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.
orpheus10

Showing 50 responses by orpheus10


This is a wonderful thread; the reason I say that is because I'm being introduced to fantastic musicians that I never heard of.

May Bill Watrous RIP, while his music lives on. As untimely as it is, I thank you Acman for introducing us to this great musician.

Inna, "Like a cosmic wind" is a good description. This is the first time to my knowledge that I ever heard a "duduk"; it sounds like the Arabian desert to me, although it’s Armenian.

It fits the very definition of "haunting".


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gYmAzwQPfdY



Alex, although I'm not back, (blame life, don't blame me) I was so touched by your words that I'm responding to your post; but, I want all aficionados to know they're important to me, including the one's I don't always agree with.

The albums you posted exemplify what you are speaking of in regard to "groovy, feel good, and cozy" kind of music. If I don't already have them, I will have to get them.

I'll be back when it happens.

Inna, that was too short; just as they were getting into the music it ended. I'm a fan of "Dead Can Dance", the group that features Lisa Gerard.

Movies are not my thing because I hate to leave home.

My only criticism was the lack of Persian drums.

That's quite a compliment mary_jo, A has submitted some of the best music on this thread, and rarely have I heard it before; that's taking it to another level.

My life, who I am, is spread out over the pages of this thread; I consider the people who post on this thread my friends because I have much more in common with them than people I know; that means you are one of my friends.



Inna, Iranian jazz sounds good to me, even though our definer in chief Rok will disagree; but until then, I like the Iranian Jazz.

Inna, I've been in this groove all morning;


      https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xz2jOXvoOUE


      https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mHle2ipjQsU&list=PLDDyPnLSXvQNmxW2fe75vpnCqHh57MEyn&index=4


    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6uXYrk4VFM4


I like to get in a groove, and do a mind and body transfer to ancient landscapes where people knew how to live life for what it was worth.

Rok, Rachelle Ferrell's voice is a fantastic instrument.

I had forgotten that I have a CD by Andy and the Bey Sisters, but not that one; it really swings, and they seem to have so much fun making music when you see them.

Some of us have to get our world music fix every now and then, kind of like the "Classical Aficionado" fix.

Inna, I knew you would like the first two best when I posted. The native American resonated quite well with me; while I have several Ancient Future CD's, I don't have that one.

Here's a lady that comes in on that same frequency, although she's a long way from America;


      https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kprl0CECykA


      https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4kvTNbc8d5s&list=PL9F443ADD5608341A


    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X6Y4kpZ7xQk


"White man speak with forked tongue"; so do all politicians no matter what color.

Pryso, I have all of those CD's by Rabih Abou-Khalil with the beautiful covers; "Blue Camel" might be the best.

East Indian on Water Lily Acoustics is very well recorded.

I'm glad you and your friend enjoyed those links; they make me feel like I have Native American blood; by the way, one of my blog names is "Lakota".

Inna, maybe I have Native American DNA somewhere in my roots, because I really connect with the music and words; but more likely it's the universality of the message, a longing for a connection to the creator, and nature.


    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JRs2iq4rEFA


    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GgoEcckBVeY


Everything of this nature has been totally destroyed, and now they even destroy those who identify the masters of destruction of the human spirit.




Inna, I have had that same theory for a very long time. I have memories of places that I've never been, and I recognize those memories in paintings, and to make things really weird, one of those places isn't even in this country, yet I have a memory of being there. I must admit, this memory was strongest when I was a child.

We inherit much more than we realize; I have pictures of my fathers mother, my grandmother that I can barely remember, who has Native American blood, according to her features. Since everyone is dead, I can't trace ancestry.

Who we are, goes back to long before we were born; I think it explains what can be a strong attraction to music from foreign countries.



A long time ago, there was a dispute in which Rok was right, but rather than side with Rok, I stated we should let "Wiki" decide.


Jazz is a music genre that originated in the African-American communities of New Orleans, United States,[1] in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, and developed from roots in blues and ragtime.[2] Jazz is seen by many as "America's classical music".[3] Since the 1920s Jazz Age, jazz has become recognized as a major form of musical expression. It then emerged in the form of independent traditional and popular musical styles, all linked by the common bonds of African-American and European-American musical parentage with a performance orientation.[4] Jazz is characterized by swing and blue notes, call and response vocals, polyrhythms and improvisation. Jazz has roots in West African cultural and musical expression, and in African-American music traditions including blues and ragtime, as well as European military band music.[5] Intellectuals around the world have hailed jazz as "one of America's original art forms".[6]


Like it or not, this is the impartial way we make decisions of this nature on this thread.

