Jazz for aficionados

You folks are sure concerned about my state of hydration! The ROKING horse has his own private water hole. The water is pure here. No foreign, no free, no Avant garde, no fusion, no continental, no experimental, no crossover, no M-base, no third stream, no Sinbad Miles, no out-there Trane, and damn little Cool and Modal.

Actually, it's called JAZZ. You folks should try it.

Cheers

Paris Texas -- I have this on LP. Could not bring myself to spring for it on CD. This is the most beautiful thing about the music. The only part I had to have. Check out the Mexican singing. Beautiful!!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JD5BhhF7yiQ

I did download this from Amazon on MP3. I have my favorite parts of this, Peter Gunn, and Mission Impossible on MP3. Play them in my truck.

One of the weirdest movies I have ever seen.

Also have Cooder with some guy in Africa.

Cheers

Southern Comfort-- I am always suspicious of music that "requires" visuals to make it seem complete. The wife likes it, but she likes recordings of birds and waves. :)

Cheers

Frogman, BTW, Harold Land, "A Lazy Afternoon" is getting a lot of play; he gives each one of those standards the respect and delicate nuanced treatment they're due.
At the same time he's retracing my life, and allowing me to relive the golden moments when I experienced a particular song.

Enjoy the music.

Frogman, I'm going to explain one of "your" problems, and never repeat or comment on it.

"You can take the horse to the water, but you can't make him drink". This can be applied a thousand and one way's in various situations; however, no one ever ran across a "Roking Horse" before, and "Roking horses" don't get thirsty.

Enjoy the music.

"Ry Cooder", that names rolls off your tongue like Mississippi Moonshine; I know you done heard about dat. Although his music is all over the place, I choose to focus on the music that sounds like his name, "Ry Cooder".

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=31FrrSlQoxo

Here's Miles Davis's home town; it's one no one who lived there when he did would even recognize now.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fOkXrd6eRRw

Ry Cooder always keeps it "Real", that's what I like about the man; he's never far from the harsh reality of survival of so many millions in a world of plenty. To keep their peace of mind, many will say "All they gotta do is get a job".

This one is close to home for you;

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-nkRVfyBc-Q

Enjoy the music.

The three of us agree on the analogy; "Sgt. Pepper" is da bomb.

Enjoy the music.

Kathleen Battle:

****....which is easier to quantify than artistic merit, which is nearly impossible.**** - Mapman

Sorry, could not disagree more. Some performances (artists) are obviously a cut above. Artistic-worth relativism is not for me.

Excellent analogy, 'though: KOB/Sgt. Pepper's ...

This woman moves me like no other artist, in any other genre of music. What a talent, and what a beauty!!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uLvEdMCUOFQ

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UkUoxCGPWrw

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=86egpZCM68E

Cheers

One more time...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vZMwVj4cVyw

Cheers

Jest messin with you Rok; reality is so unreal, but the best Gospel music comes out of Mississippi and Nawlins, that's why I want to join a second line, although I can't tell whether I'm going to join the saints, or just "funky buttin"; they mix it up so well down there in Nawlins.

Enjoy the music.

Susana Baca -- Very nice. The bass line sort of reminds me of BVSC.

So much of this type music is so melancholic, esp from Argentina and Peru. Can't these folks swing?? Don't worry, be Happy?

Cheers

****I especially remember "Round Midnight", every time I hear it, I can see that photograph of him on the cover with shades, you know the one;*****

Yes indeed!! The baddest cover in Jazz, or at least one of the baddest. In fact, my most recent purchase by Miles. 2 CD set.

Cheers

****Sometimes in music, it can sound even better when you don't understand the language; *****

This is true. Esp in Opera. Where quite often, all they are saying is "keep your cotton pickin' paws off my woman". But they say it so beautifully.

Cheers

****This is music Christ and the Apostles were listening to, all the way live, not some Baptist music out of Nawlins or Mississippi, ******

And after listening to a few tunes like this, The Good Lord inserted into the Good Book, "Make a JOYFUL noise unto the Lord". Which is what them Baptist Churches do!!

I find your tone towards Baptist churches in Mississippi and Nawlins rather dismissive. :) Know Baptist Church, Know Jazz. No Baptist Church, No Jazz. Lest we forget.

