Hank Crawford is a tenor sax man you can instantly recognize, that's because his sound is so uniquely different from all the other tenor sax men; they also like his unique and pleasing sound. The first time I heard him, thoughts of Ray Charles came to mind, and I didn't know why; he was Ray Charles musical director from 1959 until 1963. "Angel Eyes" has been one of my favorite tunes for ages, but when I heard Hank's version, I realized this was the first time I'd heard Angel Eyes. It seems to have a deep melancholy sadness, and longing for the lost love of "Angel Eyes"; this song has come to life in the guise of a captivating women with angel eyes whose spell can not be broken, and it leaves all her lovers to long for the hypnotic gaze of her very special "angel eyes". His versions of other standards have a uniqueness I can't quite define; consequently I'm left with a new word, "Crawfordesque", there is no other way to describe the sound he gives to standards. I have here a package of my favorite tunes by Hank that I found on "you tube" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bHdrtdqKkeM http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1dMcpgEt0AA http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RSHMRyY5Drk http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o0Cx8Tk4MiwEnjoy the music. |
Blood Count:
One of the best things about this thread, is being introduced to music you don't have. The absolute best thing, is being reminded of great music you already own.
Will play it today. I will enjoy it much more now that I know the HISTORY behind it.
Good Call.
Cheers |
One of the most beautiful yet sad and haunting jazz compositions that I have ever heard. This was written by Billy Strayhorn for Ellington's band and was his last composition. He was dying from cancer and finished it while in the hospital. Johnny Hodges is simply incredible on this. http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=7Ckls62nZHw |
"...You can't play anything on the horn that Louis hasn't already played...even modern."
-- Miles Davis
Maybe a little bit of an exaggeration; but, considering the source, it's quite a compliment. |
****Bob Stewart is a Professor at Julliard. He played Tuba with Mingus for a while. It may not be to your'e liking, but he is great.****
I did not question his musical ability. He knows his way around the Tuba, and if he teaches at Julliard, well, what else is there to say?
My point is this. The Tuba is just not a 'Jazz' instrument. Sure, some New Orleans groups and the brass bands use them, but that's about it. Anything else is a gimmick.
And I would bet there is not a musical instrument on planet earth that has not been a part of at least one Mingus recording date. I am sure I have heard Tuba on a Mingus record.
How many Saxophone players do you know with the ambition to play with a Classical Symphony Orchestra? Same problem that Jazz Tuba players have.
Even I find Dylan dated. Once the war in Viet Nam ended and the Civil rights violence subsided, he was finished. He was a niche performer. Loved his stuff back in the day. His was the first LP I ever purchased. Along with Baez and Saint-Marie.
And Jazz, like all great music, is not subject to a 'listen to by' date. It does not get old. I have an entire rack of Classical CDs. The music on these CDs was composed by people long dead. It ain't old.
I listened to 'Satch Plays Fats' today. WOW! Wanna hear Jazz trumpet? Listen to Pops. Just as current as when Waller wrote it.
Good one, about lady Gaga! Serves them right! hahahhah
Cheers |
Acman3, while I liked each individual musician ( I listened to the complete set), I didn't care for the music; maybe I've gotten too old for new music. I'd like the Frogman's take on it.
Enjoy the music.
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Bob Stewart is a Professor at Julliard. He played Tuba with Mingus for a while. It may not be to your'e liking, but he is great.
If Christian Scott did what you say, he would sound OLD school. Something NO young man wants to happen. I like his Band. They are influenced as much by today, as the past. Not always a bad thing.
I was in a record store the other day, and some Dylan was playing. I was thinking, this sounds pretty current and enjoying it. When I got to the counter to pay for my records, I asked two twenty-something "KIDS's" what they thought of the music. They looked at each other and one said, "It's OK when I go visit my Grandma" and they died laughing. Painful :^)
Keep enjoying what you like anyway, they will be old someday, and be stuck with Lady GAGA. |
If it's Jazz and a Tuba, it must be New Orleans Jazz or Brass Band or Sousa or maybe zydeco. There is nothing else that will fit. The Tuba is not a swing/BeBop/hard bop, instrument. Try Olympia or Preservation Hall.
If it's a Tuba in a 'self proclaimed' Jazz group, then they are Noise makers or sound creators.
Next?
Cheers |
O-10:
The Playing for Change CD has music not found on the DVD. I find it easier to concentrate without the video. See it once, that's enough.
I was not kidding about the kids and the Rock CD. It is awesome.
Cheers |
***** Christian Scott ****
Good player in need of a band. This band plays too loud. Over powers the leader / soloist. They also need a different wardrobe!!
