Jazz for aficionados

I honor of this thread's 1000 post mark, I am going to re-post this link to what I think is a performance that exemplifies all that jazz is.

First of all, it is an example of big-band jazz; something that has gotten short shrift in this thread. More importantly, as the title suggests, its about groove; groove is everything in jazz. You have groove, and then you have GROOVE. The groove that this rhythm section sets up is unbelievable; for me, that is what sets a performance apart. Roland Hanna was a genius. The ensemble playing is absolutely superb. To play with that much swagger and still be incredibly tight is very very difficult to do. Listen to the brass hits on the upbeats at around 3:50; gives me chills. The reed section lineup is amazing: Joe Henderson, Jerry Dodgion, Jerome Richardson, Eddie Daniels, and Pepper Adams anchoring things with his big, beautiful husky sound; enough said.

But, there is something about this performance that brings up a subject that hasn't been discussed here very much, and is a subtle and key element in great jazz. I am talking about the depth of the love for the music, and the mutual respect and appreciation that great jazz players have for each other. That backdrop is a key element in a truly great, and not simply good, performance. Check out the "bantering" between Thad Jones (the leader and arranger) and Richard Davis; the FUN they are having. Then there is Snooky Young's expression at 2:35 while he listens to Hanna play his a## off; priceless.

No one bit with comments the first time around; so, here's another chance:

http://m.youtube.com/watch?feature=related&v=4ZLvqXFddu0

Of course, that should read "In" honor of.....

Frogman,
Thanks for that, it captures the sheer talent, energy and genuine raw joy and emotion this music inspires, it's all there on display. Thad Jone's legacy has always been an enigma to me. He was an absolute master of the trumpet, excellent band leader and arranger and composed some timeless jazz standards. For some reason (early death?) historically he takes a back seat to his equally talented brothers Elvin and Hank(that was some gene pool in that family huh?).

One of the most beautiful jazz ballads I can name is"A Child Is Born" written by Thad Jones. Of all the versions I've heard I'd say Pepper Adams is perhaps the most utterly beautiful and touching interpretation. Thad was extraordinarily talented.
Charles,

Learsfool,
There's a Jimmy Heath CD "The Quota" it features Julius Watkins and Freddy Hubbard recorded in 1961. You might like this one.
Charles,

The Frogman:

I didn't realize you had posted this clip before. You know I would have commented. I would not have known what to say or how to say it, but that has never stopped me in the past.

Most often after you make your comments on your postings, there is really little anyone can add. It's like Einstein giving a talk on relativity to freshmen college students, and when finished asking, 'any comments?'. :)

You nailed it on this clip. I listened to it three times. Tried to find it on Amazon but could not, other than MP3.

I have noticed that great Jazz is getting harder to find except at exhorbiant prices from 'these sellers'. Get it while you can.

The playing on the clip was great, but the icing on the cake was that you could SEE the magic being created. Live sound is the best, but it's the visual part that makes it special. The closeup of the reed players was priceless. Pros at work.

The reeds brought Ellington to mind. I have several by Hanna, but all are solo efforts. He was Julliard trained and taught college and even wrote a ballet. I guess he was a genuis.

Nice shout-out to 'us' guys in the brass section. :)
Thanks for the clip. One of the best on this thread so far.

I think this was done in Europe. Does the audience affect the playing of the musicians?

Nothing worst that an unappreciative audience. The greatest(worst) example being, Ahmad Jamal at the Pershing, playing 'poinciana'.

Cheers