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.
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It’s curious to me how with all the discussion and even arguing about the music of Brazil, we barely even looked at......the music of Brazil; certainly not the more recent stuff. For me, the “Pop” music of Brazil has always been the most interesting “Pop” music of all Pop music. I find it to be, overall, on a much higher level of musical interest than any other Pop music. I love the way this guy sings and love his songs. There is a wonderful honesty and simplicity in his singing and his songs are extremely interesting to me. Kind of Brazil’s Joni Mitchell in overall vibe. The best Brazilian artists have always attracted the attention of American Jazz artists. The first time I heard of Milton Nascimento was years ago on the wonderful record by Wayne Shorter “Native Dancer” on which he collaborated with Shorter. This one is another record on which the worlds of contemporary Brazilian music and American Jazz meet and the result is great. Herbie Hancock plays on most of the cuts and shows once again why he is such a genius. It is unusual for even the best Jazz musicians to so seamlessly and beautifully fit into a musical setting with a very strong ethnic character different from their own. https://youtu.be/8gWzbH7w-Ws https://youtu.be/6nFrpjjQ0vU https://youtu.be/uD-lGzDsdX8 (bad udio quality warning!, but worth listening to anyway for Hancock’s incredible playing) https://youtu.be/Z3PA6D22Gx8 |
Mary_jo, it's impossible to live in the past or the future while dealing with the present. I have fond memories of the past, but like everyone else, I have to deal with present realities, consequently, I don't go around lost in a fog thinking about yesterday; that's kind of like moving forward while looking in your rear view mirror; it's not a good idea. Today I'm reviewing music that Rok calls noise, but he has a pretty narrow range. This is the music; https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sz9iPxElk0k There is a lot of it coming out of the UK to review. |
Today's Listen: Louis Armstrong -- SATCHMO PLAYS KING OLIVER Not sure why the title says "Plays King Oliver", I'm sure he did not write all, if any, of these tunes. Minimal packaging. Just song list, other side of insert blank. Almost all the tunes are followed by an 'alternate take'. :( Nice to hear Pops play in this setting. Recorded in 1959. Great year for Jazz. st james infirmary https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O_UK_7mLj7c frankie and johnny https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TS43rZlUKfE i ain't got nobody https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hdKMirlLZJM dr Jazz https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QB8OU7sL0h8 jelly roll blues https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UkaQjnUaEhA Cheers |
If you absolutely, have to hear AFRO BLUE, you can start with Mongo, or a more recent version such as: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HIH3fNUsbnA https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wyktHYiCPVw or many many others. Don’t make me bring Abbey or Miss Dee Dee in this. I can’t believe the woman in your clip used the phrase ’Jazz Lovers’, as if they were playing it. Cheers |
Rok, Every time I hear that soprano sax, it's like I'm hearing it for the first time. No wonder this sounds so familiar, I saw them in February, and this was performed in March, that's just one month after I saw them. Dianne Reeves might have the best vocal of "Afro Blue"; I like the way she scats; but variety is the spice of life, and I have always liked a lot of spice. |
@orpheus10 about 12-13 years ago i saw dianne reeves at the san fran herbst theatre, sat in 6 th row... at the end of the concert, she came back on for a second encore, with only acoustic guitarist, sang two songs without microphone, just natural sound in a moderate concert hall space i will NEVER forget the sound of her voice and the guitar, what it sounded like when she sang soft, then loud, what the growth of the sound wave sounds like, what sounds of 'fff' 'sss' 'ttt' sound like when sung... when i listen to any equipment/hifi now. this is one of the moments/sounds i refer to... to evaluate if something has the correct tonality, pitch, overall conveyance of the music |
Actually you are back to the questions I asked about this music a while back. Is it Jazz dumbed down for the masses to shake their booties too, and is this good or bad for Jazz? Look at all the young people in the video. Complicated question. The young lady acknowledges Abby Lincolns version as her favorite, but she is not going to sing it the way it was done before she was born. Nubiyan uses hiphop and the many other musical influences I have mostly ignored for the last 20-30 years. The influences are what they heard growing up, like you heard gospel and soul, and I heard Rock. Obviously a lot of Dancing going on which I remember you railing for in the past. |
Obviously a lot of Dancing going on which I remember you railing for in the past. Not me. Pops. He said, if you can't dance to it, it ain't Jazz. He was coming from the source, where Jelly Roll said Jazz was 'a way' of playing music. I took that to mean, you played the usual stuff, but in a 'Jazzy' manner, i.e. lots of improvisation. All of which made folks wanna dance or shake their various body parts. Cheers |