This thread is very important to me. "All" aficionados are important to me; without them, there would be no thread.

My time is very important to me; especially now, any time I'm strong enough, I will post. (please, no sympathy)

Frogman, and Alex; that's a very interesting debate in regard to what we like and why; just be honest with yourself and let it flow.

I'm going to post a couple of tunes in the soul groove that I feel very fortunate in owning these records;


      https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y189ynRTISg


      https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZIqLJmlQQNM


Enjoy the music.

This thread is very important to me. "All" aficionados are important to me; without them, there would be no thread.

My time is very important to me; especially now, any time I'm strong enough, I will post. (please, no sympathy)

Frogman, and Alex; that's a very interesting debate in regard to what we like and why; just be honest with yourself and let it flow.

I'm going to post a couple of tunes in the soul groove that I feel very fortunate in owning these records;


      https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y189ynRTISg


      https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZIqLJmlQQNM


Enjoy the music.

I don't want to, but I suppose it's my duty to step in the middle of this "fray". It looks like a "caucus race" to me; that's from Alice in Wonderland, and everybody is right and everybody wins.

Music is so subjective, that it's hard for anybody to be wrong; as an example there's an album that's a hit with a lot of people, which has something in the title about a "gravel road". Without hearing the album, I can't imagine anything about a "gravel road" would appeal to me. It's very unlikely that I will ever hear that album.

We've touched on DNA and the possibility it plays a role in the music we like; not to mention all the sociological factors from birth to the present. We have a right to all our prejudices in regard to music; it's not necessary to agree.



Inna, as you stated; "a few brief moments"; I didn't find exactly what I was looking for.



      https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qKYMEseTZxE


      https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Koto_%26_Flute


Koto and Flute is my all time favorite Japanese jazz oriented album;


    I still own this album, but it's too scratched to be listened to.


At any rate we are all entitled to our different tastes.

Frogman, if you look in the dictionary, you will see the definition of different words; they are meant for everyone. The definition of the words I use are for "specific" aficionados. They will know what I'm referring to because it's meant for their eyes only.

If we had a broad "universal" type audience that would include at least 50 members, then I would use "universal" definitions.

While there may not be any such thing as "soul jazz", there is according to Alex; consequently that has meaning, and that post was meant for him, although we all enjoyed the music.

If I was well enough, I would have written a post for Dave, because I know exactly what he meant, and in my lifetime of listening to "blues" and jazz; they can be most ambiguous when used as reference to one specific tune.

The bottom line in communicating with such a small number of people; I am communicating with "persons"; consequently, as long as that individual know what I mean, "all is well".

Ike Quebec can be divided into "early" Ike, and Ike just before he died. Early on he was almost R&B, but switched to a very "Soulful" sound that was in no way related to "Soul Jazz', which is why I prefer individual definitions as opposed to "Wiki" definitions.

Correct me if I'm wrong Alex, but I believe you were referring to "jazz with soul" as opposed to Wiki "Soul jazz" when you referred to Jimmy Smith.

While Ike Quebec is jazz with soul, he was never "Soul jazz". There are many different sounds that can be called "Soul Jazz"; so many that I prefer the individual 'aficionado's definition of the term. How about some "jazz Funk".


            https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GLBTSrD42QY



This is "new jazz"; meaning more in fashion now.


              https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1jirf4bPO5c


I suppose variety is the spice of life; Something Old, Something New, Something Borrowed, Something Blue.











'



Rok, that is one fantastic album that I don't think I have, but must have it.

"Paul Quinichette" is someone we haven't discussed enough. I remember a long time ago, I was kind of on the outside of a conversation between The Big Boys; "Heavy jazz aficionados", and I decided to jump in with something about "Paul Quinichette", and I pronounced it like it's spelled; before I finished a disc jockey corrected me with "You mean Quinishay, don't you"; since that time I have never forgotten how to pronounce his name.


        https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V9u6Mu3nmdE&list=PLUu75SmcBfnbR4qecbbYwZtIYUw_LWAza


This recording quality doesn't sound worth two cents; I hope the CD is better if I get it. This is the "new jazz" I'm going to focus on.


Enjoy the music.

Rok, I have that one; I recall that's the way he sounded at the clubs, and on the juke box in the late 50's and very early 60's. He is one of the very few artists that you can't go wrong with; at the moment I can't think who the other one is; they're just that few.

I must have his last albums in the early 70's, because these are the one's after a style change; they were more serious.

