This outing of the Danish Youth Jazz Band backing a original artist,
Michael Bladt , is nice for old ears as well.
https://youtu.be/-r8nQdND42I
Michael Bladt , is nice for old ears as well.
https://youtu.be/-r8nQdND42I
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.
31,532 responses Add your response
For Be-Bop Dizzy Gillespie - Oop bop Sh' bam Dizzy Gillespie - Salt Peanuts Both recorded in the early 50's Supersax on their 1977 record "Chasin' the Bird." Among others Miles Davis up to Bitch's Brew (JMO - but maybe one day I'll "get it") Supersax on their 1977 record "Chasin' the Bird" Oscar Peterson - We Get Requests or just about any O.P. album The Oscar Peterson Trio With Roy Eldridge / Sonny Stitt & Jo Jones – At Newport 1957 - Can you imagine Newport in those days? Dam. Most Count Basie Albums w/ Ella or Frankie Baby Frank Sinatra and the Count Basie Orchestra Sinatra at The Sands - Basie and Frank -1966 Most of these guys were starting to run out of juice in the late 70's. Late 50's thru 60's, unless you like Be-Bop |
Yes, in the Deep Ellum area of Dallas. Opened in the late 90's and shut down around decade ago. It was a small venue with only seating at the bar, said to hold 2000 standing people. I never saw more than a few hundred and always found a seat on something. Not fancy but great to see up and coming music before they made it or went away. Saw a lot of very good bands that just went away. |
1:11am This post is for the true blue "Jazz Aficionado", the kind who can just sit and listen, enjoying the music for an entire afternoon; not the snarky fake kind who finds fault with everything. I would like to bring your attention to two very different versions of "Night In Tunisia" by Art Blakey: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ADWODreyby0 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2KERkWcpWtU |
As the only REAL
Aficionado left on JFA, my take. The Black and white performance was good, but seemed well rehearsed. Sort of MJQish. But no complaints. The color version was more boisterous . More like Jazz's true element and spirit. Notice how when McLean turned to Griffin, Griffin was not ready. :) Loved that. Much better audience support. Neither can be faulted no matter how Snarky a snarky is, but I would rather have been at the color version. I bet the B&W version was in Europe. Notice how Blakey's drum set grew from the B&W to the color. But more does not mean better. Nice clips. Cheers |
| Post removed |
I agree that this (bw) great version of “Tunisia” with Blakey was probably played on tour. The smaller drum set is what Blakey would have been taking on tour, for practical reasons. However, I think that it was in Brazil, not Europe. That “Tunisia” is from the same concert as the earlier “Moanin” with the great, but mysteriously controversial Lee Morgan solo. Reading between the lines, and looking at the listed copyright info on the link one can see that it was licensed by a Brazilian media company. Add to that how all the players pick up percussion instruments at one point; a bit of showmanship as a nod to Brazilian culture where practically everyone, musician or not, plays a percussion instrument. I would guess it was a televised concert. Two great versions of “Tunisia”, but apples and oranges and enjoyable in very different ways. The first with Timmons, Morgan et al: classic feel, relaxed, with fabulous solos, and clearly a Blakey vibe. Also, and as Rok points out feeling a little “organized”. The second (color): definitely more boisterous and very exciting. Maclean kills with, for me, the best solo of all. The feel is entirely different. Almost like that of a jam session. Much more to the Latin side of things: faster, and very forward and on top of the beat; almost hectic. The presence of Hidalgo on congas definitely adds to that vibe. However, I think the title is a little misleading. Blakey did have a working big band in the 50’s and recorded an album with that name, but to the best of my knowledge he didn’t have a working big band during the period of this concert. It seems to me to be some special event/concert with a lot of big names including a lot of the young lions at the time. An all star show of sorts with a lot of Blakey alumni. The feel is a lot less “Blakey” than the other clip and less that of a working band; not surprising since he lays out and other drummers play about half the time. To quote the last remaining aficionado on JFA: “more does not mean better”. Nice clips; especially the first. |
Two months ago: The Ron Carter Quartet at Keystone Korner, 5 miles from me. A rare opportunity that I had to miss. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n6vubhhb9mk |
At the risk of being redundant (can't search the whole thread today): Love jazz of all kinds but the fusion of the 70s influenced me over all else. Here are a few frequently showing up on my TT. Al Di Meola Race With The Devil On a Spanish Highway 1977 - YouTube Return to Forever - The Romantic Warrior HQ - YouTube Stanley Clarke - School Days HQ - YouTube Weather Report - Teen Town - YouTube |
