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.
Showing 50 responses by orpheus10
I wasn't quite in my teens when "Bird" died at Nica's apartment, and nothing but horrible things were said and written about her. Of course I believed them because that was all you got. Now that I can gather all the information, and think for myself, I realize who the really horrible people were. "Bird" never claimed that Nica was his girlfriend; she was a friend who he always treated with respect. All the jazz musicians who knew her, gave her the respect that a "Baroness" deserved. Now, I also forgive myself for believing the things they said about Nica at that time. |
You certainly got that right Ghosthouse, but she did it her way; if you saw a half parked Bentley, in the worst part of town, (where there were jazz clubs) with a couple of winos lolling around on the plush leather back seats (her guard dogs), you were sure to find Nica. She would be the lady with the British accent wearing a mink, and sporting a long cigarette holder, nodding to the hard-bop; and when the musicians announced a song dedicated to "The Baroness", you knew you had struck gold. |
Quincy Jones had such a wide range that everyone should be able to find something by him that suites their taste. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T5ALPzS0QfQ |
Michel Legrand is another musician who had a wide range; he wrote soundtracks for movies, like "The Thomas Crown affair", and collaborated with Miles Davis on jazz scores. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pqbj6qTEHxE https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OohatUzO-gQ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qKV9bK-CBXo https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GV_ANDWNbNo |
Frogman I knew you could explain this much better than me. ****Why were all the East Coast guys black and all the West Coast guys white?**** "West Coast guys white"; that even went for the music, the Black guys even sounded White; I thought Buddy Collette was White for the longest. His good friend Mingus, even said his music sounded White. When I was in LA, I talked to musicians who could have been famous if they left LA, but since they could make a good living there, why leave? West Coast jazz reflected the lifestyle there; laid back and cool, always casual. I have nothing to add or subtract from your post, it was complete. |
Rok, there were some "hard bop" musicians who could not read music, all strongly influenced by Black Gospel. Not so in West Coast musicians, they could read and write music. East Coast is also more impromptu improvisation (very emotional), while West Coast is cerebral. As you define "real", meaning emotionally from the heart, West Coast is less real, but that doesn't mean it's less jazzy. Let us compare and evaluate two versions of my all time favorite tune "Nica's Dream". I will present the West Coast version and a popular East Coast version. First we'll evaluate Curtis Counce; https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=trjO7TWe6ME Now Horace Silver; https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KDrxzKYdwsA I'll let you go first in regard to the evaluation. |
I just thought of a new theme "Eternal Music"; that's music you seem to have been hearing all of your life that still sounds good; https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XjN5_cJDWHs https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iAxJ93LzaaA |
Without a doubt Pryso, and to think, he never learned how to read music. I have personally known a few remarkable musicians who never learned how to read music. They took that statement to mean it's not necessary to read music in order to become a musician. I have no idea what it takes to become a musician, but some of the worst musicians even have a degree in music. Personally, it's my opinion that some got it, and some don't got it; meaning it's a natural talent. Having said that, people who went to school and can read music will be more successful. Here is Errol Garner's most famous tune; https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P_tAU3GM9XI And my favorite version; https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OQ-JgK9h_MU |
I can say one thing for certain, we have touched on everybody's base in regard to music that can be accepted by this thread. While that's not my cup of tea, I hope whoever is getting their boat floated responds. Music of this nature needs herbs that puts one's hearing in resonance with the music, that's why it sounded ever so delightful once upon a time in a far away galaxy. (that's where the combination put you) I know yall remember them mosquito machines that rode around belching out horrible smoke that was supposed to rid the neighborhood of mosquito; they should have them to ride all over the world belching out good herb smoke once a week to put a smile on everybody's face. |
Both were excellent versions of "Nica's Dream"; the West Coast version kind of flowed and oozed, while the East Coast was "hard riding"; imagine an outlaw making his get away from the posse across the badlands, you could hear Horace Silver riding hard on those keys, while Carl Perkins was laid back and cool. The East Coast was hot and explosive, full of emotion; Junior Cook, on tenor, and Blue Mitchell on trumpet were lightening quick, and jazzy to the extreme; which is what East Coast is all about, I started sweating just listening to it. If you have a temperature, and want to cool off, you need West Coast, but if you want to get hot and excited, it's East Coast. |
Frogman, evidently, you haven't spent much time in El A, as soon as you get there, you know you're in a different world, and West Coast jazz reflects that casual, cool, laid back life style; there is no such thing as a necktie in almost all of El A. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y2nbtYg8YGA While there are exceptions to any "Generalization", a generalization can be made in regard to West Coast jazz, and it absolutely reflects the lifestyle of the people. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fwAAjnqdB4w |
