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.
orpheus10
Rare spiritual-/experimental Jazz concept album, that was originally released in 1972 on Detroit Jazz-label "Tribe Records".

It’s highly recommended to listen to this as a whole, as it was written as a suite in 5 movements. This LP also features the two poets Oba and Vajava from the Detroit Theater group "The Black Messengers" on the tracks "Mary Had An Abortion" and "Consciousness".

It starts out a bit chaotic then at 6 minutes to the end the melodies are highly accessible

(11) Wendell Harrison - An Evening With The Devil (1972) FULL VINYL ALBUM - YouTube
Wolfgang Muthspiel Rising Grace

Wolfgang Muthspiel: guitar Ambrose Akinmusire: trumpet Brad Mehldau: piano Larry Grenadier: double-bass Brian Blade: drums

(11) Father And Sun – Wolfgang Muthspiel Quintet (Rising Grace) | ECM Records - YouTube
Billy Bang Quintet

RAINBOW GLADIATOR

Soul Note   2009

No notes.  Not even personnel listing.  Cheap packaging.

Rainbow Gladiator
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0Zw3wuaBTu0

New York After Dark
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mVBCb5RfdJE

Bang's Bounce
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DgwwWizDleg

Cheers
Post removed 
Kenny Barron

OTHER PLACES

Moore(soprano, tenor sax), Hutcherson(vibraphone), Barron(piano), Reid(bass), Lewis(drums), Cinelu(percussion)
Verve 1993

No notes. Booklet with photos from the recording session.

Other Places
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fR7Zq-XOA44

I Should Care
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1irIF__dR5g

For Heaven’s Sake
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NZt16Zoe_U0

Wildlife
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KjC623PLyAc

Nikara’s Song
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nqkkQ4Q_KOA

Cheers
Hope this isn't a repeat.
Are you kidding?

I think I posted 10 to 15 songs in the whole posting career...well not exactly, but close enough. 
So, what is the weather like over there? A bit chilly? I knew it. The same here.

Ella...
<<Too Darn Hot >>
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PlMWW4R1ZBM

:---) oops

But when the thermometer goes ’way up
And the weather is sizzling hot
Mister, pants for romance is not

Pssst...

Mary Stallings
<< Slow Hot Wind >>
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ARUbIZs3oOQ

...and disco...

Herbie Hancock - Ready Or Not
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d1n5NsxhVyM

Ready or not, when the beat gets hot
Gonna get ya high
Shake, shake, we gonna make the temperature rise
Ready or not, when the beat gets hot
Gonna get ya high
Shake, shake, we gonna make the temperature rise




Post removed 
Kenny Barron - Dave Holland

THE ART OF CONVERSATION

Kenny Barron(piano), Dave Holland(bass)
Impulse   2014

Booklet talks about each tune and the 'duo setting'.

The Oracle  (Dave Holland)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ntgyzJaGbVo

In Walked Bud   (Thelonious Monk)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uOAY8l-e258

Segment (Charlie Parker)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vaPAh6ZGuR4

Day Dream   (Strayhorn / Ellington)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DMMMobDB9dE

Cheers
Kenny Barron Trio

BOOK OF INTUITION

Kenny Barron(piano), Kiyoshi Kitagawa(double bass), Johnathan Blake(drums)
Impulse  2016

Notes: "The disc also marks the first disc Barron has recorded this particular trio, even though he's led it for more than 10 years."

Jazz is in good hands, as long as guys like Barron are still playing.

Magic Dance
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sBW4OIFbbMY

Light Blue    (Monk)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8pCNAAlB0ME

Bud Like
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BGtnn0FCTvE

Cook's Bay
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=afffxdVMPdQ

Cheers



Kenny Barron

CONCENTRIC CIRCLES

Kenny Barron(piano), Kiyoshi Kitagawa(bass), Johnathan Blake(drums), Mike Rodriguez(trumpet, flugelhorn), Dayna Stephens(sax)
Blue Note  2018

Minimal Notes. 
I noticed he always includes at least one tune by Monk.  Barron is really a torch bearer for Jazz.  Right there with Wynton, as far as keeping the real stuff alive.

Blue Waters
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ACAQvoptYwg

Aquele Frevo Axé
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b28uZQ1K2UY

I'm Just Sayin'
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lp7twYHNyFI

Reflections  (monk)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hiHElSd181Y

Cheers


Count Basie and his Orchestra

APRIL IN PARIS

Verve   1955-56 / 1997

Notes: "The Count Basie Orchestra became a staple of Jazz in the late thirties, when the leader brought the band to New York from Kansas City, via Chicago, and enlarged it to meet the swing era's standard for big bands.  America crowned Benny Goodman the King of Swing, but anyone with an ounce of rhythm in his body knew the title belonged to Basie."

April In Paris
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O3-jTzSgU38

Magic
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HMm-PH90SwU

Corner Pocket
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bTcmPGdDecw

Shiny Stockings
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YWqbQDjLK44

Cheers

This album was long  unavailable (on cd) but now I have seen it beeing printed and sold again, on Amazon.