Cheers

It was in the late 50's that a woman turned me on to Miles. Although I had heard Miles, I liked him better on "Somethin' Else" better than I did on KOB; that was an album led by Cannonball Adderly.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1UUziUYXlZQ

I was stranded and up the proverbial creek, when a very attractive lady offered me shelter; absolutely nothing romantic, just shelter. If there was ever anyone into Miles, it was her; she must have had every album he put out up until that time. I especially remember "Round Midnight", every time I hear it, I can see that photograph of him on the cover with shades, you know the one;

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GIgLt7LAZF0

When I hear "On Green Street", I can see her face, and hear her voice; it was soft and lilting, never in a hurry.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xGVdAlxlp18

We spent the day playing nothing but Miles albums. Her pad was dark, except for a red light that shined on the record player. We became close friends after that encounter; platonic friends I might add.

Since that time, I've observed that women who're into jazz always like Miles; they find the sound of his trumpet very alluring.

Enjoy the music.

KOB is kind of like the Sgt. Pepper of jazz, in regards to its influence on things to come. That does not make it the best, but it does make it good enough to have a major influence on others, which pretty much speaks for itself in terms of importance, which is easier to quantify than artistic merit, which is nearly impossible.

Today's Listen:

Lester Young -- LESTER YOUNG-THE JAZZ GIANTS

The name says it all. A few more giants on board such as Roy Eldridge, Jo Jones, and Teddy Wilson.

Lester Young was to be my first review of Jazz in Mississippi.

Only 5 tracks. Quality over Quanity. Sort of refreshing hearing this style sax blowing. With all due respect to Bird and Trane.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R8cFxKVYC7A

Cheers

Visited my Doctor today. The Phlebotomist is a great Jazz fan. She was playing Nancy Wilson and Cannonball on her BOSE table CD Player. She is also from ST Louis.

I don't think she knew Miles, but she knows EVERYTHING about him, and his family. Where he went to high school his Mama and his Daddy etc... Calls him her 'homeboy'. :)

BTW, she says KOB is so, the best Jazz record ever!! I said yes ma'am. I don't argue with anyone holding a Hypodermic needle.

When I mentioned the Voodoo aunt, she went quiet, and just mumbled,"I don't know nothing 'bout that". :) She did know about Miles and Cicely Tyson. Every detail!

Cheers

Since the "J" word is beginning to give me a headache and run my blood pressure up, I'll refrain from writing about it for awhile. Although I have an extensive collection of "J" music that I'll continue to hear daily, for my health, the word must be avoided.

I think I'll get a little religion; Rok, here's the real deal; this is music from the holy land, not some Baptist church in Nawlins. This is music Christ and the Apostles were listening to, all the way live, not some Baptist music out of Nawlins or Mississippi, but this. The subject is the music, not the movie; the instruments chosen for this music were the same instruments they used in Christ's time.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L7-2ldzIbUQ

"Susana Baca", have I been here before? My memory ain't what it used to be. This lady has such a fascinating voice and story, that I can stand to hear again. The last time I was here, I can't remember whether I went on a solo flight or took you guys along; this time we'll go together. Her voice has such a sweet haunting quality, I could listen to it all night; which I probably will tonight.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MXo4AfC8HFY


Although I don't understand the language, my heart takes care of the translation.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xgJLLKzYFYA

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CGIZkjTDt4k

Sometimes in music, it can sound even better when you don't understand the language; music is a language of it's own, and that's universal, the music can speak for the heart and soul in a way that words alone couldn't manage; when you toss in your imagination, Susana's songs take on a magical quality.

Here is one bad version of "Harlem Nocturne", that was featured in a movie about one bad ride. "Christine" was bad to the bone.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NuvGP2_RQ50

Enjoy the music.

Interesting article about the Saxophone is the October issue of BBC Music magazine. Celebrating the 200th birthday of Adolphe Sax, the inventor of the Saxophone.

Slow acceptance into classical music, save the French Composers. Tells it's entire history, esp in Jazz.

Ronald McNair, the Astronaut, took a sax on the last CHALLENGER Mission to be the first to record new music in space. A piece composed by Jean Jarre. Of course, CHALLENGER exploded. McNair was described as "a very accomplished saxophonist". A sad day.

