Ghosthouse, you're right about Leon, that's his natural voice, he was singing in high school, and that's the same way he sounded when singing lyrics then, "no posturing" as you put it. Like so many musicians, he died too young.
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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Pardon the non-commercial interruption... Just wanted to reply to Orpheus' previous posts and pay a compliment to Leon Thomas. At the risk of trivializing his talent, I want to say, "what a nice voice". When he's singing a lyric...no posturing just a certain naturalness and purity about it - at least in the limited listening I've done so far as a result of Jafant's Pharaoh Sanders recommendations. If you will further indulge me in an unsolicited 2 cents on the more recent jazz bassist topic...check out Tony Levin (yes I know, not a jazz-only bassist) playing with Andy Summers. They do a great version of Afro Blue. It's on "The Last Dance of Mr. X. There was a YouTube video of them playing it live...can't find it now, however. For Rok on in-performance interactions between musicians. On the off-chance he's not already seen it... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YuCbQCnoIzI Ciao |
Rok, when I used Etta Jones for a test record on TT's and cartridges, the salesman said it was a perfect record; perfectly flat and well recorded. That album has withstood the test of time, it's still popular. "Afro Blue" is my favorite cut on that Abbey Lincoln CD. I have that very unique CD by "Zap Mama", and I like it. Enjoy the music. |
Alex, I have the Blue Note 45 sessions issued by Mosaic, 2 CD's; that must be the same thing. It came with a book that I have yet to read. Milt Jackson, "Ballads and Blues", this is the true "Golden age of jazz"; the notes coming off of Milt's vibes, seemed to be just popping out of the air. It's one thing to hear this music now, but it's entirely another to have been there at that time; everything surrounding 56 comes back to me; 56 Bel aire convertible, 56 Ford Convertible; those were the cars for a young man to have. You have no idea how special that music sounded, cruising with the top down, summer wind blowing in your face. Pardon my digression. Enjoy the music. |
Today's Listen: (Diva Day) Etta Jones -- DON"T GO TO STRANGERS https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wP97iBFNdiY Dee Dee Bridgewater -- DEE DEE's FEATHERS https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9slDet0CndI Abbey Lincoln -- ABBEY IS BLUE https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uiHS8Hf7Tb4 Zap Mama -- ZAP MAMA https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6ROAaB9JlZ0 Cheers |
Orpheus, have those albums. Here are some others, if by any chance you dont have them already. Milt Jackson's 'Ballads and blues' with Lucky Thompson, Best and Pettiford. https://youtu.be/axuGJ7SY0e8 Again, Best with Quebec, on album that is made of songs that were originaly issued as 45 singles and later presented as double cd. https://youtu.be/_CDPhrG9MBI |
Alex, you have hit upon three of my favorite musicians; I have the LP "Tricotism", Lucky Thompson is so smooth; Skeeter Best has a boss solo on the "Soul Brothers" LP with Milt Jackson and Ray Charles. Lucky Thompson does a solo on Miles Davis's "Walkin" that's out of sight; I'll link it ; https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WMW3RloxEyA Enjoy the music. |
Kenny Burrel is playing on above mentioned album, as well as on this edition. It is compilation of three albums (aldo the man who posted this on you tube forget to mention the existence of one it is intersting for us, right now. It is first album made as a leader of bass player Doug Watkins, 'Watkins at large' , where he is jonied by H.Mobley and Burrell. This cd's have two other Donald Byrd albums, where Watkins plays too. I have that Blue Note edition, so I know) Here is the link https://youtu.be/M72VFZ8D3c8 |
...and speaking of bass players and their albums, this one should not be overlooked. The name says it all 'Bass on top' https://youtu.be/784vBuUrUFQ |
Back to the West coast, couple of albums from bass players that I like. First, Leroy Vinnegar, from 'Leroy walks again' I like it more than his previous(Leroy walks) https://youtu.be/xB6K2ZdLJwI https://youtu.be/WEzkk03sNoY Ther is more on ytube, if someone wish to further explore. Next album is from Curtis Counce. I have chosen this one, but others of that era are worthy of listening and having too. 'You get more bounce wit C.C.' https://youtu.be/uYZr2E27WBs https://youtu.be/svP428ISTFA https://youtu.be/w4mdR5FSU3Y Hope you will like it |
