Rok, I think you're referring to someone trying to equate "soul" in mathematical terms.
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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I think you're referring to someone trying to equate "soul" in mathematical terms.****** It's more like a certain segment trying to make / remake jazz in their own image. Most of these people study 'Jazz theory' in school, and what they are taught becomes the definition of Jazz. In school they learn how to improvise the 'correct' way. Sort of like learning the rules on how to be creative. Read a book and learn how to be a musical genius. Wanna play like Coltrane or Miles? Sign up for our 6-week course. Wynton nailed it. They are now in a position to call anything and everything Jazz. They now control all media associated with music, and they are the sole critics. Cheers |
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that assumes that the ability to analyze intellectually and the visceral experience are mutually exclusive. ***** Once again, we are into straw men. They are not mutually exclusive, but they are certainly not the same thing. In listening to, and enjoying a Jazz performance, the visceral trumps any 'intellectual' considerations. In fact, I don't understand why 'intellectual' has any place in the playing or appreciation of Jazz. Or any other genre for that matter. That intellectual stuff is for the noise-makers in the school house. Cheers |
Starting? I've made that comment several times before. That's alright. I understand where the outbursts are coming from; it's all very transparent, really. The shame is that the gratuitous negativity and posturing about everything from the need to "protect" jazz to the role of people like Hentoff is only a lot of chest thumping and accomplishes nothing. That is why I liked moto_man's posts; to the point, but evenhanded and non-judgmental. |
Now, now . . . we all know that everyone has different preferences in music. Aside from my love of jazz, which my wife doesn't like at all, I love Emerson, Lake & Palmer and Pink Floyd. She hates ELP, but loves Pink Floyd. Why? No real way to explain other than I like it or I don't. Same thing here. Some people like atonal jazz, others like dixieland or swing. Doesn't mean that one LP sucks and another is epic. The only thing that is subject to intellectual analyzing is perhaps the skill of the musician, which most can appreciate regardless of whether they enjoy the music. So the visceral experience is taste dependent, while the intellectual analysis of the music attempts to impose some sort of objective framework on music, which is just not possible when it comes to one LP being "better" than another. Just my opinion . . . YMMV. :) |
"Little Niles" is another one of my favorite tunes, and any time I really like a composition, I have it by many artists; this is just such a tune. The first version I have is "Lambert, Hendricks & Ross". [url]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uZzJUssQxbg[/url] Out of all the versions of this tune, "Bill Anschell" is my favorite; his is the longest. The other reason is that he loves the tune as much as I do, and this can be detected by the way he play's it; he goes in and out, but comes back to the main theme in a different way. [url]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UPxN1c3pnL4[/url] Share your favorite version of "Little Niles". Enjoy the music |
Little Niles: These are the only versions I Own, so I guess they are my favorites. And since they are by Randy Weston, the composer of the tune, and Phil Woods, they are probably the only versions I will ever need. As in, who could do it better. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y0MNGeava2w https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hteuwCxS2FU Cheers |
Rok, while that's sound logic, I can give you examples when that is not the case. "On Green Dolphin Street" is composed by Bronislaw Kaper, but his version is most certainly not my favorite. [url]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WY1wvhjZ00I[/url] That comes closest to his version, with him playing the piano, but I can't find that one. Here's the same tune by Miles; [url]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xGVdAlxlp18[/url] Which do you like best? |
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Which do you like best?****** I loved them both. I think we just had a similar conversation, which you declared this sort of thing apples and oranges. You were right. One the one hand, we have the composer playing his tune on solo piano. Then we have, the same tune being played by a Jazz group consisting of Cannonball Adderly, Paul Chambers, James Cobb, John Coltrane, Bill Evans, Wynton Kelly and of course Miles Davis. This tune as played by solo piano falls into the category of something like 'autumn Leaves'. A beautiful tune that has been played by everyone. Miles played a Jazz interpretation of OGDS. His performance was Jazz, the other was not. Miles' performance was to the solo composer's performance, as Cannonball's version of 'Autumn Leaves' is to the version by Ferrante & Teicher. But both were beautiful. Cheers |
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What are some of you're favorite tunes that you have multiple version? ****** In response to your question: Ran across this interesting chart. The tunes that have been recorded by Jazz musicians the most. The left side lists Jazz tunes written by Jazz composers or written as Jazz tunes. The right side lists tunes written as non-Jazz tunes, but recorded by Jazz musicians / groups. http://www.umsl.edu/~owsleydc/tune_rank.htm Mingus is no where to be seen. :) I will attempt to answer your question in a little while. Cheers |