In regard to Acmans language statement, it's more likely that musicians who speak the same language find one another; the "hard bop" improvisational jazz language is both fast and complex; musicians can not get acquainted on the bandstand, they must speak the same language. In the case of "Miles Davis", he chose musicians whose music would compliment his own; I didn't see any evidence of Miles rubbing off on the musicians who played with him. In the case of Max Roach and Clifford Brown, they were like twins, who could read each others minds. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nt_fmhtePoc |
This was recorded at the Montreaux Jazz Festival in Switzerland in June 1969. Both the Eddie Harris Quartet, and the Les McCann Trio performed with great success at the Festival. Later in the week, Eddie and Les felt like playing together. Benny Bailey, the great American trumpet player, who was living in Europe, was also there; he was asked by Eddie and Les to join them; the rest is history. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kCDMQqDUtv4 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y8YOLY4Tats Les McCann and Eddie Harris spoke the same language; both those tunes were hits on the jukeboxes and the radio, something rare for jazz tunes. 1969 was also the most fantastic Summer of my life; when I went to lawn parties, I always brought plenty of Cold Duck Wine, and I inquired when I arrived, "What time is it?" always, the hearty response was "Its Cold Duck Time!". Those were the days my friend, why did they have to end? |
I have been very close to a few jazz persons. I refer to them as "persons" as opposed to musicians, because that’s a different relationship. While I idolized what they did on the bandstand, they were just friends of mine off the bandstand. I never understood how they did what they did, and they never discussed it. From my observations, it took a lifetime for them to do what they did, and I don’t think they could explain it; it’s for sure I wouldn’t understand if they did; I understand very little about "improvisational jazz", but I like it. |
While it's certain that West Coast is not as fast as East Coast, slow does not necessarily mean West coast; Miles "It Never Entered My Mind"; https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-Np8PJDGq_A |
Jafant, here is something for those of us who are word challenged; it's a movie. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q1n8E3ntWUg Enjoy the movie. |
Have you ever been in a conversation where the subject always seems to be changing? I'm talking about where there are several different people in the conversation, and one guy chips in with "classic jazz", and another "fusion" of which there are several types. To be honest, I can't contribute very well or enjoy that kind of conversation. Dave, you seem to be interested in ECM, if so, why don't you contribute some of what you have enjoyed over the years in your collection. I don't specifically mean that record label, but in general that type of music. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V9vQ_y9JJ1E https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N6I02UdoT6w https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ULDI2_Gv77s As a child, I watched those freight trains pass by and counted the cars; now I have books about all sorts of trains. St. Louis to San Antonio was my longest train ride; not bad if you have a sleeper. I watched the weather change from Spring with green grass and yellow flowers, to Winter and snow piled up on a ride from St. Louis to Detroit; it's fun looking out your window and watching it happen. "Offramp" is my favorite album by Pat, and one of my favorite albums period. I saw him live on a big boat on the Mississippi River. |
Dave there is no decorum here, you just do what you feel. I was speaking of the way music affects me personally; I can't hear fusion, after listening to classic jazz. When the groove is changed radically too many times, I can't hear the music; fusion sounds like noise after getting into a classic jazz groove. Whenever the "groove" is changed, I try to go with the flow. We seem to be in an ECM groove now in honor of Abercrombie. I don't know offhand if I have anything with him as leader, but I have him as sideman. Ghosthouse understands that "groove" shift thing, occasionally he finds some "new" music that is unappealing at that moment, (sounds like noise, but might be OK in the next moment) If you like it, submit it. It has been alleged that I don't like a lot of new music, but that should have nothing to do with what you submit. What I don't like is radically changing of the groove (subject). After all is said and done, I would say it's your turn to submit music, whatever floats your boat. BTW, no one has commented on the last music I submitted. |
Dave, it's good to respect what you don't know. That made me aware of the responsibility I have to inform. We all have our crosses to bear, I hope to help lighten your awesome burdens. My mother-in-law gets crazier every day; she left in 6 degree below 0 weather one night, and had us worried enough to call the police. Some good samaritan saw her, and knew an old lady had no business out in that weather at night. Fortunately she knew her address, and they brought her back home. I'm impressed by your ability to hear "classic jazz". Imagine the music as an FM radio station, and we as FM tuners; we have to be on the right frequency in order to hear the music; not everyone is tuned to the right frequency. As far as classic jazz, you can go back through posts, and pick an artist or specific sound you want to expand on and we'll delve into it. The 100 Greatest Jazz Albums is a very good start, and I imagine you already have that. Stay safe from the hurricane, and I'll look for you after all is straightened out. |
"Ghosthouse", I know exactly what you mean by "walking on a cloud" after leaving that PMG show, I had the same feeling. Somehow, his group caught the feel of the moment; you were not in yesterday, or tomorrow, you were in that exact moment in time. I'll listen closer to his albums that I haven't heard in awhile. I'm not tuned to "Watercolors" this morning, but the music expresses "Watercolors". |