Cheers |
****Another Bad Boy*****
Acman3, We are in agreement. In fact he is so BAD, he is just plain awful!!
This not Jazz. This is sound creation!
How many more assaults like this can my beloved music take and survive? Why don't they go pick on Rock?
Cheers |
While thinking of purchasing Winard Harper's album Coexist, I ran across this great label, JLP, Jazz Legacy Products. Great Jazz, Great Price! |
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Acman3, I notice Japanese seem to prefer the strictly classic jazz script. I only like Nawlins jazz live, or in a movie, which means I liked this; I've always wanted to dance the second line. I liked the tuba dude, that jam was cookin.
Enjoy the music.
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Exactly! As I said, Nawlins!
I have been looking for my CD of Perlman and Zukerman playing Mozart Violin Concertos, with guest soloist, Roland Kirk, but I can't seem to find it.
Cheers |
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Playing for change.....SONGS AROUND THE WORLD, was quite impressive, and I didn't find the DVD at all distracting; as a matter of fact I enjoyed it, that's the only way I'd want the music.
I always enjoy children performing, never missed a concert when my kid was that age; all the other proud parents enjoyed them as much as I did, each parent thought his kid was the star of the show, I couldn't bear to hurt their feelings by telling them my kid was the only true star of the show.
Enjoy the music.
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The Frogman and The O-10 have just reminded us, In case we had forgotten, why the TUBA and the Sousaphone did not make the trek North out of Nawlins with Jazz.
Thanks Guys
Cheers
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*****Rok, have you noticed that many of the tunes reviewed on this thread, were also in the compilation?******
Yep. They cherry picked, but that's just fine with me.
I think you are right about the Ornette Coleman thingy. I never play his CDs, but he sounded good on this set.
Today's Playlist:
Vladimir Horowitz -- THE 1982 ROYAL FESTIVAL HALL RECITAL
music by Chopin,Rachmaninov,Scarlattie,Schumann and Scriabin
Not Jazzz, but I understand Horowitz liked Jazz, so just view this as a plug for a fellow 'aficionado'.
Playing For Change -- SONGS AROUND THE WORLD
Great stuff, if you listen to the CD. The DVD is sort of distracting.
The Langley Schools Music Project -- INNOCENCE & DESPAIR
The GREATEST ROCK CD EVER!! Puts all those over-bearing, over-paid, no talent, Rockers to shame!!
Cheers |
I never heard of the Ray Draper Quintet before, but I like them. The tuba as a solo instrument is so unique and different from anything in my collection that I got to get it.
Enjoy the music. |
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Rok, have you noticed that many of the tunes reviewed on this thread, were also in the compilation? |
Ornette Coleman's stuff on this compilation is good by any standard, but that's the case with many of the original albums; the tunes selected here, were the only good tunes on some of the albums, consequently, if you have these tunes, but don't have the original LP, you're not missing much.
Enjoy the music. |
I finished the last CD today. I think you will enjoy the set. You can have fun trying to 'guess' who is playing what!
I just like the idea of putting on a CD and listening to some of the best Jazz ever recorded. No filler.
Like you, I have most of these, but I like the random aspect of playing the CDs.
And it includes the 'corrected' version of Ellington's Diminuendo and Crescendo in Blue, as performed at New Port.
I am sure you know of Paul Gonsalves' 'interlude' hahahhahahah On the original LP he blew into the wrong mike. After a lot of effort between VoA and CBS, all is now as it should be. His solo was recorded on a Voice of America mike instead of the CBS mike. It is loud and clear now.
I have also discovered that Ornette Coleman is not as bad as I once though. Could I be growing into his stuff?
Check out the tune list of CD-5. That alone is worth the price.
Cheers |
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It's getting to be that time of year!
A CARNEGIE HALL CHRISTMAS CONCERT
Kathleen Battle - Frederica von Stade - Wynton Marsalis - Andre Previn with orch and chorus.
Great Singing by two of the best. Wynton and his band do a great 'Winter Wonderland' and 'Three Kings'. I have it on CD and will now order the DVD. I nust SEE this.
Is there anything Wynton CANNOT do?? His, and his septet's playing is perfect for this performance! The man is at home in any setting! Just like Ray!
The arrangements are just awesome. Battle is awesome on the 'Mary' tunes. At moments, Her voice/music sounds a little 'Porgy & Bess-ish'. von Stade shines on 'Lo, How A Rose E'er blooming'. Effort went into this. And the best were recruited to do it.
The American Boyschoir and the Christmas Concert Chorus provide support.
A Must Have.