Cheers

The best jazz is a very rich art form; and, while obviously very different in nature than the great Classical music (and great non-music art forms) it is undoubtedly of the same stature as far as its overall artistic merit. That may seem like stating the obvious, but the point is that, just as the music itself is extremely nuanced, when it is at such a high level to begin with it deserves to be critiqued in a nuanced way. It's a matter of degree; KOB may not be the greatest jazz recording ever, but I suppose that if the "unwashed" are truly the final arbiters, then it probably deserves to be considered one of them. As far as I am concerned there is nothing like a long hot shower :-)

Audiophile insanity over KOB, makes a statement in and of it self; this alone says it ain't quite up to what it's cracked up to be; think about all the killers in your collection, and then compare them to KOB, I rest my case.

Fred Kaplan--

****He often writes about jazz and hi-fi equipment for Stereophile.*****

*****It has probably introduced more listeners (certainly audiophiles) to jazz than any other record.*****
This alone makess it suspect.

***** From 1978 to 1980, he was a foreign and defense policy adviser to Representative Les Aspin.*****
The worst Sec Defense in American history.

I guess I should have done a wiki on this guy before I posted. If he writes for Stereophile, and was involved with Les Aspin at DoD, I would not have posted it.

I guess he is another Anthony Cordesman. Jack of all trades, master of none.

I have a somewhat different take on the reason that KOB is so great.  No doubt, KOB helped usher in modal jazz, but first of all it is neither Miles' most important record nor his best.  I have always felt that one of the main things that made KOB such an important and popular recording is that it is so ACCESSIBLE.  Who can argue with its wonderful relaxed grooves, catchy but extremely simple melodies and fantastic playing?  It has probably introduced more listeners (certainly audiophiles) to jazz than any other record.  It is, no doubt, a great record; but, while I would never call it overrated, I think that there are many "better" jazz recordings.

Fred Kaplan (the author of the article) tries very hard to portray "modal jazz" as a revolutionary movement within jazz that presented players with new challenges.  It was, and it did; in a way.  Unfortunately, he also implies that the more traditional chord-based improvisation was (is) somewhat less of a challenge for players.  The suggestion that "being able to flollow the tune" within a traditional chord-based tune is somehow an indication of an "easier" or less sophisticated vehicle is absurd.  The whole truth is that modal jazz is, in most respects, an infinitely simpler framework for jazz players to work within with it's infrequent harmony changes and repetitiveness.  Sure, that kind of framework presents it's own challenges to improvisatory creativity, and it is also true that the frequently moving (changing) harmony of a traditional song structure can, in a way, be used by the player as a "crutch" since it does, in fact, "take you by the hand".  However, to instantaneously create an interesting and dynamic melody, and without resorting to cliches, within the framework of complex harmonic changes is an infinitely greater challenge than what most of modal jazz presents the player.

KOB is a great record; like a perfect hamburger.  Aged sirloin, anyone?:

https://m.youtube.com/?#/watch?v=kufiFzdrX-0

What we always wanted to know, but were afraid to ask. Now we know.

http://www.slate.com/articles/arts/music_box/2009/08/kind_of_blue.html

Cheers

****In regard to your current picks, while Oscar Peterson is Mr. piano, he always played too many notes for me,*****

That puts him right up there with Mozart!! Not bad company.
I guess some players don't consider 'silence' to be part of the music. Miles did.

Cheers

Well, just keep on pushing those soundwave folks. The day will come when Real Jazz will no longer be available, and the Soundwave Police will have confiscated all your Jazz collections and melted them down.

When that day comes, don't come running down here to my Jazz Bunker, begging for a few bars of Basie, or a couple measures of Miles.

Don't come running to the Rok then!!

Let's allow Miss Nina to tell it. She tells it so good!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QH3Fx41Jpl4

Cheers

Roking Horse. Not bad. :)

I took the horse to the water, but he did not drink; that's because he was a Roking horse, and Roking horses don't drink.

Enjoy the music.

Rok, although I'm overwhelmed at the offer of an invitation to join you and Wynton, since the music did quite well before you and Wynton decided to save it, I don't think my help will make much difference; however, I'll consider this an official invitation and frame it.

Enjoy the music.

****it's just that my mind went from one thing to another; kind of like "Dis, Dat, and De udder"****

It's call Attention Deficit Disorder.

O-10, after reading your post I am not sure what Jazz 'camp' you are in. Are you saying current Jazz is too inclusive, tolerant and accepting, or not inclusive enough?

You are welcome to join Wynton and me, at "Save Our Music"!!:)

Cheers

Arabian Jazz:

I guess all things are possible.

