Jazz for aficionados
Today's Listen -- Harold Land -- A LAZY AFTERNOON Perhaps all 'with strings' Jazz, is not bad. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bhFC7LB5OXs Cheers |
Etta Jones -- DON'T GO TO STRANGERS A really wonderful album She's not quite Billie, but who is? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VJoKqPlHFF0&list=PLdKoEEF1n8crKI96ljTTiXz9ATDOrHFym&index=4 I used to play this on the piano when I was a kid. Couldn't read music, so I just moved my hands gradually down the keyboard until it 'sounded' right, then I knew I was in the right place. Melody only. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e2C5sXV9jCc&list=PLdKoEEF1n8crKI96ljTTiXz9ATDOrHFym&index=7 Cheers |
Great clips; thanks. Want to put in another plug for Phil Schaap on WKCR 89.9 FM and his unbelievable resprospectives on jazz artists. His "Bird Flight" programs are a must hear for any fan of this music; unbelievably interesting and thorough. Today he focused (with Bird as the backdrop) on how and why artists (especially singers) choose the material that they perform. Amazing stuff! Phil Schaap is a national treasure. You can check it out on line: http://tunein.com/radio/WKCR-FM-899-s30119/ |
There is a certain beauty and logic in the shape of jazz. By shape, I mean jazz in the historical sense; its evolution. We all have favorite eras in jazz and we have a tendency to declare one or the other "the best". Even acknowledging that there were certain eras (the 50's) when jazz seemed to be exploding with creativity, a tremendous number of classic records were recorded and one could even call it the music's "peak", this peak is determined and perceived not just by the music's worth and integrity, but also by how the music fits into the changing social climate. In a way, the evolution of jazz as a whole is like a great jazz solo (in any era): it often starts simply and builds and becomes more and more complex and far reaching. This rant was inspired by a recording that I heard yesterday of a group that reminded me of what I imagine my favorite (not necessarily what I consider the best) jazz group of all time, the Miles Davis Quintet from the 60's (Hancock,Shorter, Williams, Carter) might sound like today; a real band interacting and creating on a high level and not just a group of great musicians playing familiar material within a more traditional framework and a greater number of "rules". To the traditionalist some of this music may seem like noise (not!); in the context of the shape of jazz it's pretty amazing stuff and shows, once again, that jazz is alive and well. Thoughts? https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=4QZ5chS_by8 |
Jazzpeople a ? I saw a late-right rerun on PBS last night Of the Lincoln Center Jazz Band and the sax player in front,a HUGE man about a cheeseburger away from 400 lbs, played a solo about as beautifully as music can be played . Whats the guys name ? I hear folks dissing Wynton, but anyone who doesn't think that a great band needs to check what they're smoking . |
Ambrose Akinmusire: Not noise at all. Had too much coherence to be noise. I didn't think the music was that much removed from later day Coltrane or Miles. I was not familiar with the group, so, google being my friend, I found this on the Blue Note Site: "Trumpeter Ambrose Akinmusire is a forward-thinking musician with a bent toward atmospheric post-bop". Sounds about right to me. I liked the clip you submitted. They didn't 'sample' A Love Supreme' did they?? I let the youtube run and this came up: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RNzE2nTCtxE The problem I have with the newer stuff, is that it seems to be too introspective and / or esoteric. Greatly appreciated and understood by those in the know, but will never catch on with, or, be appreciated by the great unwashed. And to my ear, there is a sameness in overall effect to a lot of it. Of course it could just be me. Just out of touch. But I did remove a Kenny Dorham out of my cart, and replaced it with an Ambrose. Back in the day, Jazz Music was being created all over the country. NY, Chicago, Detroit, west coast(LA), New Orleans, St Louis and even Memphis and Kansas City etc....... Does the newer Jazz have that same reach, or is it mainly a NYC or two coast thing??? Cheers |
I grew up in a time when a form of Jazz , big band + American songbook vocals, was THE pop music of American Culture . Seems to me biggest thing that happened was Audience died/is dying and young population was brainwashed by rock . There are social psychologists who believe rock is a genre that looks inward and thwarts community which is useful to a society where half the population is really not needed in any role other than consumer . |
