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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
ghosthouse's avatar
ghosthouse
3,718 posts
 
Something a bit newer (a 2006 release) and from Italy...so yeah, Italian Jazz (hope that don’t make anyone’s head explode; or maybe I do). A trio that does hold my interest.  Sonics on this recording are very good.  Love the "equal time" (i.e., prominence) given to the bass player.  

Track 2 from Meltemi by Alboran Trio
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vkcQWPdVQno

Review in All About Jazz
https://www.allaboutjazz.com/meltemi-alboran-trio-act-music-review-by-chris-may.php

@rok2id - John Mayall’s "Jazz Blues Fusion" might be of interest to you (in the unlikely event you don’t already know it) if only because of Blue Mitchell’s participation.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TW_5_RcPubY


alexatpos
500 posts
 
My Blue Michell (as a leader) picks....

'Out of the Blue', from 1959. with Golson and Kelly

https://youtu.be/cPilE8TeGu4

'Blue's moods' from 1960.
https://youtu.be/6026xPnrl7I

Believe it or not, but the Italians 'dig' jazz and have great scene,together with some established artists. Maybe a new topic?

ghosthouse's avatar
ghosthouse
3,718 posts
 
@alexatpos

Don’t know if "Italian Jazz" would warrant a new topic but this Meltemi recording has certainly got my attention. (This Italian digs it.) Not sure what the "traditionalists" will think, however.
rok2id's avatar
rok2id
4,494 posts
 

If you have to put an adjective in front or behind the word ’Jazz’, there might be a problem. If it’s "Jazz Blues Fusion", you KNOW there is a problem.


I speak from experience. Traditionalist are not born, they are created by personal experience. Believe it or not, I paid good / real money for the CD "Corky Siegel Plays the Blues". I was deceived by the word ’blues’.

I also paid for the Jean Rampal LP.

You would be surprised at the junk on my shelves as a result of trying to be ’progressive’, or ’avant-garde’.


We don’t go to the MET to hear the "American" Tosca. We go to hear the Opera ’Tosca’, in Italian!  Same with Jazz. I don’t understand what the term ’Italian Jazz’ means. Is there a polish Jazz? Or heaven forbid, Croatian Jazz?

Jazz is Jazz. And it’s a lot more than just improvised music. And it’s American.


Cheers

ghosthouse's avatar
ghosthouse
3,718 posts
 
Well, now I know what the "traditionalists" think...at least one of them.

Appreciate you sharing your thoughts, Rok,  Can't say I'm surprised.  Can't say I agree entirely.  Ultimately, it doesn't matter.  I will still enjoy the Meltemi recording whatever music type it's considered.  Although I continue to think it IS jazz.  Jazz written and recorded by Italian musicians in Italy.  That's all I meant by "Italian Jazz".  I do readily  admit Mayall's Jazz Blues Fusion doesn't seem all that "jazzy" to me.  I only brought that one up because Blue Mitchell is on it.  

This whole "It's Jazz/It's NOT Jazz" discussion has been done to death in this thread.  Much rather talk about the music.  For starters what do you like or not like about that Meltemi recording?  What about it does or doesn't fit Wynton's view (or yours) of jazz??  Myself, I'm now curious about that Corky Siegel or Jean Rampal.  What's so bad about 'em? (although on the latter, I got a feeling I will probably feel the same way were I to hear it).



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