For all Kenny Burrell fans or for ones that simply like good music

Asphalt Canyon Suite from 1969.

https://youtu.be/KjEGemtENmo

https://youtu.be/4X71q_hQ9qo

https://youtu.be/ht3l51u3H-s


Count Basie

COUNT BASIE AT NEWPORT

with / Jimmy Rushing, Lester Young, Jo Jo Jones, Illinois Jacquet and Roy Eldridge

Notes: "Lester "Pres" Young is the patron saint of modern Jazz and the most emulated tenor man of the past 20 years.  He was born in Woodville, Miss., in 1909, and jobbed around the Midwest with King Oliver and others, joining Basie prior to the exodus from K.C."

"Roy Eldridge is the link between the traditional trumpet style of Louis Armstrong and the modern style of Dizzy Gillespie.  He was born in Pittsburgh in 1911, achieved his initial fame as a member of the Fletcher Henderson band, and rose to greater prominence with Gene Krupa and Artie Shaw."

My favorites on trumpet and tenor.

Swingin' at Newport
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=coCbbTdoHeY

Evenin'
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dqPob_ShZEo

Blee Blop Blues
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LTZAH7vE__Q

Boogie Woogie (I may be wrong)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SEWE8lsZ8nw

One O'Clock Jump
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TFhq7eBiQCY

Cheers
Count Basie

BASIE AT BIRDLAND

Roulette Jazz
Recorded 1961 / 2007

Notes: "If the repertoire on this album is heavily weighted toward the blues, this is, after all, at its very core, a Kansas City band and one that is able to show the infinite variety and invention that can be drawn from this simple form.  Sixteen swinging men at their peak, off the road and playing at the club they call home -- it doesn't get any better!"

Segue in C 
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oB0LSQGJukM

Little Pony
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n4fqwu8b4cc

Backstage Blues 
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PqwUt8P7HwE

Whirly-Bird    (Jon Hendricks, vocal)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dITbLg8LUx0

Cheers
Count Basie

CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD

Roulette  1958 / 2003

Notes: "Blues had been a staple of the original Basie Band's diet, and it was still on the menu in 1958.  Six of the ten original 'Chairman of the Board' tracks are blues, an object lesson in the infinite variety of the 12-bar form, especially in the hands of one of its greatest practitioners."

All from the 2003 remaster.

Blues in Hoss' Flat 
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JjlfL1ZJoB8

Kansas City Shout 
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2hftPzkWGvI

Mutt and Jeff 
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3eYuoHr-d00

Moten Swing
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MxYWsWpjCOY

H.R.H. (Her Royal Highness)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FMTf_gUccfQ

Cheers


Count Basie

THE COMPLETE ATOMIC BASIE

Blue Note  1957-1958 / 1994

A cover only a heavy metal fan could love.  Can't believe its Blue Note.  The music is great.

Splanky
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eMJOGhOrgrU

Whirly-Bird
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_HJOD1_KfWU

Li'l Darlin'
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nqn4nyZz0to

Flight of the Foo Birds
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UN8HHmSXjkI

Cheers

Count Basie

COUNT BASIE AND THE KANSAS CITY 7

Thad Jones(trumpet), Frank Foster(tenor sax), Eric Dixon(tenor and flute), Count Basie(piano and organ), Freddie Green(guitar), Ed Jones(bass), Sonny Payne(drums)
MCA - IMPULSE    1962 / 1986

Small group Basie.

What'cha Talkin'?   (Frank Wess, flute)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=foccxRM7hMc

Oh, Lady Be Good
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JqgVNaknruo

Tally Ho, Mr. Basie!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZE-JD6wm0PU

Count's Place
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gZ6PTCkFRQ8

Cheers



Inna, my musical friend, I just thought about you recently; I put a metal cassette in my Sony TC-KA3ES, which I've been told is comparable to your Dragon, and it sounded pretty good.


That video reminded me of all the beautiful young ladies I admired from afar that I never even spoke to, I can still remember their names they were so striking.


I've taken this isolation time to listen to all genres of music, and tune up gear. It's good to hear from you.
I have Nakamichi 682ZX not Dragon, Orpheus10.
Try Maxell MX-S with your Sony, in my experience it is best non-reference metal tape.
How about Armenian singing ?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P87yuUQMZks&list=FLHAEL8Iwz684WaGFx1rQchA&index=2&ab_cha...
About 1 week ago, I was back east shopping in a favorite old record store from the fifties, and I found a double CD by Stan Getz and Kenny Barron. I have been a very big fan of Stan Getz for about 14 years, and as it turns out, this set called "People Time" is one of the finest performances I have ever heard from him. It was his last recording before he died, recorded at the Cafe Montmartre in Copenhagen. Kenny Barron on Piano is absolutely sublime accompaniment. In my very limited knowledge of jazz, I had heard his name but was not familiar with his work.
Anyway, the recording is as good as the music; very live and dynamic. I strongly recommend this set. Every song is wonderful.
Sarah Vaughan had such a wonderful instrument NA d love her work with Clifford Brown.
If any of you are familiar with the Columbia Miles Davis "Directions’ double album from 2001, what’s your opinion of it? For those of unfamiliar with the album it’s out-takes from Miles Davis sessions ranging form 1960’s "Sketches of Spain" through early 1970’s "Big Fun". Amazon’s reviews seem to paint the album as the greatest thing ever, but I’d appreciate your more unbiased opinion before plunking down $50+ for it on CD. (I don’t do streaming, but did find three cuts from it to listen to on Youtube.) Thanks,