Rok, that was a highly relevant question in regard to where the "new jazz" was created. When I was traveling a lot, and going to clubs, the music was different everywhere I went. In none of the places would I consider the new music any better, it was all good, just different; Atlanta was different from LA, and Chicago different from St. Louis. Although I've never been to New York, they seem to think what ever originates there has or should set the standard; "It ain't necessarily so." There was even a difference in jazz from E. St. Louis and St. Louis, Mo. The jazz from E. St. Louis was the most individualistic, it was the most "Afrocentric", while jazz from the other side of the river was what you call "jazz jazz"; closer connected to "Bird" and that lineage. Jazz from E. St. Louis had no lineage, which is why when I went to a new lounge and heard a new group, I was floored; they used instruments like the African finger piano, and unusual drums. The only group I know from St. Louis that has recorded and played consistently over the years, that I heard a lot live, was the "Trio Trebien". There is no group I've heard live more times than I've heard these guys. This same tune on my CD sounds much better; while I like everything on the CD, this is my favorite tune. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Oo1umU82ZAU I don't approach music from an intellectual point of view; Ambrose's music seemed to wander, at times like one band was playing two different tunes. Maybe at another time in a different mood I might like it. Rok, I know your thoughts on later day Trane and Miles. Enjoy the music. |
Is this hot or what, and that wasn't a joke. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RKsdd8NSr7I Is Eliane Elias hot, or what? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mcuko4vpqBM Enjoy the music. |
O-10: Got out my CD of Trio Tres Bien. It was a lot better than I remember it being the first time around. My favorite tune is 'Tender-Hearted'. Their sound belies the small size of the group. The really get a lot out of just the three players. I said once before, that the composition of the picture on the back of the CD could have been better. But they play very well. *****Although I've never been to New York, they seem to think what ever originates there has or should set the standard; "It ain't necessarily so."**** I agree that the NYC arts community seems to be of this point of view, but this is probably true of all major cities in all countries. They are full of themselves. :) I remember seeing a program on TV about the NYPO playing in North Korea. They can take their asses to that nut job country, but I bet they have never played in Mississippi or Kansas etc....... Too hip I guess. *****I don't approach music from an intellectual point of view***** John Philip Sousa says: "Jazz will endure just as long people hear it through their feet instead of their brains." You can find any number of great musicians to support ANY point of view on Jazz and Music. I think Sousa nailed it. Cheers |
????? *****Although I've never been to New York, they seem to think what ever originates there has or should set the standard; "It ain't necessarily so."**** I agree that the NYC arts community seems to be of this point of view, but this is probably true of all major cities in all countries. They are full of themselves. :) I remember seeing a program on TV about the NYPO playing in North Korea. They can take their asses to that nut job country, but I bet they have never played in Mississippi or Kansas etc....... Too hip I guess. ????? To quote someone we all know: "Lawdy, lawdy, my burden is great" (or something like that)😀 And knowing that you gentlemen value truth and reality above else, allow me to tell you how the NY arts community really feels; as much as one can generalize about these things. There is as much truth to those assertions as there is to the notion that prejudices like that are borne out of insecurity or inferiority complex; well, probably a lot less. First of all, and particularly since by your own admission you have never been to NY, on what do you base that notion on? Where do you guys get this stuff? Not really important, but just curious. Of importance: The truth is that in major metropolitan areas one finds the greatest number of artists, and for that reason, as well as others, one also generally finds the best artists; with notable exceptions, of course. They want to be where "the action is" and be challenged. This is particularly true of jazz at the present time. That is not to say that there aren't great artists in smaller cities; there are. The attitude of artists