Rok, my top pick is "Delilah". The first time I heard this was in Chicago, at my cousin's apartment. He was my "Jazz Guru", and this is from the LP "Clifford Brown and Max Roach". I'm going to present to you several different versions. [url]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nt_fmhtePoc[/url] This is a vocal by Nat King Cole; [url]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VIotBiSa1DE[/url] This one is by "Ahmad Abdul-Malik", he's one of the hippest bass players. [url]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8bLupPxvEng[url] Enjoy the music. |
Read a review of 'The Sound of Jazz' on Blu-Ray in the latest issue of BBC Music Magazine. Rushed to Amazon. They have it, but only for Region 2. This is AMERICAN Music isn't it? WTF!! O-10: I cannot think of any Jazz tune of which I have multiple versions. I know I must have some, I just can't think of them. Other than war horses like 'autumn leaves' and 'Sweet Georgia Brown'. etc..... Cheers |
Although I agree, I'm surprised that you chose Abdul Malik. What's your favorite version of "Around Midnight"? I like Monk's tunes, but quite often I like them played by someone else. Here's one of his tunes that he plays just right; it's a quirky tune about a quirky fellow, and it sounds just right when Monk plays it; [url]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FuHjgKQDofs[/url] Enjoy the music. |
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What's your favorite version of "Around Midnight"?***** This is the second most recorded tune in Jazz, according to the chart I posted. So it's almost impossible to know them all. It's hard to go against Monk under any situation, but if he is also the Composer, it should be a slam dunk. But, not so fast my friend. There is this: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GIgLt7LAZF0 With that lineup, and that album art, sorry Monk. Cheers |
Rok, that version is so hard to beat, that I'm going to simply try and tie it. There was a version by "The Montgomery Brothers" that I had on an LP; this was before Wes became famous., that I don't think is on "you tube". I found the one by Wes; it's laid back, and there's a personal story that goes along with it. Every time I hear this, that personal story becomes crystal clear. Since I can't separate the two, I don't know if this would be my favorite without the personal story. [url]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K1Xozvcf0FA[/url] Here's one by Kenny Burrell; [url]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=crNTPVGSt6E[/url] Which one is best between Miles and Kenny Burrell or Wes, depends on how I picture the setting. If I picture the setting in a cozy club, in the booth in the back, and what goes with that setting, Kenny Burrell wins, but if I'm just sitting at home listening to the music, Miles wins. For the heck of it, let's just add Chick Corea, and Bobby McFerrin. [url]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=shWrMVSj_hk[/url] Enjoy the music. |
I have the Burrell CD. All, very good, esp Wes. Speaking of McFerrin... In Poland I believe.... High quality sound and video. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mgV-xKe6vGE Cheers |
Rok, I wonder why good new music is so scarce? When I bought Mingus's famous album"Mingus Ah Um" in 1960, I bought it because of the abstract art cover work, I had never heard of Charles Mingus. It was just that easy to buy good jazz at the record store. Now all I do is accumulate losers. As we came into the 60's, there was a lot of prosperity in that decade; the auto industry in Detroit was booming, it seemed that everyone was driving a new car, and don't forget about "Motown". The same could be said for St. Louis, and Chicago. Although I didn't go to LA during that time, it had a music scene that rivaled New York. What do you find in those cities now? If no one has anything to sing about, how can you expect musicians to make good new music? Right now I think I'll take a step back to some better times and sample a little "Chitlin Con Carne" with Kenny Burrell, who is one of my favorite guitarists; he does jazz in a soulful bluesy kind of way. Here's an album no collection should be without, "Midnight Blue". Every cut on this is a winner, and when you add Stanley Turrentine's tenor sax, you got some downright low down blues. "Just throw me back in the alley and let me roll with the rest of the tin cans" is what I heard a lady say in a juke joint while shaking her hips and popping her fingers; she was feeling real good. Take your time, settle back and relax while you listen to this complete LP. [url]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eNWDwOsQqlw&list=PL4DB8E958D5D43CC3[/url] Enjoy the music. |
[URL]https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=avpFGlv7iw8[/URL] |
I've got just the thing to ease his pain. I'm still in the alley rolling with the rest of the tin cans; this time Mr. Jimmy Smith is providing the music. I think I hear juke joint sounds in the back ground, it's about 2:AM and everybody is feeling good; we even got a harmonica, "laissez le bon ton roulet", let the good times roll, parlevu france. [url]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=utmgnjBavs0[/url] Enjoy the music. |
