The Evolution of Modern Jazz



Shadorne's thread "Outstanding Examples of Musicianship" inspired me to begin this thread. While Shadorne stated that all genre's were welcome, I felt that me and another jazz aficionado were beginning to dominate that thread. Shadorne is a "Rocker", bless his heart. This community functions best when like minded people engage in common dialogue.

The title explains this thread. We will use "youtube" the same as in Shardone's thread to illustrate our examples, and now I begin.

In the beginning, there was Charlie "Bird" Parker, and he said "Let there Be Bop" and thus it began. While walking down the street, Bird ran into John Birks "Dizzy" Gillespie, who had similar ideas, so they "Bopped" down the street together; Bird on alto sax and Diz on trumpet. My first illustration of this new music is "Bloomdido" with Bird and Diz. We should cover "Be Bop" in depth before we go to the next phase of this evolution.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1MCGweQ8Oso&NR=1
orpheus10
Thank you. "Visions Of The Emerald Beyond" is something that I like a lot. It is also quite different from earlier McLaughlin's work. And Jean-Luc Ponti does the violin part really well.

Fusion has proven to be much more interesting than I expected. I didn't realize how much good music is in this category.

Next we'll go to the last phase, which is "world jazz". Although this music began as an American art form, it now belongs to the world. Many of the best artists have Japanese names, Brazil is also deeply involved. No corner of the Globe is excluded from this music we call jazz. "Calcutta Cutie" is from india.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-WvQ7BMws1M

If anyone wants to post more fusion before we go to "world jazz", that sounds good to me.
Since we won't go into "World jazz" until Monday, now is a good time to debate on whatever has been posted, or post any genre of jazz you like.

Foster, you once mentioned you liked Bill Evans more as a sideman, so do I; but not always. This is one time you might make an exception.

Bill Evans, "Tomato Kiss"

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1ESLJebaWyU

When jazz is blended with music from other countries, I call it "world jazz". What began as an American music art form, now belongs to the world.

I've discovered so many blends; unfortunately, I can't share them all with you, however, I will share two of them. The first is the East Indian Blend; John Handy, and Ali Akbar Khan play together like they have been doing it for ages. The language of music is universal, and these musicians carry on a conversation like old friends. "Karuna Supreme" takes me to a place I've never been before, and now that I'm there; I never want to leave.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-hK6_bOerWo

This Australian blend is too amazing for words. Here we have a blend of classical, Australian Aboriginal, and jazz. That is the most unique combination I've ever heard. The bass will certainly awaken your subwoofer. Didgeridoo classical jazz takes us to the outer limits of the imagination in this music we call jazz. I wonder what the founding fathers of jazz would think?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X4_4m9yUdc8



I hope to see and hear your examples of "World jazz"
Inna, use markup tags, post it again and "preview first" to make sure it works.

Out of all world jazz "Afro Brazilian" is the most impressive. These rhythms sound better than the one's straight out of Africa. The leading proponent of this music is "Dom Um Romao"; this is "shaking". I like the way the drums come "ripping" right off the block.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FovYWJwqSSo

Rio celebrates "ripping" rhythms and sensuality. "Focus on the drums"; I know it's not easy when you're looking at the carnival, but this is a "music forum"; enjoy.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U8T77eC5rXs&feature=related
Inna I got it to work, my bad. Such a striking photograph, it certainly fits the music. Although Hossam Ramzy is new to me, I've always liked belly dance music, and the dancers too; hope you can add more.
World music

This album is one of my favorites of the last few years. I've (literally) played it weekly. I have four of their albums on LP, some very hard to find now.

The accompanying music video is stunning, at least to my senses as a photographer.

Santa Maria (Del Buen Ayre)
To me "world Jazz" does not get much better than Rabih Abou-Khalil (Jazz / Middle Eastern). I particularly like his first album Al-Jadida, but thenagain, I am very favorably predisposed to middle eastern rhytms and melodies. On that note, there is one album by the brilliant Oud player Anuoar Brahem that I would classify as "Jazz" (Khomsa).

