Without words, Lee Morgan tells the same story. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DdLtXuAlt6A Musicians who don't understand the story behind the classics, should stay away from them and write their own music; that's my firm opinion. Enjoy the music. |
O-10: *****this is the first time you missed hitting a home run in regard to your recommendations***** This is an outrage!!! How about a bases loaded double? :) I have to have faith that The Lord is testing me for a greater purpose. You need to listen to the Bey sisters instead of listening to / for Jazz Classics. Listen to the voices and the phrasing. Many, many 'Jazz Classics' were previously 'pop' or 'broadway' or even 'gospel' classics. Everyone plays music not written by themselves. Where would any genre be without that. 'Since I fell for You', is a great tune. Thank you Buddy Johnson!! Not Morgan nor Welch. Although all were good. And why is it that, Morgan playing Johnson's tune is ok, but it's not ok when the Bey sister do it. And they Nailed it. More appealing to me than Morgan's version. No instrument can compare to the human voice, when it comes to expressing emotion. Think Ella! You said it yourself, you were listening for the so called classics, instead of listening to the sisters. I stand by my recommendation. Play it again! Cheers |
Rok, since the CD was sitting on the player when I read your suggestion, it was easy to follow. "Sister Sadie" was as jazzy as Horace Silver intended it to be. That interplay between the sisters and brother was boss. I really liked the scat singing on "The Swinging Preacher", maybe I'll join his church. "Round Midnight" was the highlight of this CD, they nailed it by capturing the emotion someone feels around midnight when they're longing for their one true love. I'm sure I would have enjoyed the Beys live, they have such a happy and joyous sound; I wouldn't even have a problem with the classics. Enjoy the music. |
Rok, believe it or not, this is the first time I heard the original; that piano does even more than the vocal, it captures "The Blues In The Night" while simultaneously playing "Since I Fell For You", and her vocals convey that hopeless feeling of not being able to fall out of love. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-bD5CDIEnbE No one can outdo the original. Enjoy the music. |
****Musicians who don't understand the story behind the classics, should stay away from them and write their own music; that's my firm opinion.**** Couldn't agree more. Many of the great players made a point of not playing a tune until they knew the lyrics to the song. Of note, Dexter Gordon was known for "reciting" part of the lyrics as an intro to the tune. https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=cfmiRnPjLCA |
Frogman, music convey's emotion, paints pictures, and tells stories, even without words; but not everyone is in tune to the stories it tells, that's why they attempt to tell sad stories with happy music. If that person happens to be a musician, I don't get it. Fortunately you're a musician who is in tune with the wordless stories and the pictures music paints; I'm sure I would enjoy your music immensely, but you can't let that over ride your desire for anonymity, and I understand. Enjoy the music. |
O-10: I had never heard the original either. I agree with you about the piano playing. Music history is full of instances where the 'covers' of certain tunes supplanted the original in the public's consciousness. The Diamonds vs The Gladiolas, being a prime example. I will always like the Lenny Welch better, because of the time in my life when it was popular. The original was great, but hell, I'm old and cynical now. Who 'owns' tunes? Interesting question. We all know that B.B. owns this tune. Don't we? Well, don't we?!? http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RNR0iLw92Gc Cheers |
The first jazz record I distinctly remember was "Jazz of Two Decades". Although it was a compilation, the cut that stuck in my mind was "East of Suez". At that time, who was playing what was irrelevant. I guess I was in 10th grade then, and I wanted to travel to far away places with strange sounding names. "East of Suez" sounded like some place I might want to go, it sounded exotic and I liked the music. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PnrYk1pq12I Although I'm recounting this record from memory, I didn't remember all the cuts, but thanks to "google", we can all share them together. http://www.discogs.com/Various-Jazz-Of-Two-Decades/release/1474375 After examining this record, "Jazz of the 50's" came back to me; those cuts have remained favorites of mine down through the years, that's also why I found it remarkable that the cut from the 40's stayed with me all these years. Enjoy the music. |