in the major metropolitan areas like NY is not what you describe. Jazz players have historically respected and sometimes revered the playing traditions of smaller cities like St. Louis, Chicago, Phlladelphia, Kansas City and many others. They even have names for the styles born in some of the places; "Texas tenor" is just one. Re the NY Philharmonic: The NY Philharmonic didn't choose to go to Korea, they were invited to perform there and it was seen as an opportunity to improve relations between the two countries. If the Philharmonic has not performed in Miss. or Kansas, why haven't those two cities invited them? Why hasn't the leadership and arts community in those cities sponsored them? I assure you that if the interest, financial and otherwise, were there in these cities, the orchestra would be there. Why put such a negative and distorted spin on this issue? |
Eliane Elias: have always been a fan. I really like her mix of Brazilian and jazz. I agree, she is hot. Btw, the trumpet player on the first clip is Randy Brecker who she was married to; brother of the great Michael Brecker. Nice clips, thanks. Trio Tres Bien: not my cup of tea; sorry. I just don't feel the playing is on a particularly high level. That drummer has bad rhythm! Listen to his solo, the time falls apart at around 1:40 and is not steady the rest of the time; rushes and slows down. And the piano player bangs on the keys too much. I think they have a good concept in mind and simply don't have the tools to execute well. IMO. |
Rok, I got my CD out, and it's easy for me to see how "Tender Hearted" is your favorite; it has a subtle "Gospel grace" that came from deep within the heart of the artists. Those musicians are well known and loved in this community; "Tender Hearted" was a projection of who they are, as well as the people who they associate with. When I listened to my CD, it was easy for me to understand Frogman's criticisms; that "youtube" had so much distortion that Jeter's playing louder for contrast and emphasis sounded like banging. Sorry I couldn't find a better "you tube". Enjoy the music. |
NYC Arts Scene: It's hard for us peasants in 'fly-over territory' to resist taking shots at you folks 'way up there' in New York. Love Supreme Catch: I Knows my scriptures, and my Trane :) NYPO: The Bolshoi Ballet came to my small town and did the Nutcracker. Just saying. Trio Tres Bien: If you have the CD, and read the notes, then you know these are local guys. Won't be mistaken for The Oscar Peterson Trio. Elaine Elias: If someone would destroy all recorded traces, and memory, of, Ella, Billie, Sarah, Dee Dee, Etta, etc....... Then Elias would be fantastic. The World's foremost Authority has Spoken. Cheers |
****It's hard for us peasants in 'fly-over territory' to resist taking shots at you folks 'way up there' in New York.**** That's alright; we're used to it. However, as usual, it's important, for the sake of the art, to set the record straight. I have news for you: contrary to the often used fall-back position, you're a jazz fan. You obviously know that; but, wait for it.... here it comes....you are NOT part of the "great unwashed". Maybe not as squeaky clean as is possible, but definitely not unwashed 😆. Your burden IS great. ****The Bolshoi.......**** Fantastic! I would bet you that it's cheaper to get the Bolshoi there from Russia than to get the NYP there from NYC. But that's a whole other discussion. ****Trio Tres Bien.......local guys..... Peterson Trio.**** Ya think?! 😉 From the Prodigal Son to The World's Greatest Authority: keep up the good fight. Keep bathing 'though, will ya. |
Schubert ,Frogman is probably correct , but depending on how old the pbs recording was, Wessel Anderson is another possibility. I have never heard anybody criticize Wynton Marsalis's ability. He is as good as there ever was on the trumpet., Imo, And the bands, always the best. Some people criticize that he doesn't take the music forward, but takes it back to it 's roots. It's like politics, what one person loves about a person, others hate. If we go any farther full scale warfare will breakout! My own personel story is, I have every record Wynton put out till around 2000, when I noticed I did not listen to them after the 1st, OMG, playing. I found more enjoyment out of the other players and started listening to them. No hate for Wynton, just listen to him less often. I realize I have possibly/probably missed some great playing over the last 15 years, but life's not done yet, maybe I will go back. |
This is what I call "stereotypical jazz", and I can live without it. It was hip 50 years ago, but it's like having roast beef and potatoes one time too many for me; case closed. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iN9nqXfMxjI&list=PLdhGk7gKuZxZvk7CRjF26CROuv0O2Nfai Enjoy the music. |
