Rok, just under the box where you post your response it tells you how to use "mark up tags".
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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O-10, I understand your stance. I think it all comes down to vocabulary. You want to hear the jazz language you love, but it constantly is changing. If you miss or ignore a generation the language gets further and further away from what you want to hear. The influence of NEW music has its effect on young musicians who are not living in the vacuum we created for ourselves. Then all of a sudden the language on even standards, we are very familiar with, sound foreign. I do give you much props for not saying new musicians suck, but understanding you just like the old language. |
After experiencing so much failure in regard to new music and new people, I'm resigned to the past; thanks to "you tube", that's been quite pleasurable. When I go back in time, I also discover very pleasant, long ago forgotten memories; consequently, it's a win win. Your analysis from a musicians perspective also adds something brand new to old music. There are so many fantastic cuts from "The Crusaders" in this era, I don't know where to stop; they even make "Eleanor Rigsby" brand new. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j0Jb72PZAls https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6G5YxVx__rU Enjoy the music. |
Typo alert!!! It is at 3:05 that Jug quotes "Flight Of The Bumblebee", not 1:05. Sorry. O-10, The Crusaders was going to be my next mention. They came to mind when I mentioned the trombone/tenor front line on the Bennie Green clip. I was very into that group back in college; a time when jazz was being bastardized by some and by the influence of rock and electric music. They were always able to incorporate the "new " sound and not stray too far from the spirit of jazz. I love their sound, and boy does it bring back memories! |
Very nice clip! I love the sound of tenor and trombone fronting the band. First solo is definitely "Jug" (Gene Ammons). He's got that big robust sound and that distinctive slightly nasal quality (in a good sense) in the upper register of the horn. I am not very familiar with Billy Root's playing. Players sometimes like to "quote" other tunes in their solos. This cracked me up: at 1:05 Jug quotes, of all things, "The Flight Of The Bumblebee". Gotta love it. |
I'm falling in love with these trombones all over again; here's one by the "Jazz Crusaders" featuring Wayne Henderson on trombone, it's titled "Young Rabbits". https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hA7f9HIXox4 Enjoy the music. |
Frogman, I can certainly see why "Slide" is one of your favorite trombone players; like you say, he's got the "tromboniest" sounding trombone. Without a doubt, he will be added to the collection. That's probably how he got the nickname "Slide". There are times when I wasn't sure whether or not I was listening to a trumpet or trombone, now I know why; Bill Watrous's trombone sounds somewhat like a trumpet, that does require a lot of speed, both of these guys will be added. Bennie Green is probably my favorite trombone player, that's because "Soul Stirrin" is one of my favorite tunes. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7aeVlQtsaFE Can you identify who's blowing that first sax solo. Although I've got the LP, there are two tenors; Billy Root, and Gene Ammons, that's why I can't tell who's blowing the first solo. While I'm certainly familiar with "Jug", this might be the only album I've got "Billy Root" on. Can you shed some light on this? Enjoy the music. |
O-10, all that you posted re Urbie Green is true. He is a great player and one who could play in any setting. Not really a stylistic innovator, but definitely one who pushed the envelope as far as what what possible to do on the trombone; an instrument that puts certain technical limitations on the player due to the absence of keys or valves. JJ Johnson, on the other hand, was definitely a stylistic innovator who pushed trombone playing's harmonic reach into the realm of trumpet and saxophone players with a more modern rhythmic style and grasp of harmonic language. This is apparent in this clip which also features the mentioned Al Grey; another great player, but one for whom the technical limitations of the instrument are still obvious. As great as his playing was, in Grey's improvisations one can hear much more of a swing (as opposed to bebop) approach to improvisation and a reliance on "effects" such as glissandos (slides) and the use of a mute which are all throwbacks to his Count Basie days and, reaching further back, the role of the trombone in early jazz or Dixieland. This is certainly not a criticism as his playing was certainly very exciting, but it is obvious that he "generalizes" the chord changes of the tune while JJ makes each chord change obvious and musically logical. The rhythmic feel of each is also worth noting with Grey playing with an upbeat closer to the downbeat which gives the playing a jauntier and, arguably, less relaxed feeling; all throwbacks to a less modern style. https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=xuDtYLSlwgM One of my favorites has always been Slide Hampton. A modern player with an advanced harmonic language but whose tone always says "trombone!", being robust without sounding like a lower pitched trumpet. https://m.youtube.com/watch?list=PLxpFcEqKLShkNXTwVII-KCS10cZ4PuaP3&v=VxF_6MKiuTA Here he is with another great; Bill Watrous (first solo) who took the trombone's technical reach even further. Not long ago it was unthinkable that a trombone player might be able to play with that kind of technical facility and speed which obviously lends itself well to bebop, but requires the player to play more lightly; arguably making the instrument lose some of its characteristic growl. https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=hDj3k6k8mRw |