You make an important point with the connection of Jazz to clubs. We should not forget that. *****Laissez le bon ton roulet***** https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mx2xEizhRfE Cheers |
Rok, I found something new; not jazz but new. These sisters got "heavy soul", I can feel it. When they say "I put a spell on you", they ain't playing, they must be from Nawlins. [url]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=onsFxg9uQw8[/url] Here's Nina, "Soul sister number 1" [url]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nUZL6gsuAmQ[/url] Tell me what you think? |
I never understood why you guys think Jazz has to keep getting newer. Hell I think LvB's 9th is around 200 years old. Bach older than that. Great music is timeless. But if you insist, check out the you-tubes of this young lady. The latest rage from the United Kingdom. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m5qCRWR4kTw I like her. I like her appraoch. Always have a soft spot for female Trumpet players. Cheers |
What do all of these "Who’s Who"- list jazz artists have in common? Miles Davis Nina Simone Tito Puente Christian McBride Phil Woods Michel Camilo Eliane Elias Lew Soloff Hubert Laws Wynton Marsalis (this is a hint 😉) Roland Hanna Eddie Gomez Andy Laverne Gary Bartz Tony Scott Charlie Palmieri Freddie Cole Art Davis Whoever gets the answer right DOES NOT get the: ** IDKWTFIATA ** award. Additionally, the first person to figure out what the award’s name is an acronym for gets two hours of free saxophone lessons or my copy of Mingus’ "Oh Yeah" (that was another hint ☺️); you pick. BTW, Laura Jurd fans have nothing to worry about; she is not good enough to be accepted to Juilliard. That clip is up there with the "Trio Tres Bien" clips in the "worst things posted on this thread" list. |
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I liked this post so much that I saved it under favorites, but only after I went to ebay and bought three mentioned albums. Many jazz snobs think he is a pariah, and no one mentioned him, but Maynard Ferguson made some good music. One album no one should miss is "Swingin' for Schuur", on which Maynard and Diane are as funky and upbeat as jazz can be. With their upper range duels on a great selection of music, they really have some fun. It is even better when you realize that this album was recorded nearly twenty years after he really got terrible advice and/or chose what to record following the Mainstream Record label years. His "Live at Jimmy's" double CD is also great, in a Stan Kentonish way. The two new members from the University of Miami musicians do bari-sax/bass duets, which got a two page write up in the Miami Herald. For the hard core Maynard jazz freaks like me, the invention of acid jazz on the 1967 Sextet album is truly spectacular. It is the absolute best, as well as trippiest "Summertime" you will ever hear. I call this acid jazz with cause: In "Licit and Illicit Drugs" a "Consumer Reports" book that exposes the CIA for their LSD experiments (From the released (after 50 years of secrecy) Congressional Record logs), there is a funny anecdote, related by Dizzy G, himself, who said that on the way to Dr Leary's house, they all had to drive around to smoke their pot before going in the house, because illegal drugs were not allowed. After getting stoned, he and other jazz greats would go trip and make jazz, thereby creating acid jazz. The extended version of "Summertime" on the Sextet album is the culmination of that endeavor. Did I convince everyone to still avoid Maynard? At least get "Swingin for Schur". It rocks. |
O-10, I am not sure I am willing to accept your "challenge" for what I feel should be obvious reasons to anyone who has followed this thread (never mind, participated); reasons that point to futility. However, I admit that I am a sucker for a challenge; and even if I don't accept the challenge I will post some comments on the issue. Will get back to you in a bit; a little busy "equating soul to mathematical terms" right now 😉 |
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Uh...., still waiting for the acronym translation 😄****** The censors erased it. Because of the F word I guess. I got it all correct. And you got Jurd wrong. Laura Jurd was named one the 'New Generation Artists' 2015-2017 by the BBC. Previous recipients of this honor have been: Trumpeter ... Alison Balsom Pianist ...... Benjamin Grosvenor The Belcea Quartet Being a Classical player, I will assume you have heard of these people. Maybe the correct acronym should be TFDNKWTFHITA. I want my Mingus!! Cheers |
You'll have to do better than that. Very easy to do; just leave out the F word; that was an easy one and we all know what it stands for. Then PM me your address and I will send you "Oh Yeah". You sure you don't want saxophone lessons? 😉 BTW, no way did I get Jurd wrong; mediocre player. You want a quality player in that style? Check out some of Randy Brecker's work. Btw, since when do you care what the press has to say? I thought the great unwashed decided. |
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You sure you don't want saxophone lessons? 😉***** To be in NYC under the tutelage of The Frogman?? AAUGH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! BTW, Jurd is just starting. They looked like a teenager garage band. But they played a Jazz tune, didn't just make weird noises like most young 'jazz' players do. She should be encouraged. Comparing her to an old Geezer like Brecker is not fair. Cheers |