Although Conway Twitty has never been on my radar as a jazz aficionado, he sure sounds good on "Rainy Night In Georgia". Good music is undeniable, regardless of the genre, and that's very good music.
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.
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"Does the Bass, the instrument, have any special place in Cuban music as compared to other Latin music??" Considered one of the original fathers of Cuban Descarga (Jam) is Israel 'Cachao' Lopez. This legendary Cuban bass player's been actively recording since the 50's. An interesting twist to his tale was that although considered a giant amongst musicians, he was largely unknown to the public. During the 90's, actor Andy Garcia found him in S. Fl. playing weddings and quinceneras (Cuban sweet 15 parties). He arranged a project for Lopez that resulted in the '2nd coming' of Cachao; the highly recommended 'Master Sessions - Vol. I & II'. The Lopez family is musical royalty in Cuba. Israel 'Cachao' Lopez is uncle to Orlando 'Cachaito' Lopez, another legendary Cuban bass player, featured prominently in The Buena Vista Social Club. Interestingly enough, he's only recorded one self-titled solo record that's a total departure from his work with the BVSC in that it features (small doses) of Electronica & Cuban Dub music. One of my favorite Latin Jazz records! ANOTHER Cuban bass dynasty in the making features Carlos Del Puerto, the original bassist for the legendary Irakere (the band founded by, amongst others, Paquito D'Rivera, Arturo Sandoval, & Chucho Valdes), and his son; Carlitos Del Puerto, one of the busiest bassist/musicians currently on the Cuban scene! I could go on about how the bass-playing in Cuban/Latin music's not only melodic but has a unique percussive aspect that I find especially delightful but I've gone on for a bit too long already!;) I'll return you to yr regularly scheduled programming now. |
Although I heard strains of Spain, Mexico, and Cuba in the music, I find it interesting how many people like to lump them under "Latin" music, I don't. While the music originated in Spain, it took on it's own unique identity once it reached this hemisphere. There are too many distinct types of African music for me to identify, but it's just as well because from what I've heard, it's best blended with music from other lands, although African drumming can be quite compelling; especially when utilized by Diz or Blakey. Afro Cuban has achieved that just right blend of the two for me. Here's that compelling drumming as utilized by Blakey, this makes you want to go native. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pnaD9gU9N80 |
Today's Music: Afrocubism -- Afrocubism Cuban and Malian Musicians. Think of Ali Farka Toure and Buena Vista Social Club playing together. Sometimes it hard to sepeate the African from the Cuban. Features, what has to be, the entire Diabate family and Elidas Ochoa on guitar and vocals. Jose Angel Martinez on Double Bass. Chorus vocals done by Cuban and Malians. Seems as if Mali and Cuba have a history. Musicians from Mali, after independence, went to Music schools in Cuba. I liked the 'Cuban' music the best. The Mali music was good, but in places, exhibited that repetitive 'sameness' common to a lot of Toure's music. A little goes a long way. But the entire set is well integrated. Excellent recording. All in all a good session. 'Al Vaiven De Mi Carreta' was my favorite. Ochoa sings on this one. One measure and you know it's Cuban. Does the Bass, the instrument, have any special place in Cuban music as compared to other Latin music?? The link is to a short documentary thingy made in the studio. Interesting. The music from the CD is on youtube also. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dDe47kNWsYE Cheers |
That Ink Spots cut was amazing! Talk about skill; simply beautiful singing. Oh yeah, and then there's all the "little" things that seem to elude a lot of singers today like sheer entertainment factor, lack of pretense, connection with an audience. Nothing "edgy" about a performance like that, but so much sincerity in the song's simplicity. Thanks. |
Thanks O-10. Happy Father's Day to All!! Every Sunday here, is Big Band Sunday, on the local PBS FM station. Here is an example of the stuff they play. All day. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IAinKGJZ8YE I love this stuff. Try and youtube 'I don't want to set the World on fire'. Great stuff! And check out all the links that show up the side. Esp Cab Calloway and the Nicholas Brothers. Cheers |