Cheers |
Rok, The 100 Best Jazz Tunes Of The 50's gets a 5 star confirmation from this aficionado. Although I already have 90% of those on the original LP's, I'm ordering it for the 10% I don't have.
Enjoy the music.
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O-10:
It seems to be part of the "100 Gold Fingers" Series.
Will have to find out more about that.
Cheers |
Rok, when I said the CD was on order, I just assumed there was a CD; so far no luck.
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http://www.youtube.com/user/hidesuke1948
A lot of links to good youtubes on this page.
Cheers
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I'm glad everyone agrees on me and the history of jazz; while it's true, I don't feel any loss. What I have to account is one persons story and no more.
In March 1955, a witness to his death heard a clap of thunder at the moment Charlie Parker passed. In the Summer of that very same year, jazz was born for me at my cousin's apartment in Chicago. He had more records than I have ever seen outside of a record store, I was in paradise; nowhere had I ever heard music like this.
I acquired, and still have many of those same records. Little did I know, at that time my history was being made in a way that would last for the rest of my life. Although I've tried very hard to get past that period, here I am, right back where it all started with many of the same musicians and records.
Enjoy the music.
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Rok, 90% of those tunes are already in my collection on the original LP. |
O-10:
Don't forget "The 100 Best Jazz Tunes of the 1950s". You won't be sorry. I love them all. One of my best purchases.
Cheers |
O-10:
I cannot find the CD. But I did run across all of this stuff, which seems to be great. Check it out. But still no CD with Senor Blues??? Help!
http://www.youtube.com/user/hidesuke1948
Cheers |
Hi guys - thanks for the comments. I did not get a chance to listen to that set today after all, too busy. So I probably won't get to it until Saturday now. A friend of mine told me that he was also a good singer, and is indeed a legend on the trombone. I am really looking forward to it.
Rok, LOL - one of your comments reminded me of Peter Schickele, a musical comedian who created the famous character of PDQ Bach. He used to say "Truth is truth. You can't have opinions about truth."
O-10, about your comment "I don't approach jazz from a historical or rational context, I approach it the same way I approach "all" music; from a purely emotional context, either I like it or I don't." If you do like it, doesn't that make you curious about it's larger context? In a great many cases, in fact, you will miss key things about a specific tune if you don't know it's history - musicians very often reference each other in the jazz world. That's so not grammatically correct, but I hope the point is clear. Dang it, ya'll just ain't got no proper grammar learnin'......
But seriously, the point here is that there is so much more to music than just the emotional context. That is only the starting point, the surface, if you will. Uncovering some of the other layers would undoubtedly bring you much more appreciation and therefore listening enjoyment. Usually I say this in reference to harmony/theory or ear training, but it is equally true of history, and the history part is much easier for the musical layman to grasp. I would strongly encourage you to read up on your favorite musicians/jazz styles/periods. |
Rok, after reading your review, I piped it into the big rig. (that's where I couldn't see them) The bass was truly awesome on "Senor Blues", and it sounded like one fantastic pianist as opposed to two, that's just how well they played together. The CD is on order.
Enjoy the music.
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The Learsfool:
Seems as if ALL box sets by Jack Teagarden are very highly rated. He was an innoavator on the trombome as The Frogman said. I guess you could say he was to swing what J.J. Johnson would later be to Bop.
His best years were pre-Bop, which is why I probably don't have any of his stuff. Sound quality issues with a lot of old stuff.
He played with Armstrong from 1947-1951. Was a good singer also. He made the mistake of signing a long term contract with Paul Whiteman, so a lot of oppourtunity to form and lead his own band passed him by.
To clarify this thingy. Politicians always try to 'use' famous people for their own purposes. Teagarden was probably a nice guy and a great musician. He never claimed to be 'King' of anything.
Sort of like the Jack Johnson mess and the Schmeling and Louis travesty. And don't forget the tragedy of the East German athletes. Politicians using people.
Cheers |
****if you don't see or consider the history in music, you are missing a lot.****
Agree completely. Certainly not a prerequisite for the enjoyment and appreciation of it, but it definitely puts things in context. |
Recent Acquisition:
Bobby McFerrin -- SPIRIT YOU ALL
McFerrin gives his unique take on well known spirituals. A lot of old favorites here: Everytime I feel the Spirit, Lay my burdens down, Swing Low, and others. 13 Tunes.
My favorite was 25:15. Was it a Spiritual or Blues? Sounded like The Staple Singers meeets John Lee Hooker. The harmony and guitar was pure Staples, but the band could have been Hooker's band. Great stuff.
The entire set had a Oscar Brown Jr feel to it. Without Brown's social commentary. And that is high praise.
