Frogman, thanks for putting my very same thoughts so eloquently into words.
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.
31,719 responses Add your response
***** I choose to define what I heard as "Blah".***** Well, we agree. But I didn't think it rose to the level of "Blah". There was a time when Countries and societies and Cultures developed without outside influences or interference. Those days are long gone. With communications and travel being what they are these days, the Africans, and any other Third World country, have no chance of developing any music(Jazz) that is 'purely' Indigenous. And lets not forget the influence of MONEY. Cheers |
The article's author uses the term "jazz" very very loosely; absurdly so. From that standpoint, I would agree that the article is "nonsense" and what he describes as "jazz" bears little resemblance to what we consider jazz. The author concedes this point: ****Generally, African jazz is much more closely related to African folk/classical music than African American jazz is**** Personally, I am not very bothered by the appropriation of the name "jazz" because I understand that for many (especially outside America) the term jazz refers simply to a music that (just as American culture in general) is an amalgam of many cultural influences; and with a dose of the requisite element of improvisation. The main problem with this music ("African jazz") for me is that I just don't think it's very good; it's not very sophisticated nor developed. The farther it gets from the indigenous, the weaker it seems to be. I think a key to understanding (at least conceptually) the previously discussed question of the African influence in American jazz may be found in some of this music and the search for the reverse: the influence of American jazz in African music ("jazz"?). The African influence in American jazz may be perceived as, at best, subtle to the point of insignificance if one doesn't understand cross-cultural influences in art at a very fundamental level. We tend to look for (listen) for obvious signs in order to say "aha! there's the influence"; ain't gonna happen that way. When I listen to a clip like the one above by the South African "jazz legend" (give me a break!) what I hear is third rate or, at best, second rate "smooth jazz" as we know it here in America. BUT, there are subtle signs that let me hear a direct connection (influence) to indigenous African music and tell me these are not American musicians playing this music. There is a unique flavor to the rhythmic feel of the music as well as an "accent" in the harmonic vocabulary of the improvisations that are telltale and are obvious connections to the indigenous music of the players' culture. Unfortunately, the overall effect is, for me, not very convincing. If I were to HAVE to listen to this sort of thing there are far better examples on smooth jazz radio stations or elevators to be heard. I don't think that "African jazz" is a good example of the state of jazz outside the USA. There is a lot of good (sophisticated and well developed) jazz happening outside America. Why there is not credible jazz happening in Africa may be the result of the overriding rhythm-centric nature of their indigenous music (almost devoid of sophisticated harmony or melody) while European music's main contribution to the amalgam of "jazz" is in the realm of harmony and melody while still containing a strong rhythmic element; although different in nature than that which was African music's main influence on jazz. So, it follows that in Europe there were fewer conceptual elements to overcome for American jazz to be a significant influence. https://m.youtube.com/#/watch?v=06_uCl_Bovs |
Everything you always wanted to know about African Jazz, and then some. I think the entire article is non-sense, but, judge for yourselves. I think that as they begin to develop and play western instruments, the influence from America was just too much. http://www.africanjazz.info/faq.html These are african guys playing, but is it really African Jazz? I will leave the answer up to our OP, who is an expert on all foreign forms of 'Jazz'. There may be better examples on youtube. More indigenous type music(jazz). http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xwHhKRnravs Cheers |
O-10: The French clip was good. But the truth is, when it comes to music, there is European Classical music, American Pop, and American Jazz. Everything else, sort of pales in comparison. I listen to this today. From CD5 of the 100 Best of the 1950's. I still reach for it often. That box set could be the only Jazz a person needs. :) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FU1hm7KlfT8 Cheers |
Rok, now we're going around the world, I don't play. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0bsnZcamJB0 Enjoy the music. |