Cannonball is great on the Bossa Nova CD. And you are right, it's all about him. On my CD, you can hardly hear Sergio Mendes' piano. I have noticed that happens alot. Most recently with Red Garland and Sun Ra. The piano just seems to be too far in the background. Even Mingus on 'hog calling blues' was sort of faint, but then again, maybe that's what makes it such a great cut. You have to listen for it. Cheers |
The Frogman: I have the Cannonball Bossa Nova CD with sergio. I will check it out. This could bring on the dreaded 'review' !! I listened to Senhorita Regina twice. The first time, my brain was oblivious to any of the senses, other than the sense of sight. What a beauty. I listened the second time to hear the music. Her personality just comes thru. very very good. Thanks for the info. Cheers |
Rok, no question Brazilian singers are uniquely wonderful; in no small part because women Brazil are uniquely wonderful. There is something about the sound and rhythm of the language (in Brazil, not so much in Portugal) that does it for me. I could get carried away with that one, but I should stop; my wife reads these threads once in a long while :-) You mentioned Sergio Mendes. This is one of my very favorite records. Cannonball with the Bossa Rio Sextet (Sergio Mendes on piano). The session is all about Cannonball; he sounds incredible on those Brazilian tunes: http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=pWMjF4UMYYc As far as Brazilian female singers go, Elis will always be my favorite. There is something about her that I have never been able to put my finger on. Not a particularly great voice, a little out of tune sometimes; but, soulful as hell with a great sexy feeling in the way she sings. Check out the "break" at 1:10. Amazing! http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=bGbKHHqtsJE |
Today's Trip: Dexter Gordon -- One Flight Up with/ Donald Byrd, Kenny Drew, Art Taylor, Niels-Henning Orsted Recorded in paris in 1964. All the players except the Dane, Orsted, were American expatriates living and playing in Europe. The playing is exceptionally enjoyable. Only four tracks, so the soloist can really stretch out and take the time to state their case. All the music is mid-tempo and very lyrical. The Frogman would have a field day breaking down these solos. Makes me wonder that maybe a lot of other Recorded Jazz was too much, crammed into too little time and space. The liner notes were written by Leonard Feather. His style is what I would call Frogmanesque. Sort of technical, but very interesting. There are a few statements in the liner notes that irritated me. The players say that European audiences had a very special insight into Jazz. After all that goose stepping, I find that hard to believe. And that the place was "almost completely free or racial prejudeice". I guess they had not heard of World War Two. The cover photo is one of the most interesting in Jazz. Which is another thing we have lost, the Great Blue Note black & white photos. Just as audiophiles have lost the great cartoons of Rodriquez. All in All, a very good session. Highly Recommended. Cheers |
I went on youtube to listen and watch the Brasil '66 babes. there off to the side was Ella doing 'Mack the Knife', had to hear it. In sweden I think. She even did a little Satchmo, hanky and all. Hell, she out Satchmoed the Satchmo!! And off to that side was Nina talking about some 'Sinnerman'! If would have been a sin not to dig it. You can stay on youtube all day if you aren't careful. Ella and Nina!! What planet were these people from?? Cheers |
Speaking of making a joyful noise. Does anyone else think the female singers of Brasil 66 are uniquely wonderful, or is it just me. I could listen to them all day. If 'Pais Tropical' does not make you move with a smile on your face, then, sell your gear. Sergio Mendes And Brasil '66 -- Foursider 21 tracks. All, very good, to great. Very good recording also. Most should be familiar with Mendes' music. This is an excellent complilation. Cheers |
Rok, I can thank you and Frogman for my new appreciation of this old music. When I was making forays into new genres, you pointed out that there was old music I hadn't yet discovered. Now that we have Frogman to enlighten us in regard to music from a musicians point of view, we can hear things we never heard before. I don't think we'll ever run out of this "new" old music. Try Curtis Counce "Nica's Dream" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=trjO7TWe6ME Enjoy the music. |
