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.
31,606 responses Add your response
This link asks the question "Is it jazz?" As far as I'm concerned personally, you can call it chopped hamburger hash, as long as I can get the LP. This is far from her best effort but it engages in the question. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zVLN-UX21yk This is where she is now, and I would have ordered the LP, but I'm sick of having problems with delivery, so I'll wait till later. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jRMN5vCt7Vo |
| Post removed |
| Post removed |
Nice clip, Keegiam. Excellent Bird, Rok. Getting down to business. **** The rather abrupt endings being a disadvantage. **** At least they didn’t fade out. Ultimate cop out in Jazz. Pjw, glad you enjoyed the Steve Grossman clips. Great player who sadly passed away just a few months ago and who doesn’t get nearly enough press. Those clips were from his early Rock/Fusion period. He was also a great straight-ahead player out of a Coltrane mold. Here are a couple of other records that might interest you: https://youtu.be/E1ftFjPvRWI https://youtu.be/LMNSagqy9GU Interesting record of a Quintet that he co-led with Johnny Griffin. Very interesting and little known record that shows the contrast between the two great tenor players. Grossman, squarely in a more modern post-Coltrane style and Griffin (solo @2:04), the traditionalist. https://youtu.be/VzrN63bJ3Tw Another interesting record that he recorded featuring one of O-10’s favorite tenor players, Harold Land. Again, interesting contrast between the modernist Grossman and Land (solo @1:56) the traditionalist. https://youtu.be/nVq1FvE3-uU In the early 70’s, following in the mold of the extended drums/saxophone solos that he would play while in Coltrane’s last Quartet, Elvin Jones led a piano-less Quartet featuring two saxophones in the front line; Steve Grossman and Dave Liebman; both Coltrane disciples. Killer record for hardcore tenor lovers. On this cut Liebman plays soprano and Grossman tenor: https://youtu.be/OZ_huWSzWCM |
Today's Listen: Art Tatum -- THE BEST OF THE COMPLETE PABLO GROUP MASTERPIECES with a cast of thousands. Taken from the 6CD Complete Group Masterpieces. Good informative notes by Scott Yanow perdido https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yl0hQ1l2Xjs just one of those things https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FRnKQUyNIcE deep night https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lNhzhwgZUd0 somebody loves me https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I8ZhaZId98s and 8 more. Cheers @frogman: folks speak of pre and post Bird, can the same be said of Tatum? Was his impact, in his era, in the same league? |
If you're at home on a Saturday night: LOUD! Polks are recommended, but not a requirement. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NNw2F_LevVU https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wbL734VFJqk&list=RDwbL734VFJqk&start_radio=1&t=0 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eLbmdG8U60E&list=RDwbL734VFJqk&index=4 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PgG6SU8L-dI https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zjo0JWv_9uU https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1xqMY8UAGgg&list=RDoBG3qpYj5DU&index=2 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f_R3c2TIV-E Cheers |
Rok, I think that it can be said of Tatum; although, not with the same amount of relevance. Tatum was undoubtedly an influential player, but not to the degree that Bird was. He showed what was possible in Jazz as far as sheer virtuosity on the keyboard and he did expand the possibilities in the use of harmony. However, it is generally thought that his influence was not as far reaching as Bird’s. To support this distinction, consider the fact that Tatum’s influence was primarily on other piano players (Oscar Peterson is probably the best example). Bird was hugely influential with all instrumentalists and not just saxophone players. I think it could be said that Tatum was one of the players who cracked open the Bebop door and Bird threw it open. |
OK gang, let me say it's tough but rewarding to try to keep up with the music shared here. Lot's of great stuff, but real listening involves time and surrender. I felt like I needed to slow down and go deep tonight, with acman3's Jack Johnson reminder in my head. I put myself in the sweet spot, cranked it up to realistic volume and just focused. What a journey. Folks, do yourself a favor - empty your head and tune in to Jack Johnson. Just give it an hour. Amazing music. Thank you acman3. |
