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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
pryso
1,501 posts
 
Now, at the danger of repeating a recommendation posted previously, I offer this.  It was among the first jazz albums I bought, I was still in high school.  Mulligan has been a favorite ever since.  I love his small group recordings and even appreciate some of his big band efforts, although in general I'm not much into big bands.  He was an artist who excelled in creative output, whether leading his own groups or sitting in with a wide variety of other major jazz musicians.  I just love his tone.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MX7BPKVjJbM
frogman
4,637 posts
 
Fantastic record and one of the best examples of piano-less quartets.  Great way to be introduced to jazz!  I agree about Mulligan and his tone is absolutely beautiful; very suave and warm especially considering the aggressive and edgy sound that many baritone players produce.  Besides being a great and very melodic improviser he was one of the best composer/arrangers in jazz.  And Art Farmer; talk about underrated!  He sounds just great and a good partner to Mulligan.  Thanks! 

Another great pairing with another very melodic and witty player:

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=uuFG5O8zW3Q



orpheus10 OP
5,988 posts
 

Did I get a surprise today; Les Liaisons Dangereuses 1960 (Original Soundtrack), came today and it was 180 gram vinyl. This is the only orange colored LP I've ever seen, the biggest surprise was 0 record noise. They also sent a catalog which had nothing but the classic killers in it.


pryso
1,501 posts
 
Thanks frog, yes I have that album too.  Also his recordings with Getz and with Monk.  As you say, Farmer is just wonderful in the one I posted.  But one can hardly talk about Mulligan without referencing his albums with Chet Baker, starting with this, one of the initial piano-less jazz groups -

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S9qGcwK8L5U

That album is bookended by a double album release of their Carnegie Hall concert near the end of Baker's life -

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4sT1vkXjyA4

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=urHraW0QSaM

I know I'm prejudiced but it's hard to understand how any jazz lover could not appreciate this music. ;^)
orpheus10 OP
5,988 posts
 

More Mulligan;


        https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sSWWpLYBT7A



        https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fwAAjnqdB4w


      https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fwAAjnqdB4w



And a little Wardell Grey;



            https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vs2IBIc_9DM
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