Now that we can get all the old albums that I don't have, I see no reason to waste time and finances on most of the other stuff. Of course if anyone else find's something exceptional, that will be icing on the cake.

Let me know what you find available by Quinichette.


I'm really enjoying your music tonight.



I've got a lot to complain about in regard to health care; but I wont. In regard to my personal situation, the supernatural powers from above have been very kind.

My solace is coming from my music; right now it's Lee Morgan, who is best known for his red hot solos, but today I'm enjoying his balads; like, "Since I fell For You" and "I'm a Fool To Want You".


            https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1EjBJvYIj5Q



          https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j5h4ue5r5mo



Enjoy the music.


     

Pryso, thanks for the thoughts. Actually having to deal with the health care system has made me sicker, but that's life.

This is a new group and new music; I'm curious about your thoughts.
Rhombal is a quartet featuring Ellery Eskelin on tenor saxophone, Adam O’Farrill on trumpet, and Tyshawn Sorey on drums. I first brought the group together in 2015 to work on a body of music that was inspired by and dedicated to my late brother, Patrick. That album, Rhombal, was successfully funded and created with the help and engagement of friends and fans through a PledgeMusic campaign. It arrived September 13, 2016, and is now available on double vinyl LP, CD, and digital files. We have tour dates coming up in 2017. Please stay tuned via my shows page for those updates. Booking contact is here.

Of course if I was getting out and about like I once did, there is the possibility I would be interested in catching a live set.

I posted this awhile back.



          https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1jirf4bPO5c






mary-jo, in America, pronounced "Merica", the vast majority of people are total morons when it comes to politics, and they bandy about words like "Socialism", and "Communism" without a clue as to the actual definition of the words. We "Mericans" have been taught those are bad words, by the people in Washington, and we always believe what the people in Washington DC tell us. That's why they can rob us and loot the treasury; by the way, they punish snitches like me; maybe that's why the citizens choose to stay dumb.

I bought this Cd, but now I'm somewhat conflicted; it just doesn't hold my attention; although it has bright spots. What's your evaluation?


      https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BTvYURLbRew


It was given a very high rating and the musicians are the best; but I have a record with Sonny Rollins, Jay Jay Johnson, Horace Silver, Thelonious Monk and others that I could live without. That's very rare, but it happened. ( This record and cover look brand new; that's confirmation of bad news)

I don't care how good the musicians are, when somebody forgets to bring the music, that happens.

Maybe after a person only selects the best of the best for a playlist, the rest ain't good enough.


            https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_BKVfbwI3X4


These guys are most certainly keeping it together on that cut.



Don't be sorry Inna, I was just testing your "jazz tolerance". Yusef Lateef and "Sister Mamie" has been one of my favorites for ages. According to me, if that's your opinion of that tune, which incorporates some of the Eastern rhythms you like, jazz is just not your thing, but I'm only one individual.

Would any other Aficionados like to weigh in on this debate; how do you rate this tune;


        https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uE65pr0JoHA

Since this is a musical contest, and not a beauty contest, Dee Dee wins. I have never heard those two songs sung with more emotion.

I know she looks foxier on this album, but I have my eyes closed when I listen; consequently, she always looks foxy to me, because I see with my ears.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cEFHBKLsbxc

"According to Wiki"

With a trumpet, an electric guitar and the firepower of one of contemporary jazz’s most exhilarating drummers – Brian Blade – in his quintet, Wolfgang Muthspiel has plenty of turn-it-up-to-11 potential on tap. The Austrian guitarist has, however, preferred nuances to bravado since he was first saluted as the European John Scofield in the early 90s. He played Ronnie Scott’s with the music from his new quintet’s Rising Grace album, with Brad Mehldau’s piano role imaginatively taken up by local hero Gwilym Simcock, and bassist Scott Colley substituting for the album’s Larry Grenadier.

The gig was often low-key, but the music’s finespun lyricism kept Sunday’s full house rapt. Triad Song, originally a student chord exercise, showed not a hint of the scholarly as Muthspiel’s and Simcock’s guitar and piano vamp swayed under sighs and soft squeals from Ambrose Akinmusire’s trumpet, and the leader unrolled warmly melodic guitar figures and supple sprints. Boogaloo turned from bluesy bass slurs into a probing rhythmic mix that suggested the mid-60s Miles Davis quintet playing Kurt Weill. Flamenco strumming and glowing chords from Muthspiel’s acoustic 12-string prefaced trumpet trances of pining curved notes and short Miles-like ascents, while funky 60s soul-bop vignettes were fragmented by a contemporary rhythmic restlessness. Simcock constantly engaged with the grinning Blade, his clipped, tantalisingly hanging piano figures pushing the drummer’s scurrying patterns toward whiplashed exclamations.