@acman3 I absolutely LOVE this Album. acman33,234 posts11-19-2020 7:38pmhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-8TdZFVj6tA It is Definitely my favorite Miles Davis Album. I especially love that guitar on the first track. It is GROOVY MAN ! And I thought it was a well kept Secret .Damn I better buy another copy before they are all gone . acman33,234 posts11-19-2020 7:38pmhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-8TdZFVj6tA Here is another Album that just blows My doors off.... very unique and different. It is quite a journey to listen to . The Miles Davis "Jack Johnson" album and this one are my new Favorites. https://www.discogs.com/Herbie-Hancock-Death-Wish-Original-Soundtrack-Recording/master/47748 Enjoy ! Both of these are best played kind of loud IMO. The dynamics and bass are awesome....for the time. |
I have lost the track of your postings; there are so much of them, but they are all posted in order and therefore should check them easily. I lost the track of an old friend; but friends do find their way home, should not worry that much. Another friend lost the track of my being by sending me the wrong songs; but is there a wrong song if sent and received in kindness and gratefulness? Come to think of, I lost the key of a house yesterday morning; but again, I have a custom to keep at least one of my windows open. My neighbour recently lost a cat but I must say I never heard of a cat being lost. Have you? You see, (almost) all what is lost, is to be found, sometimes you even don't have to dig that deep. The ocean is shallow water... But... "How deep is the ocean...?" By Chet and Paul https://youtu.be/VNb-2XISoGY Wish you all nice Sunday... |
O10 You really discovered something great in Nubya Garcia. I listened to her debut album in its entirety on You Tube this morning and, IMHO, it is a superb debut album of fresh new "jazz" every song has something new to offer. It is, to me, better/different then the KOKOROKO album she plays on (6 of the tracks) titled WE OUT HERE. And you already know I love to keep up with all the new artists coming out and so thanks for posting that. Here is the album in its entirety. Nubya Garcia - Pace (Official Audio) - YouTube Actually "We Out Here" is apparently not KOKOROKO but "various artists" of the London jazz scene. VARIOUS ARTISTS - We Out Here - Amazon.com Music |
frogman thanks for the Steve Grossman recommendations. I already have Elvin Jones' Light House (both volumes). I bough them because I love Elvin as a drummer and have many of his albums as a leader. Last time I listened to the Lighthouse discs was years ago and come to think of it I did look up the sax player because Grossman really "takes off" on some of the songs. I remember looking for Grossman material after hearing him play on that Jones album but for some reason never bought any of his sessions as a leader. I will be buying all of your suggestions as I sampled them on You Tube and like what I hear. |
rok a few pages back I posted a video of Oscar Peterson and Count Basie playing together and discussing music. One of the topics was Art Tatum. They both are of the opinion that Mr. Tatum intimidated them with his virtuosity. Its a 45 minute video so I guess everybody moved passed it and there were no replies. I watched it in its entirety and it is well worth it. Here it is again. [FULL CONCERT] Oscar Peterson & Count Basie & Joe Pass 1980 - Words & Music - YouTube |
All fans of Miles Davis' Jack Johnson should get the "Complete Sessions" here: Miles Davis - The Complete Jack Johnson Sessions - Amazon.com Music It is an outstanding box set and well worth the money. |
Good article on Nubya Garcia and some of the various albums of other artists that she plays on Nubya Garcia: Source Album Review | Pitchfork |