Lucky Thompson with O.P. and Skeeter Best on album named Tricotism, from 1961. It can be found on Impulse label. Does anyone knows any S.Best's album as leader? Always a sideman, but I like his sound https://youtu.be/_XrhG2956Uo https://youtu.be/n7gKcfKdeQ4 |
Jafant, while OP has many recordings as leader, and with many of the top jazz men of his day, my top 3 picks are: "Oscalypso", "Scorpio", and "Bohemia after Dark". To me, all big cities are "Bohemia", and they come alive after dark. After the Sun has set, and just before it gets dark, when you can see the silhouettes of tall buildings against the sky; that's when Bohemia is waking up, and getting ready for the nights frivolities; very soon will be the time for "Bohemia After Dark". https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s5EwGijmqKc Enjoy the music. |
Frogman, Since I can never tell anyone the conversation that transpired between me and Grant, the story seems kind of incomplete; but it was intended to indicate the love between two musicians that you mentioned. Every since that night, I wished that I had lied to Grant, because he took his hurt and anger out on me, for one reason, and another is, I didn't know the truth would upset him that much. I can make the story more complete by linking the album and music he was playing at that time. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1ZvQhQbPioY That was one boss two record album. Enjoy the music. |
Ok Alex, for you I will tell this story. When I read that Grant Green was going to be in town, I bought tickets, and was really looking forward to seeing him. During intermission he had someone tell me he wanted to speak to me. First of all I didn't recognize him; the Grant Green I remember had a head of thick black hair, and the build of a cowboy, he looked good in jeans. ( Alex, the mind is a funny thing, you expect people to look like they looked the last time you saw them up close and personal) I saw Grant Green up close and personal, from the time period I was from 16 to 20, this was before he became a professional. We spoke, and he quickly got to the point of why he wanted to see me. He asked me about a very close musician friend of his. I told him the truth. He became livid with anger. The two ton bouncer came up to us wanting to know what was going on. Grant walked off leaving me with a two ton bouncer, with a question mark on his face. (I got the feeling that the bouncer wanted to demonstrate why they hired him) It wasn't until many years later that I was able to understand this. Musicians are crazy; they are unable to understand, or cope with their own emotions. After Grant left me he probably cried because he couldn't stand what I told him; but messengers in the past have been slain for telling the truth. Next I'll tell about the musical Grant Green; he was fantastic from the day I laid eyes on him until the last time I saw him. Enjoy the music. |
Frogman, although we've gone at each other like two pit bulls at times, we're very fortunate to have you on this thread; your knowledge of music and musicians is invaluable. I say this for me personally, and I hope I speak for others on this thread. Your last post indicated that musicians are longtime colleagues of yours. In regard to that, I'll tell you guys a story about an encounter I had with Grant Green. Since it's kind of personal, I've been reluctant to tell it, but it indicates the nature of musicians, and the love they have for musicians they've worked with. This bond is incredible; gangsters have this kind of bond. I hate to compare musicians to gangsters, but that's the only time I have witnessed so much love between two men. In regard to Porter and the band, I couldn't have said it better. In regard to Salvant, minus the band (but you are a musician) I reluctantly agree, but, this was Christmas time, and we're looking at it long after the season; during that time everyone is somewhat animated for the kiddies sake. Enjoy the music. |
