We have consensus so far. 1963. But, man, that 1954 is gorgeous as well in a very different way. Gorgeous singing. In some ways the difference between live and a studio recording. Audience and no audience.
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.
31,626 responses Add your response
Well,Pryso just posted song from her excellent album 'After Hours' with only vocal, guitar and bass https://youtu.be/1EicTsyMiIc https://youtu.be/JD8gF8S4vqk |
This was my first SV record and still one of my favorites. Probably my favorite period (70s) for the sheer sound of her voice. It had the huskiness, but her diction hadn’t gotten exaggerated yet. She sounds in complete command. Amazing. https://youtu.be/meoiTxJofOs https://youtu.be/MnUqorTHj74 https://youtu.be/4PToSZylkkA (Could do without the hand clapping, but when was the last time an audience stayed in time and stayed on 2 and 4 for the entire tune?) |
When people in church start clapping, it only takes about a chorus for them to be gleefully off beat. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BCapo6bDyO8 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MZmG0iEoIN8 |
I was browsing through the last several pages of this thread and noticed someone mentioned Tanita Tikaram. I'm fortunate enough to own "Closer to the People" on vinyl and it is a stunner. I have not made too much effort to audition other titles by her, but when I did, they did not move me like this one. |
Today's Listen: Billie Holiday -- SONGS FOR DISTINGUE LOVERS with / Harry "sweets" Edison(t), Ben Webster(ts), Jimmie Rowles(p), Barney Kessel(g), Red Mitchell(b), Larry Bunker, Alvin Stoller(d) Critique her voice all you want, in the end, it don't matter. I wanted to post "Billie Holiday The Ultimate Collection", but it's not on you-tube. However, it just has to be one of the best values in Jazz. 3 CD set, excellent sound, 8 albums on 3 CDs. 11 dollars on amazon. Distingue Lovers will have to do. stars fell on alabama https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=beylWkWSvaY one for my baby https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NsXdgVSer-g just one of those things https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eug_7LOc8pM moonlight in vermont https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iFrJX9zn-xo Cheers |
Pryso, I stand corrected, but none the less, I recommend that album from 1961. Rok, I ve got that album and if you do not have this one, would recommend it to you (and to all others, of course) Its Bille Holiday album, live in Cologne (Koeln) Germany, from 1954, plus some other recordings from Us. Billlie's Blues (since there are lots of albums and compilations, here is the link for the original cover from All music com) https://www.allmusic.com/album/billies-blues-blue-note-mw0000195791 some music from album, great line up https://youtu.be/rpHgvYKYQMA https://youtu.be/qN_qCnNP-wM The cd I got its Blue Note edition and the sound is quite good, better than man could tell by listening these clips from ytube |
Today’s Listen: Ella Fitzgerald and Duke Ellington -- ELLA AT DUKE’S PLACE Recorded in 1965. CD reissue in 1996. Reissue notes by Keith Shadwick. Mr Shadwick made the following critical comments about the recording. "on the up-tempo selections such as "Duke’s Place" and "CottonTail" there is an uncharacteristically awkward straining for effect from Fitzgerald. In fact "CottonTail", the album’s closer, finds the band unable to settle into a smooth delivery of its section work due to an improbably fast rhythm from the bass and drums." Judge for yourselves. azure https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tc9F5pa9IQQ duke's place https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ol-AvCEdRQw cottontail https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HL2xvS_nUTs passion flower https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rZSiE8ePfHw One of the best things about albums like this, when the sax or trumpet is playing, you know who is doing the playing. Cheers The notes also mention the DOWNBEAT reader’s poll for 1966, the year of the release. "Ellington won in the big band category by polling more than twice as many votes as Count Basie, who was No. 2, and in the composer category by four times as many votes as the runner-up there, Thelonious Monk. Fitzgerald of course, won the female vocal vote comfortably over Nancy Wilson and Carmen McRae, with Nina Simone a distant fourth." Where’s Sassy? We always give reader’s poll all the respect they deserve.. |
