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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
 
Charlie mariano -- Why have I not heard of this guy before?? The difference between his 'Darn that Dream' and the one by Dexter Gordon is, one was alto, the other tenor. 'Chloe' was first rate also. Mariano certainly belongs among the top tier players, so why is he an unknown?

Mariano's take on Beethoven's pathetique was astounding! I loved that. Esp being a big LvB fan. I wonder why Jazz guys don't mine classical stuff more. A lot of great melodies there.

I am going to order 'Charlie Mariano Plays'. Done in 1955.

Thanks for bringing Charlie to light.

Cheers

I have a few music questions for later.
rok2id's avatar
rok2id
4,494 posts
 
Acman3:
I have Album Album on lp. But I have not played Lps since around 1987. So, all memory of it is gone. I will look for it on CD. I once thought I had replaced all my good Jazz lps with CDs, but I am learning everyday that I have not.
Dancing around? I would hate for video of me when I am listening to be shown. That's the best part of this game.

I hae nothing by Purcell. Not even on my World Saxophone Quartet Discs. He played with a lot of big time people.

Cheers
acman3
2,267 posts
 
Rok, I am hesitant to say, you will love. It