Jazz for aficionados
A friend sent me this last night. Interesting inside look at one of the giants of the tenor saxophone. Interesting on a few counts. There is a saying that poses that a musician plays the way he is in his private life. It's fascinating to me how seamless the transition is between Joe's demeanor during the interview and his performance (beautiful). Also interesting and new to me is John Scofield on acoustic guitar. http://youtu.be/v6X4RIAolsY |
Let me ask you something O-10. That you don’t care what I think about any given music is fine and I don’t expect anyone to care. I have always said that everyone has their own likes and dislikes and are entitled to them. However, why then are you so quick to tell us what music YOU like and don’t like; and do so without reservation. Why should anyone care? I guess a different way of wording the question is: why is your disagreement or your reaction to MY disagreement (not others’) always laced with unpleasantness. I've got a pretty good idea why; but, wondered what you thought. My Math skills are just fine, thank you. |
****you're splitting hairs in regard to how technically "good" music affects other people adversely; the difference between whether or not that person considers good music to be bad, or bad music to be good, are irrelevant, unless you are a music teacher, or musician.**** Couldn't disagree more. Simon & Gardunkel "Scarborough Fair". Good music? Of course. Beautiful melody and nice singing. What's not to like? Would I go out of my way to listen to it or buy it? No; not my thing. As I said, "music is not subjective; our reaction to it is". Recent posts make the case perfectly: Nigel Kennedy "S F": very nice orchestral arrangement. Violin playing is not quite as good as I expected. But, overall, much better than: Billy Ocean: Yikes! Probably my least favorite style of music. She does look good, 'though. Sergio Mendes: Only slightly better than Billy Ocean. I'll take Simon & Garfunkel any day. Caterina Valente: now we're talking! Very exciting arrangement. Beautiful singing. Paul Desmond: he could do no wrong in my book. That sound! THAT'S the best. Thanks all for the clips. |
Rok, some things can not be contested, and that which is so, I will not contest; but getting back to Scarborough Fair; https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3HjWxjF13Gs this is the best. Enjoy the music. |
Scarborough Fair: Better: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3WE04lojYus Mo' better best: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ClLEXoku3t0 Cheers |
Frogman, I see the distinction you're making, but you're splitting hairs in regard to how technically "good" music affects other people adversely; the difference between whether or not that person considers good music to be bad, or bad music to be good, are irrelevant, unless you are a music teacher, or musician. Enjoy the music. |
"Have you ever listened to music on the general music forum that others are raving over? And after listening, you wonder, how could anyone like that?" O - Absolutely. Happens frequently and in this thread as well! If everybody loved the exact same stuff, it would get kind of boring pretty quick. When things I like and share click for several other readers/listeners or even just one other, that tends to make my day - really (so how pathetic a life is that!? :-) Anyway, I’ll keep throwing stuff out and hoping someone else’s receiver is tuned to the same wavelength. AND I’ll keep trying some of the things posted here (no way to keep up with everything) e.g., Frogman’s latest 5 music links. Quick note to @alexatpos - Got my copy of On Time. Enjoying this music quite a bit. The FRESH SOUND CD I purchased also has 3 "bonus" tracks by Bumble Bee Slim: Direct South, Driftin’ Blues (heard this previously on a Paul Butterfield album), and Midnight Special (didn’t realize Dylan had incorporated lyrics from this in "If You Ever Go To Houston" from Together Through Life). |
O-10, we will have to agree to disagree re Hermeto’s music and his genius; although some of it is clearly way out there. I wish we could, somehow, put this objective/subjective business to rest; or, at least, try and bring some clarity to it. I, nor anyone else here, has ever said "music is objective". The lack of clarity in this supposed premise is often used here (usually by you) as a bit of a red herring and to substitute for substantive commentary. I am well aware of your stance that "music is subjective". Now, think about this for a moment: just what does "music is subjective (or objective)" actually mean? It means nothing. What I have always said is that "music is not subjective, our reaction to it is". That is a very important distinction. Moreover, as far as objectivity goes, I have said that "there are aspects of music (and music making) that are objective". For example: out of tune is out of tune, bad rhythm is bad rhythm, etc.. Of course, if someone cannot discern those it does not mean it is not so. Finally, if someone happens to like music that has a poor level of craft (intonation, rhythm, etc.), that’s fine; but, this does not mean that another listemer who values a higher level of craft is not justified in deeming it poor music. Regards. |