****swept away by the awesome greatness of the man**** Beautiful way of describing the effect that many say they feel when listening to his playing; especially live. I have been told by the handful of lucky individuals (mostly other musicians) who, like yourself, heard him live that he had and almost other-worldly way about his presence on stage; spiritual, even. "Giant" is almost not good enough to describe his status among the greats. "Naima" is the ballad that he is most known for: http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=LLAq0XhXG8E And then there is this one: one of the most amazing performances, any genre, that I have ever heard. Coltrane is definitely more exploratory, but the expressiveness is unbelievable. Elvin's brush work is amazing. http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=R416VHIL514 |
Today's Selection: Miles davis -- Milestones with / Cannonball, Coltrane, Red Garland, Paul Chambers, Philly Joe Jones A lot of talk about this one being an outstanding example of MODAL Jazz. Like O-10, I am not even sure what that means. 'Kind of Blue' is another MODAL outing. The only thing I noticed was that the horns seldom if ever played at the same time. The piano player, Garland, seem to just stab at the notes he played. He was very much in the background. This could have been by design or just the recording. I didn't notice any thing other than great playing by the bass and drums. In any event, this is one great recording. The soloing is just awesome. It all seems so uncluttered. No blowing just to be blowing. I 'reviewed' the '58 concert, Stella by Starlight, a while back. This is the same group. Anything by this group is a must have. We will never again see this much talent together, in such a small group. Sometimes we tend to just take guys like Miles and Coltrane for granted. We say they were great, almost as an after thought, but they really were! This CD demostrates that they were on a level above the rest. You know the drill. Ain't got it? Git It! I just ordered the Harold Land. I had to remove a 'Gene Ammons & Sonny Stitt', to fit him in. He'd better be worth it. :) Cheers |
Frogman, "The present is best appreciated in the future". I say this because of your statement about me seeing Coltrane live. At that time, I was disappointed because he had gone into his "exploratory" mode as opposed to playing what I had heard on records. Today, I heard "Invitation" that you submitted by Trane, and I was swept away by the awesome greatness of the man, and his ability to "improvise". When I saw Trane, he had properly deduced, "That if you wanted to hear what he had recorded on records, you could have stayed home and played the record". Trane was blowing what he felt at that moment. Enjoy the music. |
The Frogman: Very detailed and informative insights as always. When the Froman speaks, it's like getting homework from your teacher. Now I will have to listen for and count measures and chord changes and keyes. But I am determined to hear what he said. My latest Miles CD,' Milestones', is supposed to be an important recording of MODAL music. :) How I long for the good old days when ignorance was truly blissful. Thanks for the input. Cheers |
Ah, GREAT choice! One of the all-time great melodies, IMO; and one of the favorite vehicles for improvisation of jazz players. I didn't know this version by Harold Land, but I love it; thanks for sharing. Besides being a beautiful and haunting melody, it is a favorite of jazz players due to the fact that its harmonic structure and progression is musically logical and relatively simple, so it lends itself very well to improvisation. If one listens carefully, one notices that after the C minor 7 chord in the opening measure there is no chord change for five measures (an eternity in jazz). When the opening (and very distinctive) opening motif is repeated eight measures later it is modulated up a minor third (Eb minor 7), the same thing happens: no harmonic change for five measures. Things then get a bit more complex harmonically until the end, but still in an extremely logical way. It is one of the first tunes that jazz students learn. The tune was written by Polish composer Bronislaw Kaper who also penned "On Green Dolphin Street", another favorite of improvisers, for a film in the '50's starring Lana Turner (!!! Talk about great chord changes ;-), I don't remember the name of the film, but I do know that it was not a big hit. Bronislaw's score for that film was then reused for a film "Invitation"; the title of the tune. I am a fan of performances of music, regardless of genre, by the composer him/herself. I think the reasons are obvious, although we may have personal preferences for versions by other artists. Here is the composer himself performing "Invitation": http://m.youtube.com/#/watch?v=v7F6_6kVtPQ&desktop_uri=%2Fwatch%3Fv%3Dv7F6_6kVtPQ It's a beautiful performance which really conveys the haunting feeling of the