O-10: Nice tune and playing on the Johnson clip. Never did get into trombone as a lead instrument. They always sounded muffled to my ear. That is, except when playing music from Nawlins, or in big bands. Not the best choice for Bop. I have 4 CDs by Johnson. I like them more for the personnel playing with him, than I do for his playing.None I have are worthy of submission. The one you send was great. Maybe because of the Fox on piano!! Cheers |
Since I'm on Trombones, how about J. J. Johnson. Although you don't get the best music, these "You tubes" are almost as good as going to a live set because you get the best seat in the house. I'll leave it to you guys to submit the best music by J. J. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MKAd2sogy9w Enjoy the music. |
In the sprit of Trane! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E8LQoV-uUW0 |
Here's someone we haven't touched on much, "Urbie Green", known as the “trombonist’s trombonist,” is one of the true greats of jazz, among the elite of the world’s trombone players. Urbie Green has toured with Woody Herman, Gene Krupa and Frankie Carle and has been cited numerous times in Down Beat magazine’s annual critics awards. Green has also established an extensive career as a free-lance trombonist for recording artists such as Count Basie, Frank Sinatra, Leonard Bernstein, Louis Armstrong and others. He has approximately 30 albums under his own name, appeared in the film version of The Benny Goodman Story and appears at major jazz festivals. Lately his solo career has taken him around the world three times in as many years. Urbie’s collaboration with Martin design engineers has led to innovations in the comfort of the hand brace and slide, an improved water hole with a curved key that empties easily in one turn rather than several shakes, and a goose neck that is chrome-plated to prevent players’ clothing from becoming marked by brass. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6-Q30Zq3IHU Enjoy the music. |
Frogman, that is definitely one of my favorite albums by "Trane", and here is one of my favorite cuts: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5m2HN2y0yV8 Enjoy the music. |
Rok, although I know what you mean in regard to Miles and Trane, here's something quite different from the standard Trane you might like, and even get in the mood for from time to time. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qmr33FfhnHY Enjoy the music. |
O-10: Great clips. A small portion of those scenes are in the JAZZ dvd. I remember the women in the boxcar. I knew I had heard that song before. Racked my puny brain and remembered. It's on a Aaron Neville CD, "Warm Hearts" I believe. This is the version of 'Louisiana 1927' that I have. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EyfvnM4Grik Thanks for the clips. Cheers |
Rok, you mentioned the flood but you didn't show any pictures. Here are some pictures and music. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tBfYmxrULlQ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3EV4xdgPIVo Enjoy the music. |
O-10: The CDs and Artist I sometimes have a urge to hear are: Oscar Peterson -- GIRL TALK esp like his version of 'on a clear day' contained on this CD. I paid a lot to get this one on CD. Awesome cover photo. Mingus -- OH YEAH Contains 'hog calling blues'. I have to hear that at least weekly. Wynton Marsalis -- MARSALIS & CLAPTON PLAY THE BLUES exquisite arrangments and playing. Esp on Clarinet and Trumpet. Wynton is not Armstrong, but hell, who is? But, he comes closer than anyone ever has. Anything by Morgan and Silver. I never have the urge to hear Miles or Trane. Interesting. Cheers |
More from Episode Three: The first Jazz scat. Armstrong says his music score fell off the stand so he just improvised. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ksmGt2U-xTE Sad story of Bix Beiderbecke. Shows that segregation cut both ways. Had to jam with Louis behind locked doors. Artie Shaw had some interesting comments about the near absurdity(my word), of trying to get sounds from his head out of a piece of wood with holes drilled in it. "Rarely happened, but when it did, it was better than sex!" Might have been what the guys in Nica's book meant when they said "I wish I could play what's in my head" Could the instrument be the main obstacle in music? Dramatic shots of the Mississippi river flood in 1927. Down there it's called '27 highwater'. My mom loaded sandbags on the levee. Shows how much the instruments themselves have changed over the years. The trumpets seemed much longer in length. Some HUGE saxophones. A man could crawl in the bell. Cheers |