Ghosthouse, this music is in the same vein as the music you posted that I also like; https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-BakWVXHSug Enjoy the music. |
Frogman, Hermeto Pascoal is a muse; meaning that his music is not as good as he inspires other musicians to make. This assessment is based on the musical links you provided which were pleasant, and interesting, but not as good as the musicians he's worked with. I see by his bio, that he's worked with some of my favorite Brazilian musicians, that means I can look through my collection and discover which projects he was involved in that I already have. Enjoy the music. |
Ghosthouse, I thought both links were nice easy listening music, but I wouldn't rush out and but it. Most people have no idea what music is as related to them as an individual; if you heard some music while you were with the love of your life, and she liked it too, I guarantee you would become very attached to that music. Have you ever listened to music on the general music forum that others are raving over? And after listening, you wonder, how could anyone like that? After doing this, you will realize that anyone who says music is "objective", and they know what is, and what is not good music, is under an illusion; we can only say what sounds good to us. Enjoy the music. |
Easing (not!) our way back to the theme of Brazilian music: Ask any ten Brazilian musicians who the greatest genius of Brazilian music was/is and I would bet anyone that at least eight would say Hermeto Pascoal. Revered not only by Brazilian musicians, he is an instrumentalist and composer who is the embodiment of music with creativity that has no bounds; always searching for new ways to express that creativity in the same spirit of some of the jazz musicians discussed here. I don’t particularly like posting Wiki links, but with this musician I wouldn’t know where else to start: https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hermeto_Pascoal Some of this music definitely requires an open mind on the part of the listener: https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=KJ2eShznfdI https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=cGjUxfoDuUQ https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=79S73ihMVBQ Think Zappa and Miles have lunch at the "Amazonia Cafe": https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=QxXQ21L4oec And we (who?) thought Trane took it too far! 😳: https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=UPMPye2gg3o |
Hello Orpheus. At the risk of putting a strain on our "lovey dovey" :-) [they ain't really jazz] I'm going to double down on your beautiful and recommend these links: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FWLuBRObYbA You can blame Frogman for putting me onto Scofield/MMW today. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BbAA4_B8k0I In my opinion, this is thee most beautiful 2 minutes and 24 seconds of pop music, EVER. |
Love Eddie Harris. Unique tenor sound and stylist. Always understated volume-wise with a warm sound that is not what one usually hears in a funky groove. Beautiful tune with a GREAT title. The composer of that tune, Charles Stepney, was one of the most prominent producers of some of the funk/soul acts of the 70s including Earth Wind And Fire's". |
After listening to all of that down right funky Electrifying Eddie Harris, I'm going to lay something on you, that is so beautiful it will cast a spell; from the same album, "Theme In Search Of a Movie"; https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xgNum6bqX0I Enjoy the music. |
Thanks, Acman. Chestnut’s another name new to me. Frogman - good reminder about John Scofield. I have not followed or listened to him in a while. Have A Go Go from 1998 but that’s about it. He’s definitely a superb guitarist though not always enamored of his style (or sound - as trademark as that is) - sorry. This ’94 Hand Jive seems a little more energetic than A Go Go which I always thought sounded like somebody took a big shot of Novocaine. Enjoying the organ work on Golden Daze. Reminds me of John Medeski. Back atcha (MMW are just so tight). https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XRTJLIKvvH8 The piano intro and solo break by JM are insanely good... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zdj9kdpghEQ Hahaha...didn’t realize Sham Time was an Eddie Harris tune. The original ain’t too bad either! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=73g2Vw_gpkQ |
Good call, Acman3; I hear the similarity. Ghosthouse, if you don't know this record, you may like this. Some great grooves from one of my favorite contemporary guitarists. The great Eddie Harris plays on a few cuts. Fun record: https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=Y82APUlnX0A https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=Y3Dxsn6o-p0 https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=yoWPvOdthmw |
