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
One of Basie’s signature charts played by a band of Basie alumni (and others) and led by Frank Wess. One of the hardest things for a band to do is to be tight and swing at a very slow tempo. This chart has been done by many different bands and often they end up sounding ragged when trying to play it this slow. This rendition is amazing with beautiful blend. Check out Snooky Young’s trumpet solo; a model of simplicity and soulful tastiness!

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=RlX0b-AJWz4

By the Count himself:

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=5_Mtgo9WOL0
Perfect examples frog.  I don't diminish Duke's talent or all that he created, I simply prefer listening to Basie.

Personal taste and preferences are not always easy describe.  We may know where we are but not necessarily how we got there. ;^)

The Count said Lester Young was the best Sax player that has ever Blown. Don’t come in here with that Trane stuff.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yrsR2pMKoa8


Cheers

Thanks rok, that's what I'm talking about.  There is just that bounce and rhythmic drive in Basie's music that pulls me along.  Doesn't matter if the tempo is fast, slow, or in between.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wCmcoZktZG4