Albertporter, I like every detail in that video, including the shoes. That music is destined for my collection. Normally I don't like accordion, but that guy blows me away.
Whether or not "World jazz" is jazz, I'll leave that for purists like Wynton Marsalis to debate. I know I'm enjoying all the music that's been submitted under this category, and the last phase of the music we call"jazz". I also feel that if Charley "Bird" Parker was alive, he would be into world music with us. It's for sure he wouldn't be playing "Be Bop".

I like this music much better than new music by new musicians that can be clearly classified as "jazz". Their music sounds like the same soup warmed over. Don't misunderstand me here, I still like "Bird", Coleman Hawkins, Ben Webster, and a long list of "oldtimers'; but when someone new comes along trying to do what they did, "It sounds like the same old soup warmed over".

In this last phase of jazz, do not trip over the word "Jazz". If it sounds good, it's good; as a matter of fact I'm submitting the sound track to the best movie ever made, "The Third Man". This is a haunting sound track that's been with me all of my life.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OntXTE8Kyq0
Fantastic video, Albert. Thank you. If you like this music, I am sure you like that of the greatest master of the modern tango Astor Piazzolla. His classic recording "Zero Hour" is a must hear.

Orpheus10, the instrument is actually the bandoneon, not the accordion. The second link below includes a discussion with Piazzolla about the bandoneon. Very interesting stuff.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aQitw1eG0fg&feature=fvst

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7z40MBS5gFk

Edorr, I have 5 CD's by Rabih Abou Khalil, and all the covers are as beautiful as the music. "The Astounding Eyes of Rita"is the only CD I have by Anuoar Brahem. I keep looking for a word or words to describe the photograph of "Rita", but can't quite get there. Maybe Albertporter can help, since he's a photographer.
Frogman, thanks for the heads up on the bandoneon. I thought "bandoneon" was a South American name for the accordion, now I know they are two entirely different instruments. I have Al Di Meola plays Piazolla, now I'll get "Piazolla".
Gentlemen, this thread started as an exploration of the evolution of Jazz" and has now digressed into Piazolla territory (beautiful music to be sure but not "jazz").

Not to worry - the synthesis of latin accordeon and pure Jazz is there for everyone to discover. The artist is Richard Galliano and the music is pure joy. Try his album "Laurita" and hear what I am talking about. On this album, he actually plays a composition by Hermeto Pascoal, the Brazilian free jazz man, as well as Piazolla's "Libertango", but mostly his own compositions.

Once you get a taste for this, try "Blow up" a duet with Michel Portal on clarinet/alto sax. Sheer delight.
I read through the thread and found someone mention Hossam Ramzy. He actually particiapted in a Robert Plant, Jimmy Page reunion concert, with oriental arrangement of Zeppeling classics, recorder in Marrakesh, Marroco. The DVD is called "unledded", and it is an absolute gem. The rendition of "four sticks" is priceless. Unfortuntaly the content is blocked on youtube.
I also recommend "Heart of the Immigrants" by Al Di Meola.
Excellent if somewhat sad world, forgive me, world jazz music. Digital only, no LP. But the sound quality is very good. Get Japanese cd if you can find it.

Inna, "Heart of The Imagrants" displays the melancholy side of Al Di Meola; it's sad but very beautiful. The way he uses bandoneon and voices gives the music a hint of Astor Piazzola. He also incorporates many other diverse elements in this music; it is truly a world "sinfonia".

John McLaughlin and Paco De Lucia have formed a musical "mind meld", the two play as one. When they are joined by Al Di Meola, we have three playing as one.

This is a little Indian fusion.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MNaAN-7MZtI&playnext=1&list=PLC962ABCA05E06F8A
I really like the Nepal video and the music.
http://youtu.be/8HxhPIX2gjM
Something different.

That music and video was straight out of the land of the pharaoh's, Ramses II, King Tut, and Cleopatra. It was the most seductive music and video I've seen and heard. Combined, the music and video transported me back to the time when the pyramids were new.

We are on an outward bound musical journey to Andromeda and beyond.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f8mMWh62XpU&feature=fvst
This is my favourite track from an excellent DVD. Two of the giants of Jazz mentioned previously appear (J.L. Ponty, Al diMeola). Number three is no slouch either (Stanley Clark).