I heard Cyrus Chestnut's version of Joe Henderson's "Mamacito " today, and since you were discussing Les McCann; well just listen to the first sampler song. http://www.allmusic.com/album/natural-essence-mw0002937037 |
Ghosthouse and Frogman I am glad that I can point at some albums. Here is an edition that you may consider, its pretty cheap, hope the sonics are decent, from Amazon com. https://www.amazon.com/Something-Special-1962-Sessions-Mccann/dp/B00KE0NNAU/ref=sr_1_2?s=music&i... |
"I'm glad you're enjoying our thread." O - Thanks (to all) for being a tolerant and gracious host! Like I said before, Jazz 101 for me. I like this thread because people actually TALK to one another in it rather than it being the record of a bunch of monologues! That '59 footage is really fun to watch. Ahmad looks SO serious. Working on that beard too. I love the white dude with the pipe! Would be interesting to know more about who set this up. How it was shot. Who the people gathered round the piano are, etc., etc. My bro-in-law (musician) said the same thing about illustrating progression of styles. He's the one actually sent me the '59 and '99 clips. There's a '71 performance too. I found the 2014 video. Got a little unwieldy to explain all that so I dint. Ordered the Les McCann (Les McCann Ltd.) On Time from Amazon. They have the Pretty Lady too. On CD but only from Japan so a little bit pricey. Not crazy $ though. Ciao. Later. |
Ghosthouse, I never saw a picture of Ahmad that young, and this is the first time I ever saw Vernel Fournier, although I have most of Ahmad's records featuring him. I saw Ahmad in Chicago in the middle 80's, and they had tickets to Japan; the drummer told me they couldn't make a living without Europe and Japan; I think these conserts confirms that. I liked all of those clips; they illustrated the progression of styles, and I liked each one a lot for different reasons; the first was so nostalgic, the second was nice, but the last one was absolutely fantastic. I'm glad you're enjoying our thread. Enjoy the music. |
Frogman - as is often the case, very instructive comments from you. I don't have the training to articulate as you have but your descriptions seem entirely apt and in harmony with my own impressions (e.g., expectations for LM vs playing/style on Pretty Lady; elements reminiscent of AJ). I too also liked LM's work with Joe Pass on On Time a LOT. That might be the one I'll try to get. Pretty Lady another candidate. Thanks again to Alex. I'm way late to the Ahmad Jamal celebration, I know, but talk about God-gifted. He just kills me. He had it 1959. He still has it now. The other thing I like about the 1999 and 2014 videos, he really seems to be enjoying playing with his various ensembles. That ain't a smile for the camera. A good tonic for these barbarous times. |
Interesting that you should bring up Ahmad Jamal again. Alex’s clips were, for me, a bit of a revelation. I knew Les McCann as the funky, soul-with-a-shuffle-beat pianist from his "Swiss Movement" era; I had no idea that he had such a wide range. Beautiful ballad playing that reminded me of Ahmad Jamal with his use of block chords and keyboard tremolos (14:45 at the end of "Pretty Lady" and on "Stella" are two examples). Beautiful playing. Of all of Alex’s clips my favorites were "Pretty Lady" and the ones with Joe Pass (!). That was a pairing that I never would have imagined (McCann/Pass) given my association of him with a funkier style. "Pretty Lady" is a record I have to look for. The clips with Turrentine and Mitchell were also good, but less successful, imo. They lean toward the funky, but are not as committed to that style as the "Swiss Movement" music. Of course, the presence of Eddie Harris in those takes things well into funkville. Very nice live Jamal, Ghosthouse. If I can still pick my nose at 82 I’ll be happy. To be able to play like that is amazing. Very unexpected version of "Blue Moon". |
Hello Alex and Thank You for the Les McCann links. Of what you provided I like what I'm hearing from the "On Time" recording. As Orpheus said, you got to be on the right wavelength on a given evening for the music to reach you. That other stuff might have a time (certainly the Pacific Jazz recording of Pretty Lady) but On Time is getting through to me tonight...so thanks for it. I'm going to listen to other tracks from it that I see on YouTube. In some of the other listening I've been doing, am still discovering Ahmad Jamal. He is just amazing to me (not that I'm any expert on jazz piano). Here are a few. Hope you and others enjoy them. From 1959 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kySENf1P2Uo From 1999 (a full concert in Germany)...worth sampling but the whole thing is worth hearing. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I6ZKJfV4hTw&spfreload=10 And from 2014!...the man still has it. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RaivdOxCiLE Wish the piano was louder. The percussionists, though good, are a little over the top volume-wise but be patient and listen at least to hear Jamal at 2:02 and again almost exactly 2 minutes later. Hope y'all enjoy him. |