Nascimento: Does not sound Brazilian to me. A prime example of music flow. It goes from the West to the undeveloped countries, not the other way round. I realize you did not present it as such, but, it is a prime example. Nothing Brazilian (indigenous) about it, not even the language, if he is speaking Portuguese. Should have been Hancock's album featuring Milton on vocals. My idea of Brazil. :) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K8LBvgwDjyg https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R7GsuqCTnQc Sounds good. Party, pretty girls etc... Cheers |
Guys, I'm trying get into the spirit of the discussion, but I can't quite make out what it is. The original post says it's to share your favorite albums, but as I looked back at the last few pages, it seems to be more of a "what I'm listening to right now" conversation. I'm interested in either one. Just not sure which one I'm supposed to be doing. Also, discussion seems to be pretty centered on jazz that's on YT. Is that the idea? |
Also, discussion seems to be pretty centered on jazz that's on YT. That's how you share the music, by posting off YT. I have / own many favorites that are not on YT, so I don't talk about them. For example after many years of searching, this one finally appeared recently, so I will take the opportunity: (check the violin) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=liTdpTz7g5A Cheers |
Thanks, guys. I'll have to think about the Desert Island List. Probably won't post many YT links. For one, I doubt I'll be making many arguments. Just saying what I'm enjoying. No need to back that up. And most everybody has access to at least one streaming service with at least as large a catalog as what's on YT, if they want to check out anything I mention. |
hahahaha I’m on the right thread. This is the thread for great music. I have that CD, with a different cover, I love it. Bluegrass is not as far from Jazz as you might think. For instance: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IRi6yhqmuxU I know you like it. :) Cheers |
And then I might say, this violinist is really good. Wait for the violin ? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=72SVN9sO4P4 |
**** Does not sound Brazilian to me. **** Probably because you stopped listening with Sergio Mendez and Brazil 66. Defining Brazilian music by the Mendez formula is like saying that if it doesn’t sound like the Beatles it doesn’t sound American. Mendez’ music was Brazilian music-lite. That was 1966. 50 years ago! Nascimemto’s music is very much Brazil and is where popular music in Brazil is NOW, not 50 years ago. Familiar theme, isn’t it? Of course, the language is Portuguese; spoken in Brazil. The songs themselves are very Brazilian in their melodic shapes. I disagree with the notion of “music flow” in this case and I think you short change Brazilian music’s innate value. As great as Hancock is on the record, he simply played on the record. Nascimento composed the music, arrangements, sang the songs and also played on them. Hancock made a huge contribution, but ir was a supporting/accompanying role no matter matter how one looks at it and no matter how well he did it. Different piano player? Might work, might not work as well, probably not, but it would still be essentially the same music. Different composer/singer? Different music altogether. The music on the record with Hancock is a meeting of the two cultures. Let’s put it this way: would you call it Jazz? I wouldn’t; not that it matters. The songs themselves are very Brazilian in their melodic shapes. Hancock brought the other sensibility to the table. It’s a blend. That’s the point. And it works better than usual. |
Rok, that music sounds just like the music my newly acquired friend in the Air Force would get on his transistor radio and turn up real loud when he wanted me to pay him a visit. He knew I would come charging down the barracks and make a kind request; "If you don't turn that %^&* music down, I'm going to shove that radio where nobody will hear it" He would just laugh his head off, and I would ask him, "Now that you got me to come down here, what do you want?" |
I suspect Brazil popular music NOW, is Western style (nuts and bolts) pop music sung in Portuguese. Like the rest of the world. In any event, not enough there for all the fuss. Take away Herbie, and there is even less. I realize Mendes is lite, fun music, but that is how Brazil markets itself. After all, i’m sure they don’t want to be known for burning down the Amazon rain forest. Or cops shooting people from helicopters. But, Babes, Butts and beaches?? Rio, here I come. Cheers Of course you are right, in a sense. |
**** I suspect Brazil popular music NOW, is Western style (nuts and bolts) pop music sung in Portuguese. **** You’ve got it completely backwards. Brazilian record producers did not go looking for Stan Getz to record Girl From Ipanema. Other way around. Nascimento didn’t go looking for Wayne Shorter to collaborate with. Other way around. I’m surprised (not really) that you have no clue just how sophisticated Brazilian music is. |
Umm, how big a desert island are we contemplating? This is *a* Desert Island List, anyway. I wouldn't call it definitive, even just for me. In no particular order, just scanning through the jazz portion of my Roon favorites list and jotting down what jumps out at me:
Like I said, I really like live recordings, be they in front of an audience or live in the studio or, in the case of the Dianne Reeves soundtrack, live on the set. |
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hpP5poqFq4E This rhythm is from Africa, but you won’t hear it in Africa; https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B5P-aIWZk2A https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_3ORkB1eKWE |
