Sam Rivers - Fuchsia Swing Song is a record everyone should listen to. Also Andrew Hill - Point of Departure has some of the most complex writing of its era, and is played loose enough that it still really swings.
Underrated jazz greats
I listen to all sorts of music, but mostly jazz. There are many musicians who, for whatever reason, don't attract the attention that their great gifts possibly deserve. I would be interested to know who others think are hidden gems in the jazz world, who have contributed substantially to the genre.
I will begin with two musicians who I believe are outstanding, and deserving of the highest recognition.
1) Lew Tabackin - an outstanding tenor player, and a phenomenal jazz flutist in my view.
2) Sir Roland Hanna - tremendous command of the keyboard, and he thought around the perimeter of pieces to make them both musically and intellectually satisfying.
Very interested in others' thoughts.
I will begin with two musicians who I believe are outstanding, and deserving of the highest recognition.
1) Lew Tabackin - an outstanding tenor player, and a phenomenal jazz flutist in my view.
2) Sir Roland Hanna - tremendous command of the keyboard, and he thought around the perimeter of pieces to make them both musically and intellectually satisfying.
Very interested in others' thoughts.
60 responses Add your response
Monty Alexander 3 alumni and bassist Paul Berner is finally getting some deserved recognition here in Europe, with his excellent Hi-res download, Road to Memphis. The album which is best described as an''americana '' jazz sound track to the movie yet to be made of Elvis Presley's deal with the Devil( Colonel Parker) is a true gem. There is a great interview with Mr. Berner on you tube, telling about the idea behind the album: Paul Berner on Faust, Elvis ,Tom Parker and the Devil... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SbGL_RUjJHY And there are audio examples of the album here: http://www.soundliaison.com/products-from-our-studio-showcase-series/12-paul-berner-group If I was Neil Young I'd ask Paul Berner to be allowed to license the album, this is what Hi-Res audiophile sound is all about. |
Paul Desmond was imho a "quiet" but phenomenal genius of the sax. I also think he was the "wings beneath" Dave Brubeck. With a lesser player on sax I think much of Brubecks work wouldn't have had near the popularity and recognition. In fact, as a big fan of the Dave Brubeck Quartet-with Paul Desmond--I don't think Brubeck had anywhere near the same output- in quality, musicality, inventiveness or popularity- after Desmond. I think the gel with Desmond was "magic", pure & simple. Probably as great as any 2 collaborators. |
'Water from an Ancient Well' is available on Amazon. Ibrahim was A.K.A. 'Dollar Brand'. Check under both names to see all his stuff. Some people are not so much underrated, as they are not popular. And this can be for various reasons. Appearance, age, gender, race, style of play etc.... But the guardians, the enthusiasts, the keepers of the flame so to speak, they know!! |
Jazz IS underappreciated in the states. I just finished reading an interview with legendary Latin Jazz artist Jerry Gonzalez where he sez he's been living in Spain for the past 12 yrs due to being able to earn a better living there but more importantly, he feels his art is much better appreciated. This is a scenario, American Jazz artists living abroad, that's existed practically since the advent of Jazz. The U.S. has almost always had it's head up it's butt regarding Jazz. Sadly, in this day of American Idol I believe it's worse than ever before. |
Great and not (as) celebrated. Guitar - Steve Masakowski, Steve Khan, Phil Upchurch, Dave Stryker, Ernest Ranglin, Mark Elf. Bass - Harvie S. Harmonica - Hendrik Meurkens. Sax - Mark Turner, George Coleman. Trumpet - Claudio Roditi, Jon Faddis. Piano - Fred Hersch. And that just scratches the surface I'm sure. |
I second the votes for Paul Desmond, Kenny Barron and Sonny Clark. Also on sax: Dave Liebman. On trumpet, I vote for Tom Harrell - an absolute master at blowing in-the-pocket, economical solos. Piano - Michel Petrucciani. Not necessarily known as a Jazz artist, but who essentially played a jazz kit and a jazz style and I feel doesn't get his rightful due is Charlie Watts on drums. |
Stan Getz..the greatest Sax player who ever lived..won five Grammy's..whenever the subject of who was the greatest sax player?..Stan always gets snubbed..never makes the top of the list..His album Jazz Samba is the second largest selling jazz album of all time..Kind of Blue is the first..in 1945 at the age of fifteen..he played at Carnegie Hall with Charlie Parker..he influenced everybody.." If only we could all play like Stan "..Miles Davis. |
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The post's on this thread indicate those who posted are true jazz aficionado's. During these times, I don't have money to waste; however, buying the best jazz is a necessity. Viridian recommended "Jaki Byard with Strings", which I have ordered. I think it would be helpful if everyone went through their collection and chose the best CD by the artist they highlighted, that's available. |
Bobby Timmons. - I remember going to see The Eddie Gomez Trio play a Bill Evans tribute @ Cezanne in Houston in 2003. The other two in Gomez's trio were Stefan Karlsson on piano and Jimmy Cobb on drums. I brought a copy of Timmons' This Here is Bobby Timmons for Cobb to sign since he performed on the album (and his photograph was on the back). Cobb seemed surprised that I wasn't presenting him with the yet another copy of Kind of Blue like everyone else around me. And to go with that reaction the people waiting in line with their copies of Kind of Blue gave me odd looks at my copy of the Timmons album. It felt as though no one knew who in the heck the guy even was. What a pity. |
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Fortunately, almost all of those mentioned are well represented in my collection; including Tina Brooks. I have him on Mosaic Blue Note LP's. I would like to add Ray Nance; he played violin, trumpet, and could sing. While he is best known for trumpet, I like his violin. On Chico Hamilton's "The Head Hunters", I know there's smoke coming off the violin strings, I can smell it coming through the speakers. |