mary_jo that Desmond Baker track is great. I just picked up a new Chet Baker album titled "Chet is Back". It is a great album with not one "dud" on it. Chet also sings on a couple. Chet Baker - Chet Is Back - Amazon.com Music Amazon BLURB: UK reissue. Chet Baker made almost as many headlines for his drug habit as he did for his musical abilities, being sentenced to several spells in prison for various drug charges. In the summer of 1960 he was imprisoned for eighteen months in Italy, but on his release found the local RCA label was willing to get him back into a studio as quickly as possible! Assembling a number of up and coming musicians from Europe, including Amadeo Tommasi (piano), Rene Thomas (guitar), Benoit Quersin (bass), Daniel Humair (drums) and Bobby Jaspar (tenor saxophone and flute), CHET IS BACK was a more Bop orientated album than his earlier efforts. It has been suggested that Chet's drug addiction and with it the almost constant need for cash led him to accepting many recording offers that he might otherwise have been better off avoiding. Certainly, the sheer abundance of material he recorded is of varying quality, as one might expect. Fortunately, CHET IS BACK is one of the better albums he recorded, fully justifying the moniker 'overlooked Baker classic' it has been dubbed. |
O10 Here is another band Nubya Garcia played with before her solo debut Sons Of Kemet - My Queen Is Ada Eastman (Audio) ft. Joshua Idehen - YouTube |
O10 here is another new "London Scene" jazz musician
Shabaka Hutchings a saxophone player and leader of the group "
Shabaka and the Ancestors" Shabaka And The Ancestors - The Coming Of The Strange Ones (Visualizer) - YouTube Some of the bickering here on what should be called jazz is apparently an ongoing theme of everyone interested in "our music" as can be seen reading the 2 following reviews of "Shabaka And The Ancestors" which represent both sides of the same coin. 2.0 out of 5 stars This may be good music of some sort, but it's not good jazzReviewed in the United States on June 18, 2020Verified PurchaseI suppose it's my fault for expecting something else. It's on Impulse, and I saw it topping a "Best Jazz of the Year So Far" list, so I had my hopes up. But the leader, Shabaka Hutchings, a tenor saxophonist, is not an accomplished player. The songs he wrote are not really songs, just slightly varying funk grooves. The band is from South Africa, which is where it was recorded -- if you expect South African music with lots of drums, you are less likely to be disappointed than if you expect a good jazz album. There is a strong influence of late Sixties Impulse jazz, especially Pharoah Sanders, as well as Sun Ra, but this is not nearly as good. The influence was clear to whoever it was who signed the band to the Impulse label. The singer, Siyabonga Mthembu, wrote the lyrics, and all the songs have vocals. The lyrics are printed in the insert, and it all seems to be one text, with the heading: "Music is the seed from which new worlds must grow." Part of my interest in the album, despite my misgivings about the music, was that I read that it is about climate change, seeing the collapse of our destructive way of life through ecocide, and then surviving to create another society -- well, Africans surviving in any event. That may well be what it is about, but it's too oblique to send a clear, strong message. I hate to be a naysayer when I really support the apocalyptic verdict on our ecocidal "civilization." But the vehicle for the message is music, and it's not music I find enjoyable. I recommend John Coltrane's "Meditations" (1965) and Miles Davis's "Pangaea" (1975) if you are looking for some wild, apocalyptic jazz. AND: 5.0 out of 5 stars EXCITING MUSIC FROM AN EXCITING NEW GROUPReviewed in the United States on May 27, 2020Shabaka Hutchings, sxes, clarinet; Siyabonga Mthembu, voc; Mandal Mlangeni, tpt; Mthunzu Myubutu, alto sx; Ndudouzo Makhatini, Thandi Ntuli, p; Ariel Zaminsky, b; Gontse Makhene, Tumi Mogorisi, perc. others. If you have listened to the songs from Hutchings’s previous album with this group, his 2016 Wisdom of Elders, you know what to expect. But this album is even better than the last, and almost as good as 2018’s Your Queen Is a Reptile, with his drums and tuba driven group, Sons of Kemet. Ancestors offers a headier mix of sounds than Kemet, with a second saxophone and the option of sax duets, a trumpet, and piano/keyboard, but it’s the same basic sound for both groups: percussion driven, drums and electric bass driven, music building out of riffs more than flowing melody lines, the judicious use of voices singing, chanting and reciting, and over it all Hutchings’s exciting horn –here, clarinet as well as tenor sax. It may be just because I was listening for it but in this album, I heard more echoes –built on, not aped—than in the other albums: of the rhythm and horn mix on side one of Carlos Santana’s and Buddy Miles’s 1970 New Year’s Eve concert (side two is a mess but side one is glorious), the multi-horn back and forth of the first Mahavishnu Orchestra Birds of Fire and Between Nothingness and Eternity, and the blending of jazz and African roots in albums by Dollar Brand/Ibrahim Abdullah and Randy Weston. This is a very good album and refreshing sign of how talented young musicians can incorporate the lessons of their elders in new and vibrant ways. |