****Then the Music professor said "that is the most perfect three minutes of music I have ever heard". Notice, he said perfect MUSIC, not JAZZ. Interesting.**** Interesting, indeed. Having known and spoken to more music professors than I can remember, I can say with confidence that this is a testament to the simple fact that they tend to listen to and consider music in a way that has no boundaries. They approach it with a sense of universality. At the core, the most fundamental values of music (dare I say it? the ....naah) , the most important components, are essentially the same for all genres. To refer to it as MUSIC instead of as JAZZ is the highest praise possible. The comment is also interesting because that comment is also sometimes attributed to Giddins himself; and, in fact, he has said as much without mention of "the professor". Additionally, the tune "West End Blues" is sometimes described, perhaps as a result of that anecdote, as having "perfect architecture". Bottom line, Louis Armstrong is the subject of all this; a testament to his greatness. |
At different times I'm able to hear different artists. Today is a good Brubeck day; I can hear him, Paul, and the rest of the crew as good as the day I bought them. The submissions by "Satch" sounded exceptionally well. Since I'm not a fan of the music from his era, that's unusual. I think it's primarily because of the cuts that were submitted. After all these years, I don't have much by him, but I can see, (or in this case"hear") that needs to be rectified. It's a very good day for "Don Cherry", this is what I'm listening to at the moment. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zGKk4goM2Qk No, this is not about any artist in particular, it's about how my ability to hear any given artist changes from day to day. Enjoy the music. |
I had a pair of Polk LSI 15's in my living room around 2006 for a 3 day tryout. i choose to get Joseph Audio speakers, but I was only using an AV receiver with the Polk's. I thought the LSI was better than my old Polk SDA's, but I wanted a more transparent sound and moved on. By the time I decided on the Josephs I had a much better Krell integrated, so it's hard to say exactly what you are hearing. I think your love of the Bey Sisters has more to do with what you REALLY like, and what others in this case find OK. No big deal, just enjoy! |
O-10: ***** I believe you've sold the Beys as well as they can sold in this room.***** The Bey's music speaks for itself. Does not need selling. But, as you pointed out, I speak French and all of you speak Spanish, so agreement is futile. Listen to it again. The very words used to state what the Sisters lack, are the exact words that could be used to describe their brilliance. Something is wrong. Maybe those wussy high-end speakers you people listen to, can't capture the essence of the Sisters. Is an upgrade in order? May I recommend POLK? Pops had Polks. I think. :) Speaking of French: Sidney Bechet, was involved in a gunfight in Paris back in the 1920's, as a result of an argument over chord changes. Wounded two. This was in the middle of Paris in broad daylight! That's when Jazz was Jazz!!! :) Who has that kind of passion these days? Cheers |
Rok, as I stated before, "Frogman has a way with words". He certainly expressed my thoughts in regard to both Charlie Ventura and the Beys. I believe you've sold the Beys as well as they can sold in this room. Acman, I never thought about it, but I do recall that music from looking at early cartoons; it's amazing how much jazz is on "cartoons", you can also find Chico Hamilton. Frogman, this is the first time anyone has put the music I love into a "musical perspective"; that makes it fresh and new. Although I've been around a lot of musicians, they never talked music from a musicians perspective. Enjoy the music. |
Acman3: *****I once played some Hot 5, for a friend who knew little about Armstrong, and after about 5 seconds he said ," Oh Cartoon music". I still laugh over that.***** On disc three, the critic Gary Giddins relates a story where he played a record of Louis playing 'West End Blues' for a music professor friend of his. He listen to it, then asked Giddins to play it again, he did. Then the Music professor said "that is the most perfect three minutes of music I have ever heard". Notice, he said perfect MUSIC, not JAZZ. Interesting. Cheers |
No new revelation here since this has been said many times by many aficionados, but if one was forced to pick ONE musician that, more than anyone else, exemplifies what jazz is about it would have to be Satchmo. The number one aspect of jazz which defines it most and seperates it from any other music form is its rhythmic feel. Louis Armstrong played with a rhythmic feel that has never been equalled in its decisiveness and lack of ambiguity while at the same time having that great sense of looseness and swagger that defines jazz; and, on top of it all, always able to put a smile on your face. Its almost like a great magic trick; "it's impossible but he's doing it". |
You can't go wrong with Louis. Like sex, there is no bad Louis Armstrong. I once played some Hot 5, for a friend who knew little about Armstrong, and after about 5 seconds he said ," Oh Cartoon music". I still laugh over that. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pXHdqTVC3cA |
O-10: As you might guess from these youtubes, I have been watching the "JAZZ" documentary again. :) I think we all need to be reminded, every so often, of what Jazz is supposed to be. These guys were greater than I ever imagined. Should be a requirement for all Jazz fans. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QzcpUdBw7gs http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f5Hbh_-IRs8 Cheers |