Alex, I've been looking at, listening to, and reading all of your fine contributions; thanks.
Enjoy the music.
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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Thanks Alex. I own a couple of of great photograph books, Jazz Portraits,and Overtime, with photos by Milt Hinton. There is one photo of Sun Ra in a hotel room, in 1991, in a wheel chair, with a little keyboard on the bed, and charts everywhere; says it all for me. Jazz is a large part of our lives, till we're gone. |
Interesting article and some fine photos, all about the 'Man who photographed be-bop'... http://www.udiscovermusic.com/photographed-be-bop |
Acman3, loved the Nat Cole clip. He was a class act. What a voice, and great piano player. Became famous as a singer and people forget he made his rep first as a jazz piano player, and a good one. Although not on the level of Oscar Peterson; few were. Peterson was an amazing virtuoso; as Rok said, one of the greatest. Some might say the greatest. Great sense of clarity in the way he played; never any ambiguity about what he was trying to do. Great clips. On the subject of organists. The organ/jazz connection came from the church. A child prodigy and very soulful dude; one of my favorites: https://m.youtube.com/watch?list=PLXnx1wN_qUG9xpQi7SRCzJ0hmwEix0dZE¶ms=OAFIAVgD&v=hwqFUx... |
Blast from the Past Among the first Jazz albums I ever purchased. Not as awesome as they once were. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9xJC20dmqJk https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EzNP4NpZ0F8 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3ENHkZj-YKk https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oJ4rTHHZyv0 Cheers |
Frogman, now that you done smoked that, try this; http://mediaroots.org/opium-what-afghanistan-is-really-about/ |
Today's Listen: One of the best players ever. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UlUUbylwdnc&list=RDUlUUbylwdnc https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dyip9jykZ7o Cheers |
Smith and Whitfield: This clip shows that there are Organ players, and then there are ORGAN players. I hear Organ led group and I think, better suited for Lounge / night club. Nice but subdued / muffled sound. Needs some blare and wail. Nice Clip. I have tons of Smith. Will have to listen to him today. He was one of the first I came to know. Cheers |
Mel Ryne: Very nice. With that line up, what could possibly go wrong. Mel showed the good sense to not try and dominate the proceedings on organ. The Art Blakey approach to being leader? Made for a much better record with the Organ in support. Organ and Piano together in the same group? Unusual. But the presence of Gene Harris can be nothing but positive. Really liked it. Cheers |
Here is another ,not so famous, organ player and album that I like. He is perhaps best known as sideman of Wes Montgomery, on four Riverside albums that he made from 1959 to 1964. It is Mel Ryne on his 'Organ-izing' record from1960. ,with strong line up that consits of Mitchell, Griffin and Harris, Heath and Simpkins. Its a jam session, here are the links https://youtu.be/rRK0AQX9rho https://youtu.be/ZX_yBNEQzOs |
****Henceforth and forevermore, I will never again change the subject; the subject is jazz. **** O-10, tsk, tak, tsk! Please stop, you're embarrassing yourself. Moreover, you make it so easy to prove you wrong....again. ++++And of course, a single dose of heroin might be more accurately compared with the price of a single cigarette, in which case the legal substance is still much cheaper. I'll leave that debate to all of you.++++ Where, in our previous and unfortunate "discussion", was the price compared to cigarettes? In other words, so what? Not to mention that this proves how stats can always be manipulated to buttress one's point of view. Sure, cheaper than cigarettes, but a pack of cigarettes is twenty doses of drug; vs. a single dose of the other drug ++++A bindle (or bag or single dose) of heroin costs about $10++++ Isn't that exactly what I previously said? Now, a couple of observations to hopefully help keep this silliness from continuing to happen: You could, of course, have said something like: "Hey, frogman, I came across these articles; what do you think?" No, you, as usual, resort to antagonism. Even more importantly, there have been several posts recently of some really good music, but instead you choose to go back to this silliness. I feel like I'm playing shrink sometimes, but....really? |
Rok, Nancy Wilson/Cannonball. Timeless indeed. Probably one of my ten favorite records of all time and, if I recall, on my list way back when I first responded to this thread. Beautiful record. One of the things that I think make this record so special is that both Wilson and Cannonball are/were the type of performers who exude a positive and "up" vibe; no brooding introspection. And Dorham. What can one say? Great player and great record. I think you have a soft spot for trumpet players? Wonder why? 😍 |
Alex, nice clips of Roach. Nice player and, as you quote, a more subtle style than some of his contemporaries. Of course, a cynic might say "a less exciting style than....". I wouldn't. I think he is an intelligent player who doesn't have the amazing technical chops and excitement of someone like Jimmy Smith, but has a great feel and uses what he technique he does have to its fullest and to good effect. Kenny Burrell sounds fantastic, but I think Roach and his rhythm section really rise to the occasion when they have Hank Mobley and Blue Mitchell in the front line; their playing gets kicked up a notch as a result. Nice clips, thanks! |