Interesting read.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arabic_music

She tries to distance herself, and her music from the West(USA), while playing it. Very amusing.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wuj8lrE-9Qs

Not bad. At least it sounds Mid-Eastern. Mostly.:) And they do have a sax player.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ETpmy_UFdzc

Cheers

Chris Hogwood died yesterday. Some of the oldest CDs I have, are of him conducting The Academy of Ancient Music. Mozart Symphonies. Another one that I was introduced to by Stereo Review.

Cheers

Ulf Wakenius (Sweden)

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=vie9JAEn9HA

Martial Solal (France)

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=W5vGEYcchHg

Enrico Rava (Italy)

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=Yn2jtfDxtLo
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=1kVsPCOSK2E

Peter King (England)

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=4ONRiILAp4I
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=KckCnEHoD5g

Tete Montoliu (Spain)

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=hfj8Ks9pU3s&list=PLF6F365A48456A794
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=o1WGZVYxXkU

Arild Anderson (Norway)

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=7t8pbpowPBA

Bobo Stenson (Sweden)

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=BPTS2SSTGrg

Tomasz Stanko (Poland)

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=H51xGk0lMwk&list=PL4976F3C1B767450C

The problem with "current" jazz is that somebody defined what jazz had to sound like in order for it to be "jazz", and that's what shot the horse in the leg. "You know what they do to horses don't ya". Who might I ask gave anyone the authority to define jazz.

When I was restricted to FM radio, and current jazz for 3 days, it sounded good the first day, not too bad the second day, by the third day I wanted to throw the radio out the window; that's because the 3rd day sounded too much like the first day. Maybe the guy who defined jazz does not have the required originality to come up with something new that sounds good himself.

While I stated one problem with current jazz, it suffers from the same problem as the entire globe has "not enough money". I also find that when an individual's personal financial situation is secure, he can't understand other financial situations that are not secure. More people are on wobbly financial ground than at any time in my life, and that's because each successive administration plays with the numbers to make himself look good, and that's been going on for 30 years.

No, No, No, I absolutely do not want to go into a debate about these things, it's just that my mind went from one thing to another; kind of like "Dis, Dat, and De udder"

In regard to your current picks, while Oscar Peterson is Mr. piano, he always played too many notes for me, besides that, I'm in the "Hard Bop" camp; never the less I'm also a a big "Clean Head" fan, saw him live, and that was when people went to a night club to see one of his favorite jazz musician.

Duke Ellington and Count Basie were just too much for words. Although I was never a big band fan, I got to have that; it's on order. For me, it captured a time gone by when I was too young to go to night clubs, and when I heard something like this on the radio, I wanted to speed time up, now I want to reverse it.

Enjoy the music.

Today's Listen:

Lest we forget what the real thing sounds like. When Oscar brings his A-game, he is without peer. This CD, is his A-Game. "Cleanhead" plays Alto only. No vocals. :(

Oscar Peterson -- OSCAR PETERSON+HARRY EDISON+EDDIE"CLEANHEAD" VINSON

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZCX7oHbyNVU

Ellington & Basie -- DUKE ELLINGTON MEETS COUNT BASIE

I have had this one a while. Just received a SACD copy. The Basie and Ellington playing together. What else is there to say? Priceless banter during the recording session!! Also the pictures in the booklet are wonderful.

Can there be a better job in music than playing Trumpet in the Ellington or Basie Band????

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lLaxVQvwcOI

Cheers

The Ulf Clip:

Nice playing. My problem is, I just can't form a mental picture of this type performance. I can SEE Mingus and Miles etc... along with hearing them. I guess you like him because, along with you and Spike Jones, he shares the same tailor.

Cheers

The Youn Sun Nah clip was great. Really enjoyed it. BUT, the visual part was crucial to enjoying it. Not so sure I would like an entire CD of her. But watching and hearing her do her thing was great.

A duet with Bobby McFerrin would be very interesting. Throw in Jon Hendricks and we would have a BIG BAND!!

Cheers

*****That Japanese jazz was too stereotypical for me, it sounds like something I've heard a thousand and one times.***

No kidding? It could be because they imitate very well. But I am determined to push on. After we circumvent the globe, you might come to agree with me, that Jazz, nowadays, only has two legitimate sources, The US and Cuba. Most of the rest, is just soundwave generation.

Cheers

Here's a brand new album that just came out (strange name) where's he from? His mama dressed him funny too. (Rok, made me do it.) Ulf's music is quite interesting, I think it could stand more than one listen; what do you think?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t17xCUqPf6k

That Japanese jazz was too stereotypical for me, it sounds like something I've heard a thousand and one times.