Pryso, "Timeless" and "In a Silent Way" are very interesting comparisons; both are laid back, but Miles horn punctuates "In a Silent Way" in a fashion that gives it "drama". The biggest difference was the musicians; each one on Miles album made significant statements. 'Timeless', just "droned" on like a train moving down a railroad track at a moderate speed. It did not have enough "drama"; I could not get into it. |
Dave, I'm hearing the music a lot better, that's enough to give you reason to follow my example. Things are "shitty" but my time here is limited, and I enjoy music; that's why it is my responsibility to listen to it more intensely. In regard to my problems; I'm no longer giving them any more thought than is essential. I'm giving the music the intensity it deserves. |
"Trombone Shorty" got it going on; he got "Nawlins" in his music, in his soul. As close as I can come to explaining that is food. "Nawlins" is like a very special spice, and you have to be from "Nawlins" to have it, but all you have to do is add this spice to whatever you're cooking, or music you're playing, and it's "cookin". |
Dave, I missed "Familiar"; that was so far into the pop bag, that I wouldn't consider it jazz. Trombone Shorty is on a thin line between pop and jazz; sometime it's clearly "Pop", and at other times there's so much "Nawlins" soul that it can be given the jazz call. The way he's taking his music to the bank, I don't think it matters. |
Ghosthouse, and Rok, since the both of you are so into the deeper meaning of "Watership Down", I sincerely wish you guys would clue me in on this deeper meaning. I watched the movie, looking for this deeper meaning but didn't find it; won't be the first time something intellectual has eluded me. Could you two highly enlightened intellects, cast a little of that light in my direction so that I might join you. Thank you. |
Since I needed a new cartridge, I took the liberty of giving myself a Christmas present of the "Grado Master 2", and I give it my highest recommendations. I'm enjoying LP's like never before. That also means I will refrain from those lively "new jazz, old jazz" debates. According to Dr. John, that great Louisiana Philosopher; "There are only so many croaks in a frog, so many barks in a dog, so many grunts in a hog, and so many beats in a heart". Seeing as how people younger than me been dropping like flys, I'm going to heed his advice and not waste another precious beat of this week heart of mine. I'm enjoying old jazz that sounds "brand new"; it's so coherent, I don't have to wonder "why did he do that, just where is he coming from"; this music sounds like it was made for me. Speaking of old jazz, I was perusing this double LP of the Max Roach, Clifford Brown Sextet, that is absolutely fantastic; the best sextet ever, bar none. While this is a double LP, you can accomplish the same thing on CD by getting "Study In Brown" plus "Max Roach and Clifford Brown"; that music rates five stars, but I know you already got it. I'm enjoying music like never before, and I know you're doing like wise; Continue to have a happy holiday. |
"You can't teach an old dog new tricks"; I bet if an old dog really wanted to learn new tricks, he could, but most old dogs like me, just find new tricks unnecessary; especially when compared to all the old tricks. That was my introduction to the music I've been enjoying today; the music of "Sonny Stitt"; when Sonny Stitt met Charley Parker, Parker is alleged to have remarked, "Well, I'll be damned, you sound just like me", to which Stitt responded, "Well, I can't help the way I sound. It's the only way I know how to play." https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PgaTwCNizRc https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yC4P4B2kl4Q Enjoy. |
Rok, "Analog" is not even in the same country as what we knew, neither is the price. Remember all those king of the hill TT's like Dual and Girard; they wont cut it now. When CD first came out, and those "Audiophiles" were saying "What's the big deal"? I thought they were all on crack, or jealous because we had something as good as them, and much cheaper, but it wasn't necessarily so. To make a long story short, it's only worth it when you got a lot of LP's; they can sound new all over again. Every time I think I got almost everything by Less McCann, you come up with something I don't got; can't wait for the review. Enjoy the music. |
Ghosthouse, I really and truly love rabbits; I use to see them in our back yard, I figured they lived under a big bush next door, and the guy cut the bush down, now I got no more rabbits. When I was a kid in the country, there was nothing more fun than chasing rabbits with our dogs. The dogs never caught any, but it sure was a lot of fun; rabbits like to double back on their trail, so no matter how far the dogs went, they always came back. I enjoyed the movie and understood how changes in the environment harmed rabbits and a lot of other animals. Due to a decreasing habitat, I've been told there are coyotes in the city. I just now read where coyotes are killing pets in my neighborhood; hope we ain't got no mountain lions in them there woods. http://www.riverfronttimes.com/newsblog/2013/12/19/how-to-keep-your-dog-from-getting-eaten-by-a-coyo... After you've read it again, I'll be looking forward to that deeper meaning. |
When you get that feeling it's time for some more music, you can either go new or old; I decided on new. Today, this decision is based on a record review. Chris Potter "The Dreamer is The Dream"; performance got 5 stars and sonics 4 1/2. Either that should be in my collection, or cancel my subscription. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BTvYURLbRew https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BbONTltHalY This is interesting enough that I will add it to my collection; what do you think? |
I wonder if it's the music, or all the memories I have associated with the music; it's impossible for me to tell. I was listening to "Wine Light" by Grover Washington, and thinking what a really nice album that was. If this music sounds as good to you as it does to me; then it's the music, but if it doesn't, it's all the memories I have associated with the music. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1KOb8lphO-Y&t=103s |