Is it Jazz? Some won't think so, but Cannonball did say it was all the same thing!! :)
Ali Jackson is on drums. I remember him from the Dee Dee set at Yoshi's. Good to see young folks get into the Music. He wears a coat and tie also!
Cheers |
******While many of Rok's controversial statements may or may not be true******
All my comments are true and they are not controversial. Facts can never be controversial.
The Thing about Goodman being the 'King' of Jazz is true. There was a backlash, this was beyond the pale, even for the times, so it was changed to 'King' of swing. I guess everyone had to be King of something.
BTW, none of this was Goodman's doing. As I said he did integrate his band at a time when that was a huge risk! I always give him credit for that courage. I think pianist Teddy Wilson was the first.
I have one poster on the wall of my listening room. Ella singing at a club, and Ellington and Goodman at a table together, watching in awe. Love it!
O-10, if you don't see or consider the history in music, you are missing a lot.
Cheers |
O-10:
**** this is one of Rok's favorite musicians, maybe he'll write his review on it;*****
The best youtube clip on this thread ever!! Outstanding Video and Audio quality. Gene Harris playing Silver? There is nothing more to be said. And he does it all with a smile. Just like Pops.
If a person can see and hear, no review is required! I just checked in this morning to see what had been posted, saw this, and listened to the entire thing twice. Awesome even thru computer logitechs.
I am not familiar with the other player. They seemed to feed off of each other. Good thing too, because if this was in Japan, I am sure it was like playing before the Terrra Cotta soldiers.
Thanks for posting. I will visit it often.
Cheers |
I don't approach jazz from a historical or rational context, I approach it the same way I approach "all" music; from a purely emotional context, either I like it or I don't.
While many of Rok's controversial statements may or may not be true, I consider them irrelevant today; and the same for Frogmans statements in response, except for "BTW, Learsfool, please post your impressions of Teagarden when you listen to that set. Thanks."
Leersfool, I would like very much to know your detailed impression of "Jack Teagarden".
Enjoy the music.
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BTW, Learsfool, please post your impressions of Teagarden when you listen to that set. Thanks. |
I don't think that Jack Teagarden's relevance in the history of jazz should be considered simply hype. It is true that the titles "King" of this or that were overblown titles, and partially the unfortunate result of the terrible social biases and injustices that were prevalent at the time. Rok is, sadly, correct that it is unlikely that a black jazz player at the time would have been designated "King" of anything by the majority white ($$$) audiences. Nonetheless, it is also true that Benny was responsible for exposing vast audiences to "Swing"; hence the title "King of Swing". Having said that, Teagarden is correctly credited for bringing the trombone to the modern jazz era. He was the transitional link from the traditional supporting role of the trombone in dixieland to the more prominent role as solo instrument in "Swing". The guy could really play and demonstrated a facility on the instrument that must have been considered amazing at the time. http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=4MlFCDcP2zMBottom line for me: Louis Armstrong chose him to play in his band. I doubt that Louis succumbed to hype. Interesting that Teagarden and Benny should be mentioned: Teagarden was a white player in a black band, and Benny Goodman's band was one (maybe first?) racially integrated band with the addition of Lionel Hampton, Charlie Christian and others. |
Amen Rok; I looked in my jazz encyclopedia and read a lot about him that sounded like hype to me. No he's not in my collection, and I haven't considered adding him. Jazz for me began with modern jazz; consequently, my ears don't take kindly to "dixie land". |
Jack Teagarden :
A real old timer. Back to the 1920's I believe. I don't have anything by him.
I would take that 'King of the Blues' thingy with a grain of salt. That title was just a sign of the times in this country.
Remember, when Louis Armstrong, Bird, Ellington, Basie, and Lord knows who else, were alive and in their prime, Benny Goodman was anointed 'King Of Jazz', by the music and entertainment media / industry in this country.
Don't mean to critize Goodman. He was a pioneer in many respects. I think it was just the 'King" of any and every thing prior to WWII, had to be white.
He may be a good player. But my advice, forget the Blues 'King' part of it.
Cheers |
Frogman, speaking of comments that have more truth in them than people realize, or are willing to admit:
****Music like this often walks a fine line between art and bullshit; the individual listener decides****
Love it. Still wondering if any of you have heard this Jack Teagarden guy (trombone). Haven't had a chance to listen to these records yet, hoping to tomorrow. They are billing him as King of the Blues Trombone. |
The Frogman:
Desmond Blue at 2:16 :) :) All I could do was smile and laugh out loud! The Frogman knows his stuff!!
The entire clip was good, 2:16, once I knew what to listen for, made it special. That's why these guys are great.
Thanks for the insight.
Cheers |