tune; BTW, one of the reasons Land's version is so great. Land also captures a similarly haunting feeling with a very similar pacing; as opposed to the most commonly sited version, which while being equally beautiful is less atmospheric and relaxed than Kaper's, and is the version that put the tune "on the map": http://vimeo.com/33852454 As I mentioned, this tune is one of the first that jazz students learn, and saxophone geeks in particular consider the saxophone solo on this next, very different, version to be one of the very best recorded examples of saxophone virtuosity by the most emulated and transcribed post-Coltrane saxophone player (unfortunately, I am only aware of a link to the improvised solo, not the whole tune from guitarist Jack Wilkin's album): http://harderbop.blogspot.com/2011/04/michael-brecker-invitation.html Enjoy! |
Orph & Rok, Ray always has had a very special place with me!! And his backround singers the "Raelettes" ... they had to "let Ray" My offering is Jimmy Smith "Angel Eyes" with: Roy Hargrove, Christian McBride, Nicholas Peyton, Mark Whitfield, Gregory Hutchinson. Low key and mellow. It can be turned way up, which I like!! The follow-up album is titled "Damn" (!!) |
Rok, Frogman, Leersfool; here's music we can all agree on. It has the best elements of several genres of music, and I get carried away every time I hear it. Maybe Frogman, our musical encyclopedia will give us the history of this song. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bhFC7LB5OXs Enjoy the music. |
O-10: I have the Genuis + Soul CD, but it does not include the 'my kind of Jazz' addition. Ray was a genius. He changed C&W forever, and for the better. Check out his Country and Western CD if you don't have it. I have a complete shelf dedicated to his music and that does not include the box sets. A person can't have too much Ray. A woman once said: Ray Charles can play so slow he makes you wanna scream! I love that. I am in the process of listening to my latest Miles and Jimmy Scott. Both are keepers for sure. Cheers |
While no one associates "Ray Charles" with jazz, I have two jazz albums by Ray that are on par with some of my best. "Soul Brothers" with Ray and Milt Jackson, has already been reviewed, so I'll go to Ray Charles, "My Kind of Jazz". He gives us his unique interpretations of jazz standards. There is a reason they call the man "genius", and it can be heard on this album. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HiZg5pvRT8k Enjoy the music. |
Rok, since yours didn't show up I substituted "Kush" by Diz for you. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DbVRM5-bcJo Enjoy the music. |
Frogman, I like McCoy much better now, he can't play quite as many notes. He sounds like the old McCoy minus the too many notes. Coltrane live was not the one you hear on records. He was much more "explorative" is the only word I can find. I was at a table with a professional drummer, and some other "deep in the pocket" aficionados, who were really digging "way out" Trane. At that time I was lost; but as I recall from the audience reaction, he was blowing what they came to hear. Although I cherish that experience, that's the way it was. Enjoy the music. |
Heard the studio version of this on WBGO today and it floored me (even better than this live version). Great band, and had never heard of violinist Zach Brock before. And speaking of McCoy, this excellent young piano player is right out of a McCoy bag. http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=xyGVtCthtZw |
Acman3: I have Ravi Coltrane's 'Moving Pictures'. I will have have to 'review it'. Have not listened to it in a while. I see where 'these sellers' have gotten their paws on two of the leaning house Ivery recordings. I will order them nevertheless. (used) Since it's Saturday Morning down South, my I recommend: 'Buckwheat's Zydeco Party' A lot of the Nawlins classics. Like to party? Gotta have it!! This guy makes 'hog calling blues' seem like a song out of the Baptist Church hymnal. Cheers |
One who is still going strong and one who has found his own voice.Got to get some more Ravi. New recording is supposed to be good. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0dFtZbha29M |
Rok, I can recommend any, or all, of the 3 Leaning House recording of Marchel Ivery. While your at it, if you run across any Leaning House, pick it up! The guitar player on the Ivery recording was Clint Strong. Great jazz guitarist. Also played a long time with Merle. How's that for diverse. Mentored by Howard Roberts. |
These guys played my kind of jazz, RIP Mr. Miller. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3f-OQVGKm4w Enjoy the music. |