Rok, that disease you got is contagious, and I done caught it; here we are in Nam. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6lJ8mWe9sGY Ain't no telling where next, maybe back to Mali. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vEWd01Oe3WI Check the little girl at about 3:28 in the black dress with pink bands around it; after watching them dance for just seconds, she's really into it. African music and dance are like meat and potatoes, you can't have one without the other. Enjoy the music. |
How about a little French jazz, like "Last Tango In Paris" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vl214Pq2OfU&list=PL109085F224DAAD97&index=2 Enjoy the music. |
O-10: *****and I'm allergic to what I call "High Class Culture".***** Well, you may call it 'high Class', but there is nothing 'high class' about it. Just a different genre of music. Of course the snobs have tried to make it their own, and keep the masses out. They are begining to see the folly of that attitude. Cheers |
O-10: My Finns were cooking!! Your Norwegian did not!! The music was pleasant, soothing, and possibly even sleep inducing? I think this is called soundscape stuff. The word JAZZ just does not seem to fit in any description. I thought of the first Star Trek Movie. A lot of visual stuff(too much really) accompanied by this type music. I got the impression it was all just filler to make the movie a certain length. The last tune had no dynamic range, and seem to end when they just stopped playing. No beginning, no middle, no end. Also no melody. At least to my ear. This stuff is popular so i will concede it must be me. After all, 263 Norwegians can't be wrong. :) I loved HEAT. I will have to watch it again and listen to the soundtrack. For such an intense movie I would not have thought this type music would be the soundtrack. I have several ECM albums. Mostly Jarrett. DeJohnette seems to be on all these type albums. Is he some sort of specialist in this type music? How did you get the 'o' thingy in Bjørnstad?? BTW, I was listening to Grieg's Symphonic Dances, when I opened your post. Norway in the air. Cheers |
Rok, since you took Finland, I'll take Norway, and begin with "Terje Rypdal". He was born 23 August 1947 in Oslo, Norway, is a Norwegian guitarist and composer. Most of his music has been released on albums of the German record label ECM. Rypdal has collaborated both as a guitarist and as a composer with other ECM artists such as Ketil Bjørnstad and David Darling. Over the years, he has been an important member in the Norwegian jazz community. The son of a composer and orchestra leader, Rypdal studied classical piano and trumpet as a child, and then taught himself to play guitar as he entered his teens. Starting out as a Hank Marvin-influenced rock guitarist with The Vanguards, Rypdal turned towards jazz in 1968 and joined Jan Garbarek's group and later George Russell's sextet and orchestra. An important step towards international attention was his participation in the free jazz festival in Baden-Baden, Germany in 1969, where he was part of a band led by Lester Bowie. During his musical studies at Oslo university and conservatory, he led the orchestra of the Norwegian version of the musical Hair. He has often been recorded on the ECM record label, both jazz-oriented material and classical compositions. His compositions "Last Nite" and "Mystery Man" were featured in the Michael Mann film Heat, and included on the soundtrack of the same name. Since I recently broke a stylus, I can't review what I have on my ECM albums, but here's what I found on You tube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HiZ6YuIrj54 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CttBw2tcrB0 This music refreshed my memory of Terje; I'll let you comment first. Enjoy the music. |
Acman, your post is exactly what I was expecting. After my last move, none of my tube gear was working. Previously, I had sold an Audiolab preamp, and the guy I sold it to, said there was nothing wrong with it, but it didn't quite suite his taste, and asked for his money back; I obliged and that turned out most fortuitous, because it was the only thing working after the move. Do what you can when you can, we'll understand. Enjoy the music. |
O-10, I am sorry to say ,I know very little about African jazz. I am a huge Dollar Brand/ Abdullah Ibrihim fan. I still have not found time to even research the issue of African jazz. Things are settling in a little, and it seems like an interesting topic, but I can't guarantee anything in the next few days. Do what you thick is best. |
Our first stop on the OP's road to internationalize OUR precious music. Today we will explore the history of Jazz in that Hotbed of Bebop, Finland! Listen to the youtube before you sneer. Read the link to "The History of Jazz in Finland", then listen to the music link. They have come a long way. I could buy this CD. Very Good IMHO. http://www.jazzpoparkisto.net/finnish_jazz.php http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q3ClOE_idE4 Cheers |