I Listened to these today. Old recordings, but sound so new. Must be Timeless. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ionrItWcyEA https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vdg4W89U3kY https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yoF7J8_N4GE Cheers |
I have heard two songs off this record and both times it made me stop and listen. Really like the guitar player, who I had never heard of. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3K--X4WA0Bw |
Here is ' a forgotten star of the Hammond B-3 organ with a more subtle approach than many of his jazz contemporaries'. 'He often jammed at the Club 83 with musicians like Kenny Dorham, Cannonball Adderley, and Jackie McLean. But the key musical association for Roach was tenor saxophonist Ike Quebec, who asked the organist to join his band. Roach played on the sessions that became Quebec's Blue Note albums Heavy Soul and It Might as Well Be Spring. His playing on the two records impressed Blue Note president Alfred Lion, who offered Roach his own contract in 1962.' As leader, in following years,he recorded 5 albums for BN and 2 for Prestige. Here are the links for first four. I still need to get that last one Down to Earth https://youtu.be/JXgEaq2xVIM Mo' greens please https://youtu.be/VSd7I0URuNk Good Move https://youtu.be/RJrT-weJQPc Brown Sugar https://youtu.be/jTaNRP3yDRU |
Never get out of the boat! Never get out of the boat! Never change the subject! Never change the subject! Henceforth and forevermore, I will never again change the subject; the subject is jazz. "Grant's First Stand" is the album I would like to bring to your attention. The title of this album is self explanatory; it's Grant Green's first album as leader. The personnel are: Grant Green, guitar; Baby Face Willette, organ; and Ben Dixon, drums. The Allmusic review by Steve Huey awarded the album 4½ stars and stated "Grant's First Stand still ranks as one of his greatest pure soul-jazz outings, a set of killer grooves laid down by a hard-swinging organ trio". "Miss Ann's Tempo" is a fast paced number, and if he were alive, I would ask him if he had Miss Ann, who was a waitress at a popular restaurant in St. Louis at that time, in mind when he wrote that. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CPvVwUFd7aw Here's a number that will help you understand why that thought came to mind; https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rB5E97dQU5k Although I like all of the cuts, "Lullaby Of The Leaves" is my favorite. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-hxCP_LEniw Enjoy the music. |
Great stuff, Chazro. The subject of Mazanero came up recently re his beautiful song "Esta Tarde Vi Llover". Paquito kills me...Tarogato!?! Hungarian instrument; think wooden soprano saxophone. Sounds beautiful on it; rich and warm sound. Manzanero wrote some beautiful songs and his singing sometimes makes me think of a Latin Jimmy Scott. Thanks! |
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Carlos Henriquez is having a banner year! Aside from being Wynton Marsalis’s current bassist of choice, he released his 1st solo record; The Bronx Pyramid, and it’s outstanding! https://youtu.be/Z7SzZjSbZmY He’s also the bassist on Maestro Paquito D’Rivera’s latest; Paquito & Manzanero (PDR Plays The Music Of Armando Manzanero). Another stellar recording from the Paq Man! The band also feartures the drummer of the moment; Antonio Sanchez. Really beautiful work by all involved, chk it out! https://youtu.be/xVaMgO1malI |
*****
Rampkin (trumpet) starts his solo (@ 4:17) with EXACTLY the same musical figure as the one that Goines (sop sax) ends his solo with, and then develops his solo with that melodic idea; classic motivic development improvisation. ***** Listened again, had to laugh out loud. Great info. I love it when you provide this type of insight. Cheers |
A little while ago, the question was asked whether the comments and facial expressions of approval by players directed at a soloist are sincere. In the case of JALC (and most others) they absolutely are. Even more so, there is no better sign of approval as when a soloist "picks up" where the previous soloist "left off". Notice how on "Señor Blues", Rampkin (trumpet) starts his solo (@ 4:17) with EXACTLY the same musical figure as the one that Goines (sop sax) ends his solo with, and then develops his solo with that melodic idea; classic motivic development improvisation. This may seem "academic", but is what great jazz players do; always listening and reacting to what goes on around them. Great band, great tune and nice arrangement (although I think Ted Nash is the best arranger in the band). Heir apparent? Maybe. Can’t imagine JALC without Wynton who is not that much older than most of those guys ’though, and I’m sure LC would do anything to keep him. Speaking of Joe Henderson, the second tune on the clip is Joe's tune "Recorda me", arranged by Ted Nash. Amazing amount of talent in that band. |