Mississippi Truth Tellers: as true in the 21st as it was in the 20th https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vqlR2bR9JkU https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dEmYBRpIcnQ might be the devil or it might be 1st Cav https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NEiW5YMiNvI say it, say it, say it !! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2jW8d88SPM8 Cheers |
I think you are mellowing with age 😊. Surprised that you are not raking the reviewer over the coals for daring to say anything negative about icons like Duke and Ella. IMO, the reviewer is only half correct and is conflating a couple of different issues. I agree with him that “the band (is) unable to settle into a smooth delivery of its section work due to an improbably fast rhythm from the bass and drums." On “Cottontail” the saxes sound a little ragged and the trombones get very behind the beat at one point. However, it really wasn’t all that bad and why is he suggesting that Ella is the culprit in any way? She swings her as& off. In fact it is Paul Gonsalves who almost can’t keep up with her amazing scatting. Only singer who I can enjoy listening to scatting for an extended period. **** Where’s Sassy? We always give reader’s poll all the respect they deserve..**** Easy one, but takes a little digging. Nominations and winners of DB’s readers poll are, if not entirely, mostly influenced by the artists’ recent work. The year is 1966. Ella: - In 1965 Ella released “Ella At Duke’s Place (With Duke Ellington)“ Remember, not only is Duke king, he was slated to win in the big band category with twice as many votes as Basie. - In 1966 itself she released “Whisper Not”. One of her most popular and a record of mostly Jazz standards. Nancy Wilson: - Between 1964 and 1966 Nancy Wilson released eight (!!!) records including some of her most popular. All in her stylistic “comfort zone”. Sassy: - In 1964 she released “Lonely Hours” and “Vaughn With Voices” - In 1965 she released “Viva! Vaughn” and “The Mancini Songbook” - In 1966 she released “The Pop Artistry of Sarah Vaughn” and “The New Scene” None of them were exactly serious swinging Jazz records. Even our beloved Sassy had her forays into “Lite” fare and Pop land. |
Surprised that you are not raking the reviewer over the coals for daring to say anything negative about icons like Duke and Ella. Actually my first post was just as you stated, almost word for word, but a little more 'explicit'. Closed the window by mistake and had to write it again. Thought about the Regulators / moderators and thought I'd better play it safe. Thanks for your insight into the performance. Cheers |
Today's Listen: Carmen McRae -- CARMEN SINGS MONK with / Al Foster(drums), George Mraz(bass), Clifford Jordan(Sax), Eric Gunnison(piano), Charlie Rouse(tenor sax), Larry Willis(piano) Notes, explaining why different titles are listed on the CD. "The reason for these title changes is simply insistence by the music publishers, since the instrumental versions have become part of a separate Monk literature." Outstanding support from the instrument players. Most of the Lyrics by Jon Hendricks. straight, no chaser https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dnjFkuxwpFY ruby, my dear https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HFE6GiMcL7g well you needn't https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=paYODQGwdz4 blue monk https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N3qK3mpaSPE rhythm-a-ning https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xLszKax6L-U Has anyone else ever tried to 'sing' Monk? Cheers |
the worst thing https://youtu.be/HsjT2SyWemg “After silence that which comes nearest to expressing the inexpressible is music.” kind and generous https://youtu.be/LR6PV-Irv7s |
Piano trios. Anything by the Keith Jarrett trio from ‘82 on. Gary Peacock, bass Jack DeJohnette drums Keith Jarrett, piano. If you’ve not heard them you’re in for a real treat. Saw them live twice. What a blessing. Bill Evans many different piano trios, the first with Scott Lafaro. Just wow. Oscar Perterson. What do you say about a piano god. Long and distinguished career. Played until nearly 90. Over 70 years when it was common for many to have careers less than 10. Ahmad Jamal. See god 2 with an equally long career. Gene Harris Trio. Best blues pianist period. Okay, that’s a good start to keep one busy for 10 years. |