Rok, this is just one of the albums I listen to when I wander off the jazz reservation. The St. Louis main Library is a huge building a city block square, and I don't how tall; they have some of the most amazing old books hundreds of years old. I checked out this one book written buy an anthropologist who lived with the aborigines about a hundred or so years ago, this was when they communicated over long distances telepathically, and they never lived inside any kind of dwelling, including a tent. Any kind of jail sentence was a death sentence; those people had to be able to see the stars, and feel a campfire. "Brolga", music near the end of this CD, sounds closest to music I have that was recorded at a "corroboree"; that's what I play when I go completely native, and get into the "Dreamtime". Listen to this music and travel to the "Dreamtime". https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=dr+didg+out+of+the+woods+ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KGD7nFKFen8 Enjoy the music. |
*****It was hip 50 years ago, but it's like having roast beef and potatoes one time too many ***** Heresy: a : dissent or deviation from a dominant theory, opinion, or practice b : an opinion, doctrine, or practice contrary to the truth or to generally accepted beliefs or standards. And from his own home-boy!!! Is this what we've come to??? Miles being Dissed on aficionados?? BTW, Pops always said, "ain't nothing wrong with me, that a good piece of roast beef couldn't fix". |
O-10: You do have the most eclectic taste in music of anyone I know. Amazing. However, this guy is a fraud. He is not an aborigine. The music he plays is not music of the native people of Australia. You should check these folks out, before you go out wandering in the outback. You might not be able to get back to St Louis. I am glad you stated you were off the Jazz reservation. May have Prevented a 'ruckus'. Cheers |
Frogman and Rok, Miles said the same thing I said about his own music; I've been going through his autobiography trying to find his exact words, but he said he couldn't stand to play that kind of music anymore, the kind him, Bird, and Diz played. As I stated at the beginning, the music was off the "jazz reservation", but was intended to lead to the "aboriginal reservation". If you and Rok had gone on to "Corroboree", and not even stop at the end, but let "you tube" lead you on wherever it took you, then you would have discovered my intent. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KGD7nFKFen8 Enjoy the Corroboree. |
This being 'Big Band Sunday'. Duke Ellington -- MASTERPIECES BY ELLINGTON The title says it all. His first recording on Long play (LP). Listen and you can hear why he is among the greatest music composers ever. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bZyVBVFnrm4&index=1&list=PLL7h86fKhGSiKB0er4SoiFRRxakFm2ga6 Cheers |
Miles: That could well be true. In my case, Bird and Dizzy were never on my list of favorite players. Sometimes these guys seemed to be playing the practice / exercise book. At least To my untrained/not-hip ear. Corroboree: Interesting, but a futile effort to save / preserve a doomed culture. That's the usual routine. Europeans come to a land, destroy the indigenous people, their culture, and the wildlife, then centuries later, go through all sort of BS to 'save' it. Miles was probably tired of that also. NOTHING, survives contact with American(western european) culture. As soon as we see the Golden Arches in North Korea, victory will be complete. Nice post. O-10 always aims to educate. Cheers |
When it came to jazz with an African twist, nobody could do it like "Art Blakey". Every time I see this LP cover, I know what I'm going to hear; the best African drumming in or out of Africa. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fu_L5CNlo60&list=PLAFA1557EAD0A6D6D Drumming in Africa was meant to go with dance, they had a different dance for everything, including religious worship and celebration. I had a friend who belonged to Katherine Dunham's dance troupe, and I saw them practice a lot. African drumming and dance go together like ham and eggs, once you get used to them together, you can't have one without the other; "Now that you've brought my ham, where's my eggs," or vice versa. This is my favorite number by my favorite African trumpet player, "Hugh Masekela". What we see here dramatizes "Stimela" in dance, I find it captivating. This choreography is a tribute to Kathryn Dunham". https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5SuwmE3JM0A Here we have the "authentic drumming" from Haiti. There is a sacred museum of sorts in Haiti where the curator has these sacred drumbeats from Africa that go back before slavery. They are stored in a kind of code; this drumming goes with the dance it's meant to accompany. In order to put the drum code and dance together, he would have to travel with you to Cuba and Brazil for sure, but they have to make a match. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rqP0s9MBuoo&list=RDrqP0s9MBuoo#t=7 This dance in Cuba might to the uninitiated might look like flinging around and jumping to the beat, but it's just as structured as any European dance. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QRNEVAzaX9s I suppose the Cuban dancers come closest to what I saw practiced by the Katherine Dunham dancers. No that's not a mismatch, Katherine was a dance "anthropologist", in addition to being a dance teacher. All of these dances originated in Africa where she studied. What I saw practiced by the Katherine Dunham dancers was better than anything I've seen at the movies or on television when it came to African dance. There was an exhibit with a long film of them practicing at the museum in St. Louis ages ago, and tears came to my eyes when I realized I was young lean and flexible, just like those dancers, when this was being filmed, and I recognized some of the dancers. Enjoy the music. |
I think there is an important difference between a listener tiring of a certain style of music and an artist "tiring" of it because, as an artist, he/she needs to move forward and continue growing and evolving. Now, a case can easily be made for why that should also be the case for fans of a music, but the listener always has the luxury of being complacent; no great burden being a listener. Miles was the quintessential artist as far as this goes; always reaching and searching. Even when the listener does continue to stay lockstep with an artist's growth and evolution, the artist's previous work never stops being relevant. This was, IMO, possibly the greatest jazz band that ever was and is music that never stops being hip: https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=kJq3j4rA0o0 |
*****This dance in Cuba might to the uninitiated might look like flinging around and jumping to the beat, but it's just as structured as any European dance.****** Count me among the uninitiated. *****but it's just as structured as any European dance.***** Ballet is structured. No one can critique the Cuban dancer. Did she do it well? Who knows. As you said, she was just jumping around. The drumming was not related to what she was doing. Cheers |
Haiti Drum Ensemble: Nonsensical to this western brain. Again, what is this? Dance Anthropology: Part of the attempt to create 'instant' culture and history. Usually out of thin air. Beware of these folks who spend their lives trying to make Africa something it wasn't. I bet you own every Olatunji record. :) Cheers |
Jazz Player Growth: As an artist moves on, they lose some fans, and gain new ones. I can imagine the frustration an artist feels when the public just wants to hear him play his sole 'mega-hit' every time he performs. I continued to buy Miles and Trane even after I no longer liked their music. Always thought I would grow into it. I did to some extent. I always trusted the reviewers in Stereo Review. Cheers |
Here's Blakey again with one of my favorite tunes. Oscar Pettiford, the man who wrote this, is my favorite bassist, and out of the many versions, this is the best. "Cubano Chant" is another one of my favorite tunes; "what the hay, I like everything on this album", this was written by Ray Bryant, who appears on piano. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GoqCGc12Rog https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C7l9jnyhRnc "Nica's Tempo" catches "Jackie McClean" in his very best form. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lvRy9oR-cgg Enjoy the music. |
O-10, I admire your interest and passion for native art forms and how you bring it into these discussions; I too appreciate and enjoy much of it. However, and with all due respect, to suggest that Santeria dance is as structured as, say, George Balanchine's choreography seems a bit of a stretch. Rok, while I suspect that while we probably draw the dividing line between "like" and "no like" as concerns Miles and Trane growth at different points in the chronology, I basically agree with your sentiments. I like all of Miles' music from the standpoint of the fascinating development of him as an artist. I "like" much of his later stuff inasmuch as I respect it because I hear and appreciate that development and the natural progression of his musical persona