Enjoy the music.

Jazz in the Land of the Rising Sun.

These folks are great at taking foreign things and ideas and making, or doing them even better. Did they succeed in Jazz?

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Japanese_jazz

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MiZW9SJfVwc

I actually own this one.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7BpQcwe4ncs

Cheers

Speaking of Vietnamese: Several weeks ago, here at FT Hood, the US Army promoted it's first Vietnamese-American to the rank of General. In the First Cavalry Division!!! How times change.

This is the best current jazz I've been able to find; I'm looking forward to your critical analysis of this one.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UgKMdqSUkKc

Enjoy the music.

Ok, so Cuong got 1 out of 10 right, nobody's perfect. If you even hang with a jazz musician, you have to beat women off, he must not be using the right deodorant. (I didn't say that) Talk about scraping the barrel for jazz musicians, they done it this time.

Enjoy the music.

Cuong Vu does not represent the future. Frankly, I am astounded that so much attention was given to a minimal talent and so much time given to his thoughts and opinions; which proved to be musically sophomoric, vapid and predictable at best. I believe that the reason that this interview even took place is nothing more than political correctness run amuck ("the Vienamese refugee who now plays "jazz"). Media manipulation is often a much worse enemy of art than artists themselves.

And please, if you dislike the trumpet so much, stop playing the damn thing!

O-10:

*****Cuong Vu got it right about Wynton and Miles according to me;******

I agree to a point. However, in making the statement about Miles and Wynton ,Cuong Vu, kicked himself right out the musical genre called JAZZ!

Because, if he is not pushing the edge like Miles, or keeping the flame, like Wynton, what is he doing?

And when he said that Miles only succeeded to a degree, because he and his music was not as well known as the Beatles or some other rocker, I really lost respect for him. And then the comment about the Miles clip not getting 'chicks'. He is a lightweight. This boy does not understand Jazz.

He also seemed to put down 'swing' and The 'Blues' in Jazz. His musical education is lacking. I thought overall he showed great disrepect for the music and the people who play it. He won't go far. A niche player at best.

The interview changed my opinion of him. Just another noise maker in the making.

The interview should be REQUIRED watching for all Jazz lovers. It demonstrates the peril our music is really in. If he represents the future, it ain't bright!!

Cheers

****You wouldn't be referring to Miles aunt, "Madam Corrine", would you?*****

The one and the same. Otherwise know as The OP's goto adviser on all things Jazz.

****"Terje Rypdal"; he takes you to the "Misty Mid Region of Weir*****

I wish I could go there.

****I'm finding interesting African Culture that probably existed before slavery; besides unique rhythms, each village had different dances. ******

There is a lot more to African history than just slavery. Let's just leave Jazz out of it.

I was thinking, Before the guys around Nawlins came up with Jazz, it did not exist ANYWHERE in the world. The next day seems as if it existed EVERYWHERE in the world. Must be one of them phenomenals.

Cheers

Cuong Vu got it right about Wynton and Miles according to me; he is preaching the gospel of Orpheus, although his music has yet to reflect the gospel of Orpheus.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=46T4YEyX1d8

Enjoy the music.

Rok, our collections are a treasure indeed. Although I've been searching and not finding, it's my nature to search, and I'll continue; at least I'm finding interesting African Culture that probably existed before slavery; besides unique rhythms, each village had different dances.

You wouldn't be referring to Miles aunt, "Madam Corrine", would you?

Enjoy the music.

Named in Honor of the Voodoo Priestess.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y7eeb1MTkUY

Check Wynton at around 4:30. he ain't blowing, he's talking!!

Cheers

O-10:

After viewing all your clips, it seems as if young folks are searching for something. The next BIG thing? They seem to be all over the place / map.

My question with it all is, where is the body of work? We hear just a few notes, and we know it's Morgan or Trane or Mingus. With this modern stuff, do these guys have an Identity? A style, a sound, some musical pedigree?

Suppose "Song for my Father" was the ONLY tune we were aware that Silver wrote. Trane did "Giant Steps" and was never heard from again. That's how I preceive the modern 'Jazz'. A few nice tunes here and there, but no body of work. Of course, it could just be that I need to get out more. :)

Thanks for the clips. Interesting stuff. The guy from Nam shows promise.

All this makes me treasure my CDs even more. How lucky we all are, to have been able to see and hear the Masters.

Cheers