Mike
Hi JFA, I'm easing back into normal life (at least for me).  Tonite I focused on albums I haven't played in years, and it was of course rewarding.  A few highlights:

Some swing from Larry Coryell (the"Major Jazz Minor Blues" collection, all recorded in the 80s):
"Joy Spring" (with Stanley Cowell, Buster Williams, Billy Hart)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q5FyIW56BOc
"The Duke" (with Kenny Barron)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yRuB9eizccQ
"Sophisticated Lady" (solo, 1982)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4f-LqewsYMQ

John McLaughlin's sweet, respectful cover of Bill Evans' "Waltz for Debby," with The Aighetta Quartet (from "Time Remembered")
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N6zOkj5cQfs 

Larry Coryell & Michael Brecker - "Picean Moon" (from "Difference" - 1978)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yt47SwMlD74 



Orpheus10, I know the Getz/Byrd album. You are right - beautiful.
And I have run into those musicians in Istanbul on youtube. I am not particularly impressed with her singing but I like the music, kind of Turkish/Greek/Gypsy fusion. Rhythmic and melodious.
Listen to the first composition. It's been a while since I posted anything by McLaughlin.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PfajXCs8aIQ&list=FLHAEL8Iwz684WaGFx1rQchA&index=86&ab_ch...


"Instabul" the city where all the spys cross paths, even "Secret Agent Man"


        https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=60hUz36KIqM


Instabul was on my list as cities to visit, but didn't quite make it.


In my collection, John is always moving at a blistering fast pace; that was different and very nice.


In regard to that girl, who cares that she couldn't sing, her emotion made up for that, and the music was boss.



I've submitted this before, but I don't believe I got your opinion;


    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vO0-mfey2BM
Alvin Batiste

LATE

Alvin Batiste(clarinet), Kenny Barron(piano), Rufus Reid(bass), Norman jackson(drums)
Sony / Columbia   1993

Notes: "Alvin Batiste is a prime example of the many unheralded creators of Black-American music.  As an educator, he is acclaimed as a major force in the evolution and development of New Orleans Jazz and multi-ethnic music programs...Born in New Orleans, his music education began when his father brought home a clarinet in a gym bag which he had purchased from a pawn shop."
Born: November 7, 1932, New Orleans, LA  
Died: May 6, 2007, New Orleans, LA

When the Saints
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=akpwoPu0fxE

Bat's Blues
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-qfIq8nhVeU

Late
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-zzcePOdLFw

Banjo Noir
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zoRdYSUq79o

Cheers
orpheus10,
I'm with you on Jazz Samba. I've loved that disc for years. Who's playing is more beautiful than Stan's? 
@orpheus10

Hi O10, got a big kick out of that "Secret Agent Man" video compilation.  Well done by the originator!  Thanks!  As a kid, I did watch the "Secret Agent" TV show with Johnny Rivers' cool hit as the theme song.  The show's opening (1:34):  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bG0u3-Gbu88

Johnny Rivers live video clips:
1966  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L-yaT6fWTP4
1966  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6iaR3WO71j4
2018  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PHu_ekAq5Js

Sometimes you just can't get that old magic back.  His sound on "SAM" in the 60s seemed like some new combination of surf and blues to me then.  50+ years later, not so much.



Keegiam, that video compilation captured it all;  what young man didn't fancy that life, fast cars, beautiful woman, travel, and excitement for days; I know I did.
Mario Bauza & his Afro-Cuban Jazz Orchestra

MY TIME IS NOW

Messidor Musik   1993

Notes: "As Dizzy Gillespie explained it >>When the Cubans came to the U.S., they came up here with 3/8, 6/8, 3/4, 2/4.  It was very difficult for us to play that music.  We were always playing 4/4.  We didn't do much 2/4.  We played waltzes in 3/4.  Cuban music was difficult to play because the didn't have a bass drum to keep you together...They didn't pat their feet.  You can get lost.  Even when you're playing you can get lost."

Mario Bauzá & His Afro-Cuban Jazz Orchestra - My Time Is Now (Full Album)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x1NH2nawCIY

Cheers


George Benson

BREEZIN'

Warner Bros   1976 / 2000

Notes: "Besides leading his own bands, Benson has worked and recorded with an impressive roster of outstanding artists who are as varied in esthetic sensibility as saxophonists Hank Crawford and Stanley Turrentine, singer Esther Phillips, and trumpeters Freddie Hubbard and Miles Davis.  His playing, though, has always been distinguished by a good feeling and high energy that are his alone."

Breezin'
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G1QjyskJ9jw

This Masquerade
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j9W0g3NGSj4

Cheers