re-lar-kvothe6, "Love jazz of all kinds but the fusion of the 70s influenced me over all else" With that thought in mind, I'll share some of the fusion in my collection; https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7qmIXVOEUKo&list=PLtJK_InIjqtQ25wfbgRYUK2PEMDBVnrI2 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eOckT1lF29g&list=PLsFighZslqvk1IXLVPmgwFkPte__BoE_X https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g2hK6_o5Pdw The first time I heard this music I was totally blown away. |
Glad you liked the Ray Charles clips, mahgister and keegiam and beautifully put comments. Amazing genius and, as mahgister states, “on a spiritual journey”. Comments like that may seem hyperbolic, but there is no better way to describe and explain the extraordinary musical power. One of those artists whose musical force can completely transcend and overcome any musical shortcomings in the accompanying band. Of course, the extent of a musical shortcoming is a relative thing and when one is talking about an inspired genius no one will be on quite the same level. Still……. “Song For You” is a perfect example and goes to one of my comments re the “Tunisia” clips: the difference between the sound and feel of a working band and that of a more loosely put together group of musicians put together for a special event. There is no doubt in my mind that had Ray had his own drummer for that live performance that the performance would have been taken to an even higher level as is the case on the other two live clips in which Ray’s big band was playing. Yet, Ray was like a musical lightning bolt on stage and one can just ignore the drummer’s uninspired groove. The groove came almost entirely from Ray; an amazing thing particularly at such a slow tempo. Speaking of slow tempo. Btw, one of my favorite Ray stories is told in the first listener comment: https://youtu.be/zHZnt8S6Xzc |
re-lar-kvothe Love jazz of all kinds but the fusion of the 70s influenced me over all else.Great 70s fusion selections from both you and our esteemed OP. Great Ray Charles songs and discussion. Still listening to it all and I am happy the petty arguments have faded away. This ones for the last true jazz aficionado here on JFA (8) Take the "A" Train with solo by Elvin Jones - Duke Ellington - YouTube (8) Louis Armstrong - Basin Street Blues - YouTube |
Moanin' is a jazz album by Art Blakey and the Jazz Messengers recorded in 1958 for the Blue Note label and released in 1959 According to Frogman, there was a "Great but mysteriously controversial Lee Morgan solo" Tunisia” is from the same concert as the earlier “Moanin” with the great, but mysteriously controversial Lee Morgan solo. "Moanin" was popular on the radio, and on juke boxes in cities all over the country, and this is the first time I heard of this "Great but mysteriously controversial Lee Morgan solo" I would appreciate it if Frogman could amplify, expand, and clarify that statement. I've been listening to the album since 59, and this is the first time I heard of a "Great but mysteriously controversial Lee Morgan solo" |
O-10, I fail to see how a solo on a live version of the tune has anything to do with the solo on the record. Having said that, I will try and clarify even further by rewriting that sentence: ** “Tunisia” is from the same concert as the earlier “Moanin” with the great, but mysteriously controversial (HERE!) Lee Morgan solo. ** No additional controversy intended when I wrote the first version of the comment. It was done simply to explain which clip I was referring to. So I think we can move on. |
O-10, you know by now that I enjoy dialogue as long as it does not turn contentious and insulting. Of course there is a significant difference between the two solos; and yes the solo in question appears on the live recording, but not the record. They are entirely different solos. As they should be. That is the whole point of Jazz improvisation, no? I never felt his solo was controversial in any musical sense. It became controversial HERE for some reason which, as I see it, was totally unnecessary: your objection to what I wrote re the character of a part of that particular solo. My opinion, not yours; or are we not allowed to have opinions that may differ from yours? |
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cv9NSR-2DwM https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uKOoxgI_xfQ Now we can compare; you are saying the record was OK but the live was 'mysterious', is that correct? |
| Post removed |
Here we go again...... Ok I will try my best to help out with this ongoing trivial distraction which only takes away from the mostly positive experience of JFA. First and foremost since when are jazz aficionados not allowed to have a difference of opinions. This is not 1938 Nazi Germany is it????? That said I will attempt a resolution and address our OP first. I know you are a big Lee Morgan fan and aficionado of his talented trumpet playing. I agree that on the studio album Art Blakey And The Jazz Messengers A Night In Tunisia here: Acoustic Sounds Lee Morgan hits the high registers quite often and sounds great doing it. However it is highly possible that on the live version Morgan could have been doped up, a little drunk, maybe a combination of both, maybe hungover or in need of a "fix" or maybe he was just plain exhausted that particular night. Any of the reasons I have stated could have effected his playing on his solo - THAT PARTICULAR RENDITION RECORDED LIVE THAT NIGHT. frogman the studio solos on a lot of jazz albums are improvised just as in a live setting. Also live recording equipment in those days was sub par and may effect the end result. The reasons I gave O10 above certainly could have an effect on a musician. So yes your opinion that Morgan was unusually playing in the high register on that live recording and on THAT PARTICULAR RECORDING THAT NIGHT sounded "off" is not without merit. YOU BOTH HAVE GOOD POINTS AND I RESPECT BOTH OPINIONS Can we get back to posting JFA??????????? |