Of course here in the states we have many of these types of "jazz musicians" playing albums with an underlying theme, whatever it may be, and the questions about what genre to call this music still remains and will be debated ad nauseum. I look at it this way. If you dig the music who cares what label they stick on it. Ambrose Akinmusire is a good example: Ambrose Akinmusire - Tide of Hyacinth - YouTube |
Received this in the post Friday and played it loud on my gear. Excellent album with excellent personnel Herbie Hancock, Jack De Johnette, Ron Carter, Mike Lawrence (a trumpet player who is never mentioned here) and the great Joe Henderson. Album title "Power to the People" Black Narcissus - YouTube |
I suppose it's my fault for expecting something else. It's on Impulse The reviewer makes a valid point that really resonates with me. If you wanna make noise, don't do it on labels like Blue Note, Impulse, Verve, Columbia etc....... Those labels are supposed to mean something. Maybe they should try recording on Deutsche Grammophon. :) Pigs will fly. Cheers |
Pjw, Thank you ever so much for all this new information on Nubya Garcia. I have never seen an artist evolve so fast; watching her has been like watching a plant grow before my very eyes. Before I saw your posts I was thinking about Nubya Garcia. I have decided to see if Target can order, or fill my vinyl needs because there have been too many delays. Am I the only person having trouble with deliveries? Sons Of Kemet - My Queen Is Ada Eastman (Audio) ft. Joshua Idehen - YouTube pjw815631,111 posts Shabaka And The Ancestors - The Coming Of The Strange Ones (Visualizer) - YouTube Nubya Garcia - Pace (Official Audio) - YouTube VARIOUS ARTISTS - We Out Here - Amazon.com Music Nubya Garcia: Source Album Review | Pitchfork I'll take this list to Target and see what happens. Thanks again for the recommendations. |
rok I'm not always posting "noise" did you check out the Oscar Peterson Count Basie discussion about Art Tatum. They also play a little piano on it :) Surly old rok........I did miss you when you took a few weeks off. BTW I googled SURLY and only a couple of the definitions fit you. One was grumpy LOL. |
I seem to be stuck in the B’s today. Count Basie, Dee Dee Bridgewater and Art Blakey https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RAxHNoK4o1Q bluesville https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IuC_UqZIXw0 contractor blues --- Joe Pass on Guitar https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y2MVmC55T5s do whatcha wanna https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XSNsgpmH2rQ one fine thing https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ch0k48LiD6M jimerick --- lee morgan on trumpet https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RQcfoXbGtq8 just coolin’ I hope none of these cause our beloved OP to suffer ear hemorrhages. Cheers Note the labels. All Jazz Royalty. I thought OKeh was long gone. I have ancient Ellington on that label. |
Peterson, Basie and Pass clip: Very informative and funny. When Jazz players talk, they will usually have you in stitches. Notice how Basie's hands just seem to float over the keys. What a touch. These are accomplished Jazz musicians. No rush, no wild movements or gyrations. When I see Basie, I always think, in contrast, of Chucho the 'pulverizer'. Who is also great. I had to LOL at the comment Joe Pass made about having played three tunes and then noticing that only 6 minutes had passed. And there you are on stage, alone, with a guitar. Hilarious!! Great Clip. Thanks. Cheers |
Rok, this music is new to me; I don't know how that can be, but there it is; https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6qgF5Vd1mi4 |
Now that I think about it, you're probably right. The only way I knew what was happening was from other aficionados and the record store. The radio played more popular music than anything else, and when they played jazz it was what was "popular" and everybody already knew about it. Just like this fantastic music by Machito & Charlie Parker that I've never heard, there's a ton of other "boss jazz" that has eluded me. When you think about all of those years that went by without a "You Tube", you realize how much good jazz went by without any kind of alarm being raised. In my time, you had to buy an album to hear what it sounded like, and I paid for a lot of losers, which made a person not want to take chances; but Machito & Charlie Parker, I would have purchased had I seen it, without fear of it being a loser. Now that we can listen to all these killers before we buy, there is no limit to what we can acquire. |