This gives a fairly accurate description of Wolfgang's Quintet, and you can go back to the music I have posted to give them another listen.


This is probably the only new group that thoroughly appeals to me; give them a good listen and tell me what you think?  (if I'm repeating myself, blame it on my youth)



As everyone knows by now, I listen to music from a play list; that means that I know I like whatever is playing, but half the time, I don't know what's playing.

I had been listening, and really enjoying this music without knowing what it was, when I finally decided to check the play list and see what it was, that's a walk to the basement; hiking down and back up Mt. Everest.


In a Silent Way is a studio album by American jazz musician Miles Davis, released July 30, 1969 on Columbia Records. Produced by Teo Macero, the album was recorded in one session date on February 18, 1969 at CBS 30th Street Studio in New York City. Incorporating elements of classical sonata form, Macero edited and arranged Davis's recordings from the session to produce the album. Marking the beginning of his "electric" period, In a Silent Way has been regarded by music writers as Davis's first fusion recording, following a stylistic shift toward the genre in his previous records and live performances.

Upon its release, the album was met by controversy among music critics, particularly those of jazz and rock music, who were divided in their reaction to its experimental musical structure and Davis's electronic approach. Since its initial reception, it has been regarded by fans and critics as one of Davis's greatest and most influential works. In 2001, Columbia Legacy and Sony Music released the three-disc box set The Complete In a Silent Way Sessions, which includes the original album, additional tracks, and the unedited recordings used to produce In a Silent Way.

There is no way I could have liked this album when I bought it in 69, I was just in the habit of buying any new album by Miles; I'm sure I didn't play it anymore after that, but somehow I put it on the play list (is this convoluted or what?) I'll let you figure it out....


              https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lQKt7DTKyJU




Frogman and Pryso; while a certain language was acceptable "on the street", I think a "black jive routine" was probably unacceptable when introducing someone of Monk's stature.

Did anyone notice how uncomfortable Charley Rouse made Monk when asking about the notes. What Monk wanted to say was "You a jazzman, put the horn up to your mouth and blow."

Thanks for those clips Frogman.

Today, I've been groovin on "Jimmy Smith" organ, and it's easy for me to imagine being on the set, because in my town, so many house bands are based around the organ.

This is one of his grooviest jams.


          https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7YpKGKF7_XY

Joe Henderson and Horace Silver are a rare combination,and require intense listening.

Rok, I went back to Joe Henderson and Horace to confirm your comments.

The lady was a fox when I posted it, but after reading your comments she began to look sort of spooky; her eyes looked like she might change into a big black cat, not a romantic thought. (you put a pox on the lady)

Actually the music fit the mysterious looking lady, and Joe sounded even better the second time around.


    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EmlOh4uNpLU

Alex, I want to thank you for your Kenny Dorham contribution and my continuing education.

I recall having a debate in high school (57 or 58) with a guy whose father was an aficionado; naturally he had access to more jazz records than me. We were debating who was the best trumpet player, and I chose Clifford Brown, and he chose Kenny Dorham.

I didn't even know who Kenny Dorham was, but I argued anyway. I regret that to this day, and it's for certain I will make up for it by discovering all I can about Kenny Dorham's music.

While we've touched upon almost every genre of music, there is one we haven't mentioned, we left out "Psychedelic".

My experience with this music was so fast and intense, that I almost forgot about it; but as I recall I actually lived that experience with the strange slides and topless dancer. I don't know if I even owned one psychedelic record, because it seems I was always where it was going on live, and that was an experience you had to have been there to know what I'm talking about; and as Forest Gump said; "That's all I'm going to say about that".



    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HWxMj6IQbJc


  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZCkHanF4v1w


  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JSUIQgEVDM4

Alex, as you stated, it was a long time ago; it wasn't so much the music as it was the events surrounding the music, they were seductive, plus, you were young and easily seduced.

Reality, and non reality was a blur after one became deeply involved in "Psychedelia"; but I think it was fun, that is, if you call a hazy dream-life fun.

Everything went along with the music, including a strange sense of timelessness; if you were in a dark place, days could pass while you were under the trance of hypnotic events; films flashing on dancers gyrating to the music, in a room with like minded people. That's the way it was.


While listening to your music it all came back; would never do it again.


      https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YcL8SvyKtE4