pjw, I appreciate your effort at peace and equanimity, but I think the issue is not the differences of opinion and their relative merit, but the inability to have and express an opinion without the retort being abrasive and condescending. Expressing the details of why one holds a particular opinion should be an opportunity to, if not learn, understand a different point of view. Blanket dismissal of an opinion without offering any specific reasons why won’t hold water and is an opportunity lost because there is so much going on in this music. For instance, you wrote: **** frogman the studio solos on a lot of jazz albums are improvised just as in a live setting. **** Of course. I hope I didn’t write anything that caused you to think that I thought differently. I said nothing of the sort. So, wouldn’t it be best to be able to have a dialogue about the reasons why the disconnect may exist? It does all go directly to the music. I think so. |
I know you know that about improvised solos frogman. I was just playing Captain Obvious (8) Hotels.com - Future Captain Obvious - YouTube |
I did not know Lee Morgan or better said i never listen to him really... Thanks to this "discussion" i begin to listen to the 6 hours Wayne Shorter and Lee Morgan albums... I am astonished by the musicality and craftmanship of these 2 masters...Lee Morgan is a discovery... I just begin my second hour in extasy... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IEE8ebMqwSM&list=OLAK5uy_npFltjNzEBHrFRjoL_7EHs9YOiDZmo3ow But i will be very annoyed to choose a best or a "better" trumpeter between for example , Lee Morgan, Miles Davis and Chet Baker... We can judge an artist on many counts too numerous to enumerate, and not all listeners could perceive each one of these numerous factors by which we can judge a player anyway... It is our natural ability, our knowledge of music, and mostly our tastes history and our sensibility coming from our brain or heart connections in some order, that determine our favored choices... For example if we choose only 3 factors among many others: -pure virtuosity and ability to play dynamically with all sounds potential of the instrument at the "same time", -musical innate talent to improvise and create astounding complex musical development on the spot and without safeguard, -Ability to create a unique timbre and more than that ability to make the instrument not only sing but spoke, in a word ability to interpret a melody.. Only for these 3 factors which trumpeter is the best? Answer: there is no best for these 3 factors together at the same time...No trumpeter by himself beat all the other trumpeters on these 3 counts taken simultaneously... And if i add a fourth factor completely different, ability to play with others to merge and emerge at the right time... Who is the best trumpeter with these 4 factors? I can add a fifth factor which would be a new one or a precise sub-part aspect of these 4.... Ad infinitum...... Myself for reason i could explained but which are of no importance to every one else here now , the trumpeter i love the most is Chet Baker... Chet Baker is not the best or the better trumpeter there is on all counts, even me i know this; but i love him so much because of his imperfections on the first two counts, he concentrate on the third factor in a way that is unforgettable and look like or speak like no other with most of the times the slow pace of a beating heart.. Once it’s said, we keep each one of us like a personal sacred treasury our privileged relation to whom we chose.... «Imperfection is the peak»- René Char |
The Frogman's First Law can not determine the Best, but it will narrow the field. Here you are, all alleged Aficionados, talking about the best Trumpet player, and NO ONE has even mentioned Armstrong!!! Sad state of affairs. Sad. The unwashed will decide who is best. They always do. My vote: Armstrong or Harry "Sweets" Edison or Roy Eldridge or rok2id(most unappreciated of all time). Cheers |
If there is a greatest i would be in the mood and with reason greatly inclined to vote for Armstrong.... It is the first i has listen to at my teens years, his voice and instrument sunny and luminous craftmanship, and his role and influence in all jazz at the golden era....i think it is a good choice for the best ever.... My law: Even if there is no best in the world there is always one in our heart.... |