Rite of strings - Live in Montreaux

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uv__DEGJ-3s

That was beautiful. Musicians and their music evolve from "that time" to "this time"; I heard violin from "Visions of The Emerald Green Beyond" and bass from "My Spanish Heart", however I failed to associate Al Di Meola with anything that preceded this. Did you notice what I mentioned?
I can't say I know Di Meola well enough to make that call. All I can say is I don't care much for his electronic fusion work, but love all things acoustic, so the "Rite of Strings" is right up my alley. On this note, there is a phenomenally recorded return to forever live in monteux Blu Ray, featuring this little Di Meola gem. I believe what he is playing is the melody from Piazolla's "Milonga del Angel".

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JsLbK88yn7c

Rather than start a new "jazz" thread, I would like to keep this one going for those who have an interest in the music. "The Evolution of Modern Jazz" is so inclusive in regard to the various "genre's" of jazz that anyone who has an interest in the music will find their "groove".

In addition to posting comments, I also like the "Youtube" postings. This last phase of the evolution, "World jazz" is very interesting, but not enough music; therefore, I would like to add "Current jazz" to this last phase.

My first submission is "Lilly Was Here", by Candy Dufler.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MvLfS_WzDTk&feature=fvwrel
As you may be aware Candy Dulfers's extensively toured with Prince. She also performed with Pink Floyd, Van Morrison and Dave Steward. She is a good player, but being very goodlooking has not exactly hurt her career either. Her father is a well known jazzman in the Netherlands.
Edorr, thanks for the heads-up. I didn't know any of that. All I know is that "Lilly Was Here" is one fantastic jam, and Candy Dulfer is beautiful.
You've got to hear her live. In typical "smooth jazz" fashion, her albums are duds-ville in terms of life and energy. Way overproduced and tamed down. Live, she is a dynamite and energetic player.

The same could be said for Rick Braun, Mindi Abair, et al.
I saw Hans Dulfer (her father) jamming with Prince at an afterconcert in the Netherlands, with a guest appearance by Lenny Kravitz. All in a small venue 10 yards from the main stage. Priceless.
That's what I would call great adult pop, Orpheus10.
Now, try this:
http://youtu.be/7SAEL27YETM
That "Turkish jazz" she was doing it to is quite good too.
But let's not compare a dancing woman with a worm, just doesn't sound appealing or fare.

"Karuna Supreme" is the best example of "World Jazz" in my collection. John Handy was born with an alto sax, playing jazz, while Ali Akbar Kahn was born playing classical Indian music on the sarod. I can not fathom a wider gulf between two musicians, and yet; these two play together like long lost friends.

They blend so well, that it's difficult to tell where classical Indian music stops and jazz begins. Ali Akbar Kahn sounds like jazz on the sarod, while John sounds like classical Indian on the alto. He gets into the Indian thing like he was born in Calcutta, and Ali Akbar Kahn gets into jazz like he was raised on the other side of 125th in New York. Although this is relatively long, it's so beautiful, that it seems to end too soon.

"Karuna Supreme"

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-hK6_bOerWo
Rachel distracted me. Now that you mention it, after looking and listening; the "Turkish jazz" is nice.
Orpheus10, that saxophone is really good. Didn't care much about the other man though. McLaughlin with his Shakti custom guitar would make a great duo. Or Shankar with sitar.

Ali Akbar Khan, often referred to as Khansahib, was a Hindustani classical musician of the Maihar gharana, known for his virtuosity in playing the sarod. He sometimes played with Ravi Shanker. I found the music, and the musicians to be "hypnotic".
Now I know exactly where you're coming from and I understand. He's polar opposite to John.

Since I listen to music on my "playlist" from the PC, half the time I don't know what or who is playing. This guitar "Indian music" was playing and I was really enjoying it, I thought it was something recent; when I checked, it was "Shakti".

It's for sure you have to be in a "pensive" mode or mood to enjoy "Karuna Supreme".

I'll submit something where "Khansahib" really gets down, and see if you still have the same opinion.


After going through what I have by "Kahnsahib", I didn't find anything much different, he's deep into the "Indian thing".

Since there is not enough interest in "World jazz" exclusively, I'm alternating my submissions with "current jazz". This is one by the 3rd force, It's titled "In The Full Moonlight".

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OeLaOa9m9kg
I wouldn't exactly call it jazz but listen to this:
http://youtu.be/PrGLjS0BAh8