Keith Jarrett Trio - Blame It On My Youth https://youtu.be/E7d_qMFFgUw Danny Boy (solo) https://youtu.be/C6tIzxmPCQE God bless the child https://youtu.be/n31jaGy7hmk LaScala solo recording. Tune is Over The Rainbow. Disregard the video for YouTube has this copyrighted for infringement but the audio is the actual recording. Superb work! https://www.dailymotion.com/video/x26frkz Never Let Me Go https://youtu.be/GhmmAT82O6Y |
rok, one obvious example, Round Midnight - https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=round+midnight+vocal |
**** Has anyone else ever tried to 'sing' Monk? **** https://londonjazzcollector.wordpress.com/2014/04/01/blue-note-missing-over-fifty-years-discovered/ |
Today’s Listen: Dianne Reeves -- THE GRAND ENCOUNTER with / Clark Terry, Harry"sweets" Edison, Phil Woods, Bobby Watson, James Moody, Al Grey, Toots Thielemans, Kenny Barron, Rodney Whittaker, Herlin Riley and Joe Williams. This is an amazing line up for a singer who dabbles in Jazz from time to time. Nice fold out booklet with great pictures of all, and personnel list for each tune. All are different for each song. Everyone plays on "Old Country". Great singer. Wish she would concentrate on Jazz. Recorded 1996. besame mucho https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eFxE60NE1as let me love you -- with joe williams https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nW7cpeRKtfI old country -- nancy & cannonball did this one, by Nate adderley https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uVdwZeF6DCg tenderly -- with joe williams https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sYLmR1Ge4tg cherokee https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2knA3VHTEok Cheers Not on the CD, but I love it: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hp4YKvx37w8 |
Coltrane, if you hang around long enough you will notice that sometimes here there are few parallel conversations and few monologs, all in the same time, kind of free jazz thing. Hope to see more posts from you (or anybody else who does not post often here) https://youtu.be/MXGWUppikhg |
...questo è solo per Rok. Il ballo del qua qua ...ciao, ci sentiamo... |
Today's Listen: Betty Carter -- I'M YOURS, YOU'RE MINE Curtis Lundy(bass), Gregory Hutchinson(drums), Xavier Davis(piano), Mark Shim(tenor sax), Andre Hayward(trombone), Matt Hughes(bass). Although on the Verve label, Minimum packaging. Just a single folded sheet with personnel and songs. Purchased through BMG record club. May explain it. Recorded 1996. If Ella could sit in with any big band and be any 'instrument', Betty could 'play' with Lester Bowie and his Brass Fantasy. Like Bowie, an acquired taste, maybe, but after you acquire it, wow!! this time https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nQgfHxCP-k4 i'm yours, you're mine https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mRqeZ7Cih6U useless landscape https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=14WVCa3iXgk september song https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8RXYjRSsl5o Cheers |
Cosa nostra... No... Il ballo del qua qua is chicken dance in italian... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OsCwa80xKM4 |
**** Like Bowie, an acquired taste, maybe, but after you acquire it, wow!! **** Took me a while to get her. Your “play” analogy is apt. To my mind she is the only singer who could reach the same level of inventiveness as the great instrumentalists. I guess your taste for her came on very suddenly, it was only a few days ago that you deemed her “too New York-ish for this country boy” 😊 Great clips! Two favorite records of hers. Thirty years apart. https://youtu.be/1gTkukuz7gI https://youtu.be/6La4A1Dy2p4 https://youtu.be/qgdn9DIdLkE https://youtu.be/6La4A1Dy2p4 (talk about different) |
@frogman New York-ish does not mean bad. Just got Sinatra at The Sands with Basie. In the middle of Nevada, he still sounds New York-ish. It's the lyrics of the songs he sings. Every time he sings, even when it's, 'Chicago my Kind of Town', I think New York. I guess your taste for her came on very suddenly Not at all, I have CDs of her, purchased back in the heyday of 'Stereo Review'. Cheers |