Other versions of "Step Lightly"; great tune written by Joe Henderson. This one is more uptempo than Hutcherson's and as a result has a little less of the very relaxed and introspective KOB vibe. It too wasn't relesed for years after it was recorded (1963), it was nevertheless released much sooner (1980). Blue Mitchell sounds fabulous!: https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=WUmG-7G20eE The composer himself leading his big band on an arrangement of the tune. Notice that the tempo is more relaxed and closer to the tempo on the Hutcherson version, but still not quite as relaxed. Right in between the tempos of the other two versions. As is often said, the truth is usually somewhere in the middle: https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=L6HfJLltdQg For anyone interested, the Hutcherson version clocks in @ 114 bpm on the metronome, the Mitchell @ 118 and the Henderson @ 116 (right in the middle). May seem like small differences, but they can completely change the vibe of a performance. |
Senor Blues: This has been posted before, but it's just so wonderful. Love all the solos. esp the Trumpet. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q4BC3vErvpc Arranged by Carlos Henriquez. Could he be the heir apparent at Lincoln Center? His arrangements seem to be featured often. Cheers |
Alex, thanks for the Bobby Hutcherson clip. In answer to the question of why it wasn’t released sooner, apparently the producer Cuscuna felt, at first, that it was a disappointing session. Why? Who knows; but nothing diabolical or conspiratorial. This is not a criticism at all, but once again the influence of Miles’ "Kind Of Blue" shines through. Recorded a couple of years after KOB, I can easily imagine this tune on that record; VERY similar vibe (pun intended 😉). |
The Government / CIA conspiracy exposed at last!! http://www.aol.com/article/2016/03/21/flight-attendant-flees-la-airport-cocaine-found-in-bags/213314... O-10 you were right. Cheers |
Hi O-10 - I saw the link to Previn playing a Mozart concerto. That is interesting, as I don't believe I have ever heard his classical piano playing, or if I have it was way back when I was in school, and I don't remember. I honestly do not know when I will have time to sit down and listen to that entire clip. Things are kind of crazy for me work-wise, and I have very little free time. I saw it too late tonight to check it out tonight, but the next time I know I'm going to spend at least a half hour on my computer I will check it out and get back to you - I just can't promise that it will be this week. |
****I notice you did not limit or put him a box,**** On purpose. Not only because he was, as you point out, much more than a blues and R&B singer, but I can't think of any singer in ANY genre that could sing more deeply from the heart than Ray; unbelievable sense of time and phrasing. Truly a genius. Nice clips of Brooks as sideman. I particularly like the Freddie Hubbard clip. One of my favorite records and hard to believe that Freddie was 21(!) when he recorded it. I think Brooks rose to the occasion and was inspired by the the high level of players on that session; his best playing of the three clips. McCoy sounds great, and so....un-McCoy and straight ahead. He joined Trane that very year and his style went in a very different direction. Speaking of Trane. I posted one of these a long time ago. Gotta love YouTube; two of my favorite clips ever. Trane and Getz. Talk about contrasting styles; both great and so different. https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=pc6CWfBgIt8 https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=beCGdmrP8Xc |
I had a Freddie Reddd recording of the Connection, which was in to bad of shape to listen to when I bought it. It did have a lot of dialogue , so it must have been a different version. Finally tossed it. :0( http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=frOgv6UNGiA |
*****
Probably the greatest singer to ever live; imo, of course:***** I notice you did not limit or put him a box, by putting an qualifier before the word 'singer', and you are absolutely correct not to do so. Just think, this man changed Country Music. Great performance. Had never heard it before. Thanks Cheers |
Brooks was also involved in the music for THE CONNECTION a play about drug addiction. Music by Freddie Redd https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L5A2TIf1kpY https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mfes2Wptxx8&list=PLB3EDB18A1DDE1D6D https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e3X5J_wGHrw Cheers |
Well, gee, O-10, thanks so much for the kind words. Why you are intent on being unpleasant and disagreeable is a mystery to me. Pray tell, just what is "dumb" about what I commented on? I was responding to a comment from Alex about drug use in general, so what exactly is "dumb" about commenting on a related issue concerning marijuana use? Don’t flatter yourself thinking that I would bother "making" anything of what, apparently, you think are your many "mistakes". The problem here is that instead of using this forum as a way to discuss music and other issues you are after some sort of validation. Now, let’s have some fun and talk about dumb comments (yes, it’s come to this 😣) about a very sad topic: Average cost of one dose of heroin: $15-20 (a serious habit: $150-200/day) Average cost of a six pack of Budweiser in my area: about $7-8 Average cost of one marijuana joint: about $2-3 https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=Lj3bCXViNNM |
It's orpheus's fault, he told us their was a world wide heroin epidemic, and he also told us that heroin comes from AFGHANISTAN, but we didn't believe him. He also told us that heroin is cheaper than a six pack, and we know that can't be true. But most importantly we didn't connect the dots in regard to AFGHANISTAN, and heroin. |