I love this parade. This year it Honors all soldiers that fought in the first world war, on all sides. I think France has a larger percentage of women in their militrary than any other western country. And what Foxes they are! What does this have to do with Jazz? Google, LT Jimmy Europe, US Army. He may have introduced Jazz to France, esp Paris. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rGMcUaUkDmg Cheers |
Rok, you and I both have shortcomings we'll have to live with, and accept. You have Attention Deficit Disorder, and I'm allergic to what I call "High Class Culture". You just go with the flow, and make your usual contributions; country by country sounds good. I'll wait for Acman's input, sum it all up, and lead the parade. Enjoy the music. |
O-10: You know that when it comes to music I suffer from Attention Deficit Disorder. For instance this is my current favorite tune. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dp74hbMy2MA I will try to contribute in any direction you guys want to go. I am not that much into the Third world stuff. I think because I am not aware of any track record of the artists. But as the man said, "I will endeavor to persevere". :) You Aficionados lead, I will follow. Cheers |
Learsfool: ****Which Ella and Basie album are you listening to?***** It's titled "Ella and Basie". All tunes arranged by Quincy Jones. I like it, but not as much as the Ellington Songbook. For one thing the last 6 tracks consist of two verions of "My Last Affair" and FOUR(4) tracks of the tune "Robbins Nest". That's silly. The CD does include the song "On the Sunny Side of The Street". But I do not have the CD by that name. But, she is impeccable as always. Even singing the same song four times in a row!! I have several of her 'songbooks' and "A Perfect Match / Ella and Basie", and also the Birthday CD from Rome. As you said, it's awesome. Cheers |
Rok, I agree 100% on the Ella/Ellington thing. All of Ella's songbook recordings are fantastic. Which Ella and Basie album are you listening to? If it is On the Sunny Side of the Street, it is one of my very favorites. Another favorite of hers would be the 40th Birthday concert, from Rome. If you haven't heard that, you need to! |
Acman, although I wanted you to lead the parade this time, I know how stressful even a big move up can be to an audiophile, so I don't know if you can honor my request, but here's how it would have went; I believe you collect jazz from Africa, that would be in the category of new, or relatively unknown. Hugh Masekela and Miriam Makeba would be excluded in this category because they're so well known, and what we want are relatively unknown or new musicians. Since you'll be leading the parade, other categories you like would be optional as well, but what I'm trying to do is keep us all in the same category, even if for a short while. Rok, if you have any suggestions that will keep us in the same category for a short while, I would be glad to hear them. Enjoy the music. |
O-10: Today's Listen: Ella Fitzgerald -- SINGS THE DUKE ELLINGTON SONGBOOK 2 CD SET. CD1 is her singing with small group backing. CD2 is her with the Ellington Band. The small group was more to my liking, but both are flawless. This woman has COMPLETE control of her voice. Every time she goes down into the lower register I brace for a Billie Holiday type moment. No cracking here, she gets down there with authority. No coming down to it, or up to it, she just nails it! It's amazing how in the middle of a well known Ellington tune she will just change it, as if she is saying, "well Duke, you could have done this" and just change the pace and rhythm of the song. It's amazing. On the number "Rockin' in Rhythm" with the Ellington band, she does not sing, she plays Sax. :) Amazing! Everyone, who is anyone, is on board. Including: Ben Webster, Paul Gonsalves, Snuff Smith, Johnny Hodges, Cat Anderson, Clark terry, Dizzy, Duke, Strayhorn, Oscar Peterson, Barney kessel, Ray brown and Sam Woodyard. You gotta have it. Next up, is "Ella and Basie". Got them both today. The entire CD is on youtube. Check it out Cheers |
No Rok, his aunt, not his mama; Miles don't play that; you'll have them coming back after me. I'll wake up in the middle of the night, and there him and his aunt Corrine will be standing in the middle of the room looking mean, and bad. (glad we got that straightened out) I'll get back to you on the Herby Mann CD's Enjoy the music. |
O-10: The Herbie mann clip was very nice. I had not heard of that album before. I see where Mann has Two Eight Albums Sets on Amazon. Probably the best way to get his stuff. Most of what I have is on LP. Only one CD. The guy playing the string instrument? Not my cup of tea. Miles' Mama was a voodoo priestess? No wonder the boy went Sinbad on us. Cheers |