Apparently you don't understand your own term (nuts and bolts). My statement is 100% accurate. And that includes 'the girl from ipanema'. Where is the BRAZILIAN part? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YL3Q1uWfOu8 Without the input of music and cultural exchanges and cultural contamination from foreign climes, there would be no "Girl from Ipanema'. Now, if you and Dr Livingstone were chopping your way thru the rain forest and discovered a tribe of people unknown to the world, and they were playing / jamming to 'Ipanema', then you would have a point. There is nothing new under the sun. There may have been once. Cheers |
**** Where is the BRAZILIAN part? **** Are you serious? I can’t believe I have to point this out to the truest of true Aficionados. Not! Well, for starters it’s a classic bossa nova rhythm. You know, bossa nova... Brazil. Geez! 100% accurate? Yeah, sure. It’s ok, Rok, I know you’re holding a grudge. This too shall pass. Besides, no thread to thread grudge holding allowed. Aficionado handbook: pg. 3, Rule no. 1 😊 |
Here's an interesting analysis on "The Girl from Ipanema" and its "Brazilian-ness." https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OFWCbGzxofU&list=LL&index=31 There. I posted a YT link. |
I know you’re holding a grudge.The man's arrogance is breathtaking. In order to disagree with him you must be holding a grudge?? Besides, we never had an exchange in the other thread. Some guy said that the greatest Jazz players ever, were Chet Baker and Bill Evans. I begged to disagree. Now, if a true aficionado had heard that, (IMHO and all that BS, notwithstanding), he would have been outraged. I did say 'True Aficionado'. Agent Provocateur, maybe not. Cheers |
It’s true, it’s true! I didn’t believe it the first time I read it, but it IS possible to hear all the way in NY, the sound of a head exploding in Texas 😱 Well done Trentmenphis! Nice clip and nice analysis. Rok, please, lighten up. Re “the other thread”: “exchange” takes different forms; and I believe you know exactly what I mean. A little disingenuous...maybe? “Breathtaking arrogance”? Geez! Please, lighten up, it’s all in good fun. Easy to see; except maybe when one feels backed into a corner. Hey, speaking of quotes: “Which side of the bed did you get out from”? 😊 Check out Brazilian music besides Mendez. Some really great stuff. Cheers, no hard feelings. |
Trentmemphis, I would say that folks here mostly do not use stream services , so dont be shy with ytube. Here is an album recorded in 1953. probably few years before Getz or even Byrd made certain music more popular Laurindo Almeida and Bud Shank ’Brazilliance’ (vol 1) https://youtu.be/VJ1P24myqok https://youtu.be/jMa4H8Nn6cI https://youtu.be/f2LKeWZF5gA https://youtu.be/6eRKoe9QaHk https://youtu.be/ev1fV_0X0ZU Rok, the guy on the other thread (re Baker, Evans) was very ’poetic’ in his interpretation what he likes best. He was not offensive. Why antagonise? Better to post some other albums or players that are also playing beutiful music that he is perhaps unaware off. One of reasons that I post here (and forgive me for beeing pretentious) is to ’save’ some long forgotten music or players of complete oblivion. It is ungreatful task, I know, since my ’audience’ are mostly grumpy old men, but somebody got to do it. Also I rely little on silent majority of people who are just ’peeking’...if somebody hears and later listens something that is posted here, its great, even if I may not be aware of that |
Well said, Alex; we can always use a little poetry. Nice clip. https://youtu.be/1EwgvDvtqQs Edit: came through as one song “Atabaque”. Later Re your question. |
Frogman, I posted a whole album, not sure how you guys see it? Just a first song or complete? Edit:posted few more songs that I could find But, have another question for you, regarding modern vs old music? Does anybody compose ’classical’ music today,for exmp. in 18th centuty idiom? Or in any other, from the past? Is there a significant difference in orchestral or small ensemble compositions betwwen music from the past and today? I am asking, because of discussions that are happening here regarding new and old jazz. The sam type could be led about any popular music or form from last century. Why are people so sensitive about jazz? |
Alex: Sort of like you, all the music I post is for the viewers. I certainly don't think I will ever post anything that The Frogman or the OP are not aware of. They already know everything there is to know concerning Jazz. In fact, they are so bored with Jazz they have moved on to noise. Sort of like Sinbad Miles and Stellar Regions Coltrane. One of reasons that I post here (and forgive me for beeing pretentious) is to 'save' some long forgotten music or players of complete oblivion. I post, so they won't forget who created and defined this music. Cheers |
Trentmemphis, I would say that folks here mostly do not use stream services , so dont be shy with ytube. Hmm. I mean, I'm no young whippersnapper. I'm in my 50s (not too grumpy, though, I hope). I have a nice turntable and I buy records. But for exploring music you aren't familiar with, you just can't beat a good streaming service. (I've discovered *so* much good stuff since signing up for one a few months ago.) If people prefer not to use them, that's cool. I have no problem with that. But I probably won't go looking for YT versions of artists/albums/songs I mention, just to post links here. That's not any kind of judgment on anybody's [non]use of streaming services. It's just a personal decision on how to use my time. If I'm not listening to it on YT, I'm not likely to post it from YT. I'm sure everybody knows how to look things up on there. Well done Trentmenphis! Nice clip and nice analysis. I generally find that guy's content interesting. His band's music isn't my bag, but I enjoy his analyses. |
