That was very kind of you Mary_jo, and for the sake of the thread, we should put this dog to sleep, and you know what they say about sleeping dogs; "let sleeping dogs lie".
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.
31,572 responses Add your response
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My vote is for stories too... There is famous mountin climber, world traveller, film maker and even a war vet, from this parts (he climbed Everest twice, K2, all highest peaks on every continent,North pole, etc.) who once said in kind of melancholyc way, when answering question about his exploits, that the only thing that remains after man's life are just the stories....his or about him, nevermind... |
Words of wisdom from Schubert and Marija. Silly me, I thought we had moved on. O-10, context, context, context. May I please remind you? : **** xxxxxx, try a little harder, maybe you can score more points with Frogman; let’s see, you scored points for praising his post, and you scored points for the negative dig at me, you’re moving up the ladder of the "mutual admiration society". **** Could I also please remind you? Please leave me out of your beefs with others. It is insulting. Can we please move on now? You are the OP, you don’t need anyone’s permission to tell your stories. As I said previously, carry on. https://youtu.be/RiOf7oZnlP4 |
Just read that he was born on this day. I think that I could say that he is my favourite ’soulful’ piano player... https://lastfm.freetls.fastly.net/i/u/770x0/5d2a95eccab84556896d708308542f3b.jpg edit: https://youtu.be/Jzt2YvBoc_o |
I don't know how many albums I have with Wynton Kelly as leader, but I sure got a bunch with him as sideman. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ajL5MbW9Vxc |
there are three great all time jazz albums that anyone who claims an interest in jazz truly MUST have (IMO of course) . They each reach the loftiest heights of sounding so wonderful even on am radio they would stop in your tracks; each sounds better in hi res (but hi res not needed); each were seminal influencing all jazz thereafter. 1. John Coltrane - My Favorite Things. The ethereal other-worldly haunting sound of this album and specifically song, are in another dimension of wonderful 2. Dave Brubeck (and Paul Desmond) - Time Out. Each part, the piano, the horn then the drum solo are jaw dropping. Take Five. As is most of the album. 3. Miles Davis - Kinda Blue. (Bill Evans, Cannonball Adderley) NYC will forever be defined by scenes that typify the poignant isolation, loneliness and longing this album imbues. Eurasian Music, newly created Modal Jazz. Masterful improvisations with time and tone, Rodgers and Hammerstein and tonic chords in Waltz time. and NONE of that matters, just listen. |
Gsahaikun, not only do you have exquisite taste in music, but you can actually communicate music into words. We have people here who have good taste in music, but they seem to have a problem communicating that into words, and you can do both? BTW, everyone here has all of those albums and a few more. I hope you hang around; maybe they'll get the hang of communicating from reading your posts. Please post some more. |
Yes, these works are exemplary, but I usually resist any effort to say "these are the most important." Why go there? The premise is "if you can only have three, these are the three." Not buying it. If your goal is for aficionados to weigh in on their favorites, that's fine. But the "best ever" angle is dubious. |
Each of the artists you picked has a volume of works. Since John Coltrane and Miles have been featured often, I'll choose Dave Brubeck to focus on. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b2AlqTfQ8Mc https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0ieHdRYGCdg I recall seeing Dave live at a free outdoor concert. It was at "Our Lady of The Snows Shrine", in front of the main shrine, on a golden, warm Fall afternoon. He was accompanied by the most beautiful modern dancers who wore gauzy pastel dresses; they did choreography to his music. That day was unforgettable. |
Alex, that Wynton Kelly with Coltrane and Getz live clip, and the other two or three companion clips, are some of what make YouTube such a treasure. Kelly sounds amazing; so relaxed. Fantastic. You probably know this record. If you don’t, check it out. One of my favorites. As an aside and added plus, I’ve heard guitar players refer to this as the greatest Jazz guitar record of all time (their words, not mine). Regardless, great record: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL0q2VleZJVEmhGT8b7NQBIRHVjI-jDBBc |
You have to check this out . Playing starts at 0:59 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lUmNtpJpm9o I have the double Lp on Vinyl .. Love it https://www.roughtrade.com/gb/nubya-garcia/source/lp-x2 Here is one for you O10 https://nikilaudaafrobeat.bandcamp.com/track/tio-fela |
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Frogman, of course, got that one, as well as 'live at seattle' that was issued not long ago, with Kelly and Montgomery, we mentioned it here as well. But, I prefer sound of Burrell and even Grant Green's more than Montgomery's, aldo have many of his recordings as well. Here is one for Schubert... https://youtu.be/_Wy9ApLsAvA But, Kelly, for me he has got 'that something', in the way he sometimes plays single note, he gives accent on it, instantly recognisable. Frogman, I dont know can I describe with accuracy what exactly do I mean/hear, but perhaps you could explain it better, how piano players (Kelly in this case) get their tone so distinctive? Listen to these couple of first notes....I do not think that I ve heard anybody plays them like he does... https://youtu.be/ldTIXsCXJhc |
Mary_jo, Ahmad Jamal has two versions of this one song, which one do you like best? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kVnCnmIrDgU https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3jAn4_0AUmM The title is "If I find You Again"; that's such a beautiful thought; I imagine we all have experienced a time when the sun was always shining, even when it was raining if we were with a particular person. Paradise was right here on earth, as long as we were with that particular person. This song makes me think of that impossible thought "If I Find You Again" I'm sure if you rifle your memory, there is someone in your past that this song applies to. Whether there is or not, maybe you still think this is a beautiful song. |
Alex, interesting comments re guitar players. Burrell, Green and Montgomery, all great players. I find Montgomery’s time feel and phrasing a perfect compliment to Kelly’s. You have always seemed very tone conscious; a good thing, so I can understand your preference for Burrell’s tone. Re your question: A piano player’s tone is the result of a few things; some more impactful than others. When one strikes a piano key one can “shape” the resulting tone. This is the player’s “touch”. I don’t know if you have ever sat at a keyboard. When your finger strikes a key there is certain amount of “play” (time, or movement of the key) between the moment when the finger initiates the motion and the moment when the hammer actually strikes the piano string and produces a sound. That “play” also has a certain amount of mechanical resistance which varies instrument to instrument. This is a characteristic of that particular instrument’s “action”. How the player starts the motion (aggressively or gently and every step between) and then how the motion is controlled through that resistance and until the point when the hammer strikes the key affects the quality of the resulting tone. Brighter (Peterson), warmer (Evans), percussive (Monk). Added to the mix is, believe it or not, the player’s unique physical characteristics. An understanding of the impact of resonance on musical sounds makes it easy to understand why this would be so. In a sense, at the moment that the hammer strikes the string and a tone is produced, the instrument and the player (in a sense) become one. Of course, an accomplished player’s musical intent (expression) governs all this. When playing ANY musical instrument, the body has a way of following one’s ears to produce the tone that one hears in one’s head. However, for this to happen there has to be a deep connection with the instrument on a technical level (technical level does not refer only to the ability to play fast). Lastly, and of less importance is the inherent sound of an instrument. Obviously, players are usually at the mercy of whatever instrument is available at the time, but some play a particular brand of instrument as much as possible. For instance, Oscar Peterson would usually only play Bosendorfers. When you’re a player of that stature you can demand that. Bosendorfers generally have a distinctive sound which can be heard in his “tone”. Hope that helps. |
Frogman, thanks, that was informative as always. I was just hoping to read few lines about Kellys way of playing, since we started the conversation with him. Never played any instrument, except Hohner melodica in elementary school. In fact I cant even sing, I guess I have not ear. Is that the correct frase? (which is strange, as I can recognise almost any players sound, from albums that I got, wihout looking) but to follow melody, singing, no chance. I can only whistle,ha,ha On the other hand,its maybe better that way...If I could really 'hear' and play some instrument very good, I would be in temptation to do it very, very often....probably would end up as a street musician,ha Schubert, nevermind, Kelly’s interpretation was handy because I was just speaking about him. Of course, that does not mean that you are not a tough customer. How about this version? Yenne Lee https://youtu.be/HxGT5z6d-GA |
Today's Listen: Charles Mingus -- CHANGES ONE with / George Adams(tenor Sax), Jack Walrath(trumpet), Don Pullen(piano), Dannie Richmond(drums) Cheap packaging for an artist of this standing. On the Rhino label, original LP on Atlantic. sue's changes https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tks7VJ945_8 devil blues https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D4HhsXnlNvE remember rockefeller at attica https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IM6vIURo5OI this title really dates everything. George Adams sings on 'devil blues'. Fortunately, he can play Saxophone. Jack Walrath is an alumnus of Ray Charles' Band. Don Pullen seems normal in this group. Cheers |
Yenne Lee: Lovely tone with a beautiful fragility to it. Not unlike her appearance. But, since we are critiquing: She doesn’t take enough time between phrases. Sounds a bit rushed with little shape to the melody. There is a sense of caution and sameness throughout. A little too “precious” and I don’t feel her emotional connection to the tune. https://youtu.be/BAsEfhU2Ehg |
Frogman, and Alex; how would you guys critique this tune? The reason I'm asking is because my perception of music is so different from that of a musician. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NHold6ylvEM |
Op, I am certainly not a musician and those two albums I find great. When he got the space, like Skeeter’s Best playing, pity that he did not recorded any album as a leader (as far as I know) The rest of the bunch...what can I say that is already not been said before? Op, maybe you will like this one too, this album has similar 'feeling' to me... https://youtu.be/7XUpnaVcClw https://youtu.be/MWq9_GPkaG8 |
O-10 (and Alex?), IMO we jump around too much and focus gets lost. If I may, why not first stay on the subject of “Autumn Leaves” as a way to make the point, since some points have already been made about specific performances of it? I posted Barney Kessel playing the tune as a way to demonstrate some of what I wrote. How would you describe your perception of that performance vs the others? |
Alex, I have noticed that some piano players use their arm , I gather that’s not how it’s done. Look at what my favorite live jazz man does . Ten fingers , seven of then doing different things at the same time in tone and tempo. At times looks like ten ! https://youtu.be/9mLauh_ZyJw?t=5 |
O-10, I do not have such kind of memory, meanin’ that kind of a feeling. The one who is "mine" has to be with me or near me, the one who is not, is simply not mine so why I would like to re-find such person again...I am sorry for killing the romance. I like both links equally. ** Fro’ s post to Alex reminded me of a guitar teacher I once knew. I asked him what kind of guitar, in a matter of quality, his students were buying. He said right away: the cheapest ones. His explanation was simple, at least he thought about it in a simple way: "Well, M., do you have any idea how many students give up on their guitar class? Majority of them. And why would they spend lot’s of money for an instrument that will collect only dust by just lying on the top of the room’s wardrobe for some time very soon? So first they have to be 100% sure if they wish to continue with the practice and if they do, they can start thinking of getting a better instrument." What nonsense. I am quite sure that all those kids who gave up on their playing, will never find out what their instrument under their fingers really could have done. The nature of a sound between instruments can tremendously differ depending on instrument quality (and brand). A profi player cannot do much with lousy instrument. On the other hand, it can creat miracles with a good one. |
Yenne Lee: The Frogman nailed the critique. Too fast and too long (playing the same thing without variation). Like a lot of players from Asia, excellent technicians, but they are playing foreign music. All the fuss reminds me of the black folks being 'articulate' thingy. You knew it was coming: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=en6kmiX0SDc https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CpB7-8SGlJ0 Cheers |
Someone able to put out there dozens of cd at the same level of musicality for the heart is truly not only a good musician but a genius...The accomplice guitarist is also near genius to me, and the bassist is at least perfect.... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4IfmEmZQ5wk |
For me Chet is not perfect but higher than perfection: in a controlled living imperfection.... That is true genius....You can learn to play perfect with practise but you cannot learn genius because there is no formula you are born with it or not... For example i admire Kenneth Wheeler, his trumpet playing is perfect.... But it is a notch under controlled living imperfection....Then he is not affecting the living heart so much that Chet can.... « Imperfection is the peak»- Poet René Char |
My remark was not for correcting your post but only to express my perception... And perfection is not mechanical.... Listen the difference between Kenneth Wheeler that is a great artist and not mechanical at all producing for example one of the best jazz album of the decade ; " a widow at the window".... Nothing mechanical in this perfection... But if you listen Chet after that you will be confronted to the MYSTERY of the controlled living imperfection. like an acrobat walking miraculousaly in a tight rope and moving your heart.... Kenneth Wheeler is one of my favorite artist by the way... Chet is only in a league of his own.... If you like classical piano compare the controlled living imperfection in his playing of the pianist Ervin Nyiregyházi to almost any other "perfect" pianist, there will be no match... Some artist live simply on a league of their own... Thanks for your appreciation and my best to you.... |
Same great interplay. I was always a Phillip Catherine fan. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qBlIe6peh2g |