Fabulous Joe Henderson. Thanks. Trane, Sonny and Joe; the three greatest. I realize very well that any music needs to be judged on its own terms at least to some degree. However, while I appreciate her expressive tone, how any music critic (Pitchfork) can make this statement re Nubaya Garcia is beyond me. ”You can hear how she’s garnered comparisons to the greats: Dexter Gordon, Sonny Rollins, Gary Bartz.“ https://youtu.be/-sLHpRR_7Os https://youtu.be/PAVS3RpWm-Y https://youtu.be/9_VRZyIsKu8 |
My favorite Joe Henderson solo is on this cut with Grant Green. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aq0m0hbCjFQ Henderson solo begin 7:44 Here lately, every time I hear a musician that I walked with, talked with and listened to live many times, I get very sad when I think about them and the fact that they are no longer with us. Grant's been gone a long time, but now I can feel his presence when I hear his music; maybe, I feel that not before too long I'll be joining him. |
I haven't seen any Lloyd Miller recommendations yet, so I'll start with A Lifetime In Oriental Jazz. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=478hfvZ9Tqw |
Frogman compared Nubya Garcia to "Trane" and some of the other greats. I know I would rather go to a club where I could see and hear Nubya Garcia live than hear "Trane" in my listening room. I saw Trane live in a nightclub where I was at a table close enough to the musicians to see the expressions on their faces. The expression on McCoy Tyners face when Trane went into the outer galaxies was unforgettable; "Huh". Every professional musician in St. Louis was there; minus girlfriend. Kenny Rice, a professional drummer, was at our table. When Trane took off in the direction of Andromeda, we looked at Kenny who was in ecstasy, while we were, "huh"; along with McCoy Tyner. All of this happened in an instant, and I witnessed the facial expressions; Elvin Jones looked at Tyner for direction who indicated "follow me, he'll be back eventually". This was when Trane was blowing the soprano sax on "My Favorite Things", and it occurred near the end of the most memorable set I can recall, after we had been treated to a long night of the more conventional Trane, that was exquisite. The ambiance in a jazz club is exponentially better than my listening room, and while I have that memory of Trane, it can not be repeated, but it is possible to experience seeing and hearing "Nubya Garcia". |
Mary_jo, I have upgraded my rig to the point where the vocalists are in the room, and when I hear a vocalist who is no longer with us that I knew from childhood (we caught grasshoppers together in a field close by) When I hear him, as much as I like his music, I can't stand to play it all the way through. I don't know why I'm getting so emotional in my old age? |
| Post removed |
I am perfectly happy to, and do, ignore comments that I find to be mistaken at best. However, if alluding to me personally, you force me to respond on a level that I would very much prefer not to go to, O-10. Alas. No, I did not “compare Nubya Garcia to Trane and some of the other greats”. The “critic” involved did. Instead, I commented on the fact that I found it amazing that a music critic would compare Garcia to Trane and other greats mentioned. If you are really interested and if I thought that things would not devolve into personal bs, I might be willing to explain why I feel the way I do. |
Today’s Listen: Tony Allen / Hugh Masekela -- REJOICE Speaking of getting old. Allen died in Paris in Jan 2020. Age 80. I like the drumming, and have always loved Masekela’s flugelhorn, but the music, like The Duke said, has a sameness to it. Not much distinguishes one tune from the next. Very cheap packaging. Recycled cardboard with no notes. Very hard to read due to the color scheme. jabulani https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SxPpDAv3ZQI agbada https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ug29HwC2T7A slow bones https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6J-dCj-u6Yo In spite of the name, Tony Allen is a Nigerian drummer. One of the founders of "Afrobeat". The music on this disc is decidedly Western. Cheers |