O-10: The singer in Mali. Nice tune and dancing. Sounded repetitious, mainly due to the fact that it was. Seems to be the norm in Third World countries. I wonder why that is? I was half-way thru it before I realized this is a music Video and not some NAT-GEO amateur type thingy. The dancing was just a little too Choreographed. They were really into it! Some of the 'comments' said she was the best singer in Mali. Makes me apprecitrate even more, the abundance of talent in this country. Cheers |
I'm on a roll Rok, "Git down Charlie Brown"! boogie with a beat. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vEWd01Oe3WI A man and his oud; "Oud you excuse me while I go find my oud". https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DLfpyWDOjzY&list=PLTFHVBXgpQpa5VPsACI1WdE-pYzLkjdo5 Did I ever tell you about "The Oud and The Pussycat". https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mkF_z9aumVM Not one written note or word, and the music is the same in New Orleans, and Brazil, as it was hundreds of years ago in Dahomey. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lb8DlC3utYE Miles aunt, who was a kind of Voodoo queen, thought he was weird, because as soon he walked into her office, she started lighting candles and smoking voodoo cigarettes. "Ain't that a bitch; she thought I was weird"; quote, the very normal Miles. Enjoy the music |
This is my favorite by the Young Holt Unlimited; https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oJ4rTHHZyv0 Enjoy the music. |
Rok, I got religion! Unfortunately, you have to dance, and I've never been much of a stepper, but I'm catching on. They're taking 45 RPM records, and playing them at 33, just for me; in a year or two I'll be up to speed. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o86Y1xgbKmQ[\url] [url]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QRNEVAzaX9s This is the lousiest sound quality I've ever heard, but the music is poppin. [url]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JPG7KGa9fsg>https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QRNEVAzaX9s>https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o86Y1xgbKmQ[\url] [url]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QRNEVAzaX9s This is the lousiest sound quality I've ever heard, but the music is poppin. [url]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JPG7KGa9fsg Enjoy the music. |
Rok, I know exactly why I talk to you and I have made it perfectly clear; no need to wonder here. Sorry you don't appreciate my motivation. You can proceed as you please and ignore whatever you wish. I won't actively ignore anything posted here including your posts as long as I continue to participate or unless I want to ignore it; seems too childish to me and frankly I am not personally invested in any of this and neither should you be. Why you find anything I may have said more offensive than some of you have said is just one the mysteries of our interaction. Alas. Cheers BTW, try that Clave exercise. Takes a little practice, but really helps understand rhythm. |
I'm sure Bolero could be programmed perfectly. Where's Mr. Synergy Larry Fast when you need him? He's just the guy for the task. |
The Frogman: Well we can simplify this. Lets just not talk to each other. Then you will not be in danger or being brought down to my level. And you won't have to wonder why you talk to me.Then you, and all your 'supporters', can rest easy. You ignore my posts and I will ignore yours. I will address anything I have to say to O-10. And with just two, we might as well go to emails. See how easy that was? Cheers |
A perfect Bolero. I got the flute thingy. HOWEVER, music is not about perfection. It's about enjoyment. Muti himself looked as if he had overdosed on something. And at 8:00, the shot is of Muti, but in the background you can see a person fighting to stay awake. The Terra cotta soldiers, eeerrr I mean the audience, was typical German. Everyone sitting at the position of attention. As were the players. A great CD of Bolero. For live performances, give me the Proms any day. Informal, youth oriented and fun based. It's like a Rock Fest for Classical music. I will take a less than perfect Bolero, with 9 hot spainish babes dancing, anytime. I think the Trombone 'blew' his opening note on one of my Boleros. But who noticed? That Bolero was sensual. For CD playing, I take the Germans. For seeing and hearing I take the Proms. Imperfections be damned. /#/ this appears in the link that you sent. I have to delete #/ and then it works, with just the single / otherwise it just goes to the Youtube home page. Cheers |
O-10: The dancers: Awesome energy. The problem I have with this type dancing is that I am not sure the music and the dancing is connected in any way. The clip with the drummers and girls dancing, it seems as if she or even the drummers could have done something entirely different, and it would not have made any difference. It could be that I just couldn't hear the connection. I do admit, that when it comes to dancing, to having a bias against all things African. Real or imitation. Cheers |