The stars were aligned for me today... After my 3 hours listening of this 6 cd box...( i am lucky to have almost another 4 hours to go) Wayne Shorter and Lee Morgan "The complete Vee Jay sessions" I really think that it is one of the greatest jazz album series of all time... Shorter is not less than pure genius on the saxophone, and believe me i am particularly "picky" for ANY sax part.... Lee Morgan is abolutely one of the more gifted trumpeter there ever is...What is miraculous Is that these 2 plays at the same level AND in absolute symbiosis and complementarity.... Which is not so much common to begin with.... And their lever of playing is indeed of the highest order.... I am breathless... The other many various musicians are absolutely top one also, at near the level of the two masters.... I cannot wait to explore these 2 genius..... |
This compilation through many years, Of Shorter and Morgan together or not is one of my most loved album already... All the numerous musicians are good but my personal discovery are really Shorter and Morgan... I am very difficult and picky with sax players.... I love Shorter... Some other sax players like Clifford Jordan also... And Morgan for me own something very light and heartful from Armstrong and something which is the brain of Miles Davis.... A truly great trumpeter....One of the greatest.... And i love trumpeters like i love pianists.... |
Interesting comments, mahgister. I share your feelings about these two masters. Shorter in particular is a favorite. He is also one of the greatest and most interesting Jazz composers. A true genius. One of the most interesting things about Shorter is how much his playing changed over the course of his career. Not necessarily in overall concept, but in how his playing became more and more economical; as if he found ways to say what he had to say with fewer and fewer notes. One of the most expressive of saxophone players, he could express so much emotion with one or two notes. https://youtu.be/CYg_3pQN-LU https://youtu.be/ydsqGRYqW88 I don’t feel there is a “greatest” among the very top trumpet players. Morgan was certainly one of the greatest. **** And Morgan for me own something very light and heartful from Armstrong and something which is the brain of Miles Davis.... **** Exactly! Great comment. The “light and heartful” is what I hear as the infectious swagger in his playing. https://youtu.be/uHd0qP4UKX4 https://youtu.be/eRA8EOR7Nm0 |
Not necessarily in overall concept, but in how his playing became more and more economical; as if he found ways to say what he had to say with fewer and fewer notes. One of the most expressive of saxophone players, he could express so much emotion with one or two notes.It was my impression but having not your knowledge and experience, i miss the "word" economical... Thanks...Minimalistic but powerful expression yes.... Controlled in a mysterious way.... It is the first time in my life that a sax player induce in me the same love some trumpeter do...( i am excessive in my love or dislike or neutral gesture yes ) This 6 albums series is now one of my favorite one.... Jazz Giants.... Thanks for the recommendations.....I will swiftly look for them.... I listen the 2 short Wayne Shorter clip.... This guy play sax like i ,at the end, love the instrument at the level of my appetite for trumpet playing...I was ready to discover it....Timing is important in life.... I am in paradise.... I am passionate yes, but only hyperbole can convey my surprise listening their playings... And my surprize that jazz can hide jewels and gems like these... Lee Morgan and Wayne Shorter are a "musical deal squad" made in heaven for sure....Like Coltrane and Davis in "Kind of blue"....But these two ressemble more each other for me and they integrate deeply their playings in one another, not one beside the other at all...It is not criticism of the 2 other geniuses only my way to describe my impression of their playings...I am not a musician tough feel free to correct me.... Lee Morgan is stupendous in his easiness and fluidity always meaningful chords....He play to surprise us with some chords inscribed in the "great musical book" already there and now here forever... He is so great that no showmanship is needed.... « Do you think that a blind who just see the light could be outrageous with too much hyperbole?»-Groucho Marx 🤓 «No,but Groucho you fall of your chair each day... »- Harpo Marx « I quit my chair each week my dear, dont exagerate with hyperbole....»- Groucho Marx 🤓 |
The “light and heartful” is what I hear as the infectious swagger in his playing.Yes and to be honest it is after reading your comment that this comes back to my mind, and searching for a comparison the particular exhuberant effortless way Morgan play remind me of Armstrong in the screaming high notes...Screaming is not a critic here in my mouth at all only a metaphor to convey my subjective impression... His inventiveness remind me of Miles Davis... |
frogman that 1959 complete set 1 from Art Blakey And The Jazz Messengers in Paris is a gem. Thanks for sharing. Morgan was 21 and Shorter 26. I count myself lucky to have seen Wayne Shorter live for his 80th birthday anniversary tour at NYC Town Hall. I have about 15 each of Morgan and Shorter as leaders and everything from their stints, live and studio, with Blakey as I am a "Art Blakey completist" You and Mahgister have expressed all that I hear when listening to those two great musicians and so I only want to say if you can get a chance to watch this video please do so. I highly recommend it. Watch I Called Him Morgan | Prime Video (amazon.com) |