The LCJB is held in the highest esteem by the NYC music community; as well they should be. They sound great and are considered to meet artistic standards, differences in genres aside, that have nothing to apologize for in comparison to the standard-setting LC institutions, Met Opera, NY Phil and NYC Ballet. Re body language: Totally sincere. Players in a band that work together often and for a long time develop a kind of brotherhood and they are each other’s biggest supporters. They can also be each other’s worst critics. But when a player is "in the zone" as Wes Anderson is when he plays his solo in the Porter clip, other players may not only smile in approval, but actually say or shout things to encourage the player. When players improvise they are speaking each other’s language. It is a language that only they understand at that level. They understand the nuances of what the player is "saying" in a very personal or intimate way and are privy to things like, for instance, little musical "jokes" or musical quotes that relate to anything from a verbal conversation to a previous performance; all things that may not be obvious to a non-player. A performance by a band may be full of these kinds of dynamics. Of course, there are times when any two players simply don’t get along or don’t like each other and you won’t have much of this kind of rapport between them. Thankfully, simple professionalism then usually kicks in and gunplay is kept to a minimum 😉 Porter sounds fantastic. There’s a wonderful straightforward and "up" quality about his singing; not to mention great vocal chops. The band sounds fantastic. Something special happens during that performance; they are clearly interacting and lift each other up. The sum becomes even greater than the parts. I have said it before and this is a PERSONAL opinion: Salvant just doesn’t do it for me. She’s clearly good, but the "affectations" in her singing simply don’t ring true for me. There’s a little bit of Sassy, a little bit of Billy, a LOT of Betty Carter; where’s Cecile? To me there’s a "forced" quality about her style. Imo, and partly as a result, the performance doesn’t have the energy that the Porter does and doesn’t feel as good; the band does not play quite at the same level. Great stuff both, however. Thanks for the clips. |
Jafant, this is one of the cuts on "Jewel Of Thought" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w4LwpPQQskM&index=4&list=PLF82BA5D373C56866 |
Rok, I wonder If I could borrow Gregory Porter's head gear? It's real cold and snowing where I am. I can hear why he's so popular, although it's been said before, I'm going to say it again "The guy got a whole lot of soul". That piano player is boss and the band is a tight as a band can get. I'm not a big band fan, but that could change. The music behind Cecile is "Nawlins" all the way; it's so "retro", that it takes us back to another era; "Pops" is looking down smiling. As you pointed out many times, looking makes a lot of difference than just listening. It wouldn't be as good alone in my listening room without seeing, but since I'm doing both, I'm really enjoying it. Enjoy the music. |
Here's a beautiful tune by John Handy that I could listen to all night. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0IZb8AJQ7ac Here's another tune from that same LP. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7Q-vKschzos Enjoy the music. |
Its not about jazz, but about music. Intersting link, about last Stradivarius guitar in the world. Music is included in the link. The page 'Open Culture ' is great for many art forms. Here is the link [url]http://www.openculture.com/2016/02/musician-performs-with-the-last-playable-stradivarius-guitar-in-t...[/url] |
These are two cuts from Wyntyon's new Christmas CD. I am posting them because they are great. The entire CD is. Ain't got it git it. But mainly, I would like The Frogman to comment on the body language and facial expressions of the other players when someone is soloing or the singers are singing. Is this real emotion / interest ? Notice the way Wynton looks at the Trumpet soloist on the Salvant cut, and the Trombone leaning over to 'hear' the alto on the Porter cut around 2:10. Also, His fellow sax players seemed to be very impresssed and supportive.. Is the piano player the coolest guy in Jazz, or what? Ever notice how big guys make the alto seem like a toy How is Jazz at Lincoln Center perceived among the artistic elite in NYC? Give us your thoughts on all this. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tBt9DQJOO-4&index=2&list=RDGnshBIuu97Q porter https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GnshBIuu97Q&list=RDGnshBIuu97Q&index=1 salvant Cheers |
While I'm not a big band addict, there are exceptions; this is one of them, it's "Gerry Mulligan and his Concert Jazz Band". His sound is so original, without a doubt he is one of the top baritone sax players in jazz. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SwSdd0tC-cY Here he is with a most beautiful version of "Shadow of your Smile" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1kpzbBZyF50 "Bernie's Tune" is a jumping number done by a lot of great artists; unfortunately I can't find all of them, but this is one of the best. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ywIiXU94RX8 Enjoy the music |