and the whole inevitability of it. I can listen to mid-late 60s Miles all day; I love it. His later stuff is a different story. Once in a while I will sit and listen to something like Bitches Brew like it sometimes and other times I appreciate it primarily from the vantage point of: "it's so obvious that this is where he was headed" or, "it's so obvious that because of this (Bitches Brew) we now have X,Y or Z". Do I like it always; no way. The same goes for Trane. I think the Miles "sweet spot", for me, is that 60s band with Shorter, Hancock etc. Perfect balance between the more traditional bop thing and the more intellectual and sophisticated harmonic language; not to mention the sheer virtuosity. This clip kills me everytime; to think that Tony Williams was 17 years old!!!: https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=x_whk6m67VE |
Frogman, I have Miles for whatever mood I'm in on any given day. Today I'm in the mood for this Miles. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A-EgyUcHSSQ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pCp4Yb8NaxA Enjoy the music. |
Drum Suite: Excellent playing. Percussion is much more prominent, appropriate and indigenous in Latin Jazz. Which is what this LP sounds like, rather than African. There a reason so few Jazz group leaders are Drummers or Bassists. I always considered drum and bass solos to be interruptions to the flow of the music. If you play drums or bass and want to be leader, you better be able to compose. IMHO of course. :) Cheers |
Rok, Harold Land has been with me every since this never ending journey began in Chicago at my cousins apartment. This was like in 56, and he had every boss jazz LP that was recorded up until that time. Although I've tried hard to duplicate his collection, it's impossible; but Brown and Roach with Harold Land are available. My favorite cut on that LP was "Delilah". https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nt_fmhtePoc Enjoy the music. |
I didn't realize Wynton Marsalis was part of the tribute.. This should have been your first post. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RPDo7l1aOfA Wynton and Carmen Delavallade: This is dance. I can connect with this. This is awesome! Only let down by piss-poor camera work. Miss Carmen is a stone Fox. What sensual moves! It's a wonder poor Wynton could concentrate on his nuts and bolts. And Wynton's playing was just PERFECT. Is there anything this guy cannot do? So you see, there is no need for you to go running off to Africa and all that mindless and constant jumping around nonsense. The real talent is right here. Great Post Cheers |
Masekela Piece: As one reviewer said,"a feast for the eyes", and for my ears because I love Masekela's music. But the story meant nothing to me. I am getting a little weary of the never ending whining about that damn 'coal train'. I don't think he has made a CD without the coal train tune on it. You would think with what's going on in Africa today, there would be bigger fish to fry. But as usual, if it can't be blamed on white folks, it's not a problem. Nice to look at, buyt can't hold a candle to the Wynton / Carmen piece. As always, IMHO. Nice post Cheers |
Katherine Dunham: Very impressive lady. Her attitude is so reminiscent of the adults I knew while growing up in Mississippi. I noticed that the interviewer tried her best to get Miss Dunham to wallow in self-pity, but she did not go there. Thereby frustrating the poor thing. We could use more people like her today. She set her sights / goals, and then achieved greatness, apparently without even noticing or acknowledging any obstacles. She was a DOER, not a WHINER. Great story. Thanks for posting. Cheers |
One of best examples of the reasons that this country (America), with all its problems, is so great: https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=ETT6n1GluwQ If you only listen to one cut, listen to this one. Coltrane's sound is like a ray of sunshine: searching, hopeful; quintessentially American and, in some ways a product of the very mistakes that were made. Forgive the political slant, but with everything that is going on in the world, in my opinion it's important to remember the good and why we should preserve its values. Rather appropriate title as well, I would say. https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=HNnM2iRwHLE |
Frogman, this is my "Miles Mood" today. The record is much better recorded than this video, but you can't have everything. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NG9wHUXcih4 This is a clip about the new movie on Miles. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q-w9xaKjCmU You be the critic. Enjoy the music. |
