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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
rok2id's avatar
rok2id
4,494 posts
 
***** On the other hand, to me, he seems to have a clearly recognizable style ...very economical and tasteful; elegant even. *****

Sounds like a critic /academic to me.   I would never buy a CD because someone said it was 'economical' or 'elegant'.  


***** ’They don’t understand that musicians have to be constantly challenged or you lose them. . . . I’m on the side of those who like newer things.’ ” *****

By 1995 We had already lost most of the ones that really counted.  Lost to that thing called death.    You should be on the side of great music, recent or vintage.

Cheers




frogman
4,637 posts
 
Ghosthouse, me too.  I think we got our wires crossed a bit, though; my bad.  When you referenced the reviewer on Amazon who pointed out that the record was reissued as "Juggin Around" my brain went to the title cut of that record.  The personell is, of course, the same but the solo order that I mentioned is for the tune "Juggin Around" from that session:

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=JR0WWhRgzrg

On "Swinging With Benny", Frank Wess plays flute and only two tenors play, as you pointed out, Jug and Foster.  Yes, "trading fours" means trading four measure solos.  Btw, "elegant" and "economical"  is the perfect description of Tommy Flanagan's style; very appropriate.  And good for you for recognizing Tommy Flanagan's style.
rok2id's avatar
rok2id
4,494 posts
 
*****  Btw, "elegant" and "economical"  is the perfect description of Tommy Flanagan's style; very appropriate.  And good for you for recognizing Tommy Flanagan's style.*****

Of course 'elegant' is in the ear of the listener, and 'economical' could stem from the fact old Tommy did not have much to say.   I guess we could be thankful for that.

Cheers
acman3
2,267 posts
 
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0OefhIK_qUg
frogman
4,637 posts
 
Nice! Yup, elegant and economical. Thanks for the great clip, Acman3.

Tommy Flanagan's obituary in NY Times:

"Tommy Flanagan, elegant jazz pianist, is dead at 71"



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