Silvia Torres is someone who had been hiding in my collection under the title "Brasileiro". I find her very sensual and fascinating. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=smuQwfWTot8 Here's the complete CD https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VoHxXoMYTRA Enjoy the music. |
Ghosthouse (and others too) check this album. It is Les McCann, but in different mood, ballad style. It is called 'Pretty Lady', from 1961. This link is from Lp, but it is issued on cd as well https://youtu.be/CyRfX-VK_Dg Also, if you liked the Montreux concert, you may like this album even more, live from Nyc, recorded at Village Gate, with Blue Mitchell, Stanley Turrentine and others, great line up.... https://youtu.be/EiAwECko9dI https://youtu.be/nnmvn9DGQIQ In fact, Les Mc Cann made many good albums, but somehow, he is not the pianist that is mentioned often. Here he plays together with Joe Pass, they made few together, on album that is called 'On time' from 1962 .https://youtu.be/Nc687x_6fXY https://youtu.be/XsuGSfJAZYE |
Frogman, Thanks for the recommendations. I really enjoy the Rivera & Brazil Guitar Duo album and intend to purchase it as a beginning view of Rivera's music. FWIW, as I age I find myself far more interested in small ensembles and solo instruments, in both classical and jazz (especially in music for the solo piano and have enjoyed the Concord Jazz 'Live at Maybeck Hall' series. Lots of excellent jazz pianists you never hear much about.) |
Newbee, if you like the clarinet in an acoustic small ensemble setting you may like these: https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=kfgVPIa_bq8 https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=8ITRGhzSOQI |
This album was recorded in 1971, The Allmusic review calls it a "set that had some mildly entertaining moments". We might give it a higher rating, I don't know. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZWZZRWuhw1I As I'm listening I would give it a better rating than that, but I'm also listening to the music, and not just the vocal. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Hmrz8CEvH8 Astrud Gilberto - vocals Stanley Turrentine - tenor saxophone (tracks 2, 5, 6 & 8) Eumir Deodato - electric piano, arranger, conductor Emanuel Green, George Marge, Hubert Laws, Romeo Penque - flute (tracks 2, 5, 7, 8 & 10) Gene Bertoncini (tracks 1, 3, 4, 7, 10 & 12), Sivouca (tracks 2, 5, 6, 8) - guitar Sam Brown (tracks 1, 2, 5, 6, 8, 12 & 13), Bob Mann (tracks 3, 4, 7, 9 & 12) - electric guitar Toots Thielemans - harmonica (tracks 6 & 11) Ron Carter (tracks 1-3, 5-8 & 11), Russell George (tracks 4 & 9-13) - bass Dennis Seiwell (tracks 4, 9, 10 & 13), Dom Um Romão (tracks 2, 5 & 11), João Palma (tracks 1, 3, 7 & 12) - drums Airto Moreira - percussion (tracks 2, 5 & 11) Emanuel Green, Gene Orloff, Harry Katzman, Joe Malin, Julie Held, Paul Gershman - violin (tracks 1-5 & 7-10) Harold Coletta - viola (tracks 1, 2, 4, 7-10) George Ricci - cello (tracks 1-5 & 7-10) Not as good as previous links but it's still on the same track that we've chosen, and it's got a pretty picture on the cover; that counts for something. Enjoy the music. |
Frogman, if music was objective, that would mean the objectively good music you are posting on this thread would have attracted more participants than this thread could handle. That's not meant to start an argument, but to settle one, that's best left alone. I think you are posting very good music, but not everyone thinks so. (the devil made me do it) Enjoy the music. |
Astrud sings "Felicidade" the words are ever so beautiful; https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rm9IAyUOSs4 |
Out of all the Brazilian songs, this is my favorite https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4uKqJK2T9uk Enjoy the music. |
I searched through my collection, and could not believe the shortage of Brazilian vocalists. "Astrud Gilberto" is a lady who got into singing by accident; she was with her husband "Joao Gilberto" and the producer "Creed Taylor" wanted some English sung on a number of songs such as "The Girl From Ipenema". While I'm going to start off with this one, I will find something more unique. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_1uEy-n4IsU Enjoy the music. |
Thanks ALL for the great music Talent deserving much greater recognition, and one of my faves! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0gzAECuUgBI https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0JGQfUawJ_k https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h0iRQ1FAEiE |
The greatest ever (my favorite, anyway). Love that smile and attitude: https://m.youtube.com/watch?list=PLG43AKjG7s9pH-mVSwhckaZwXGpSABT1O¶ms=OAFIAVgP&v=gNXz5f... https://m.youtube.com/watch?list=PLG43AKjG7s9pH-mVSwhckaZwXGpSABT1O¶ms=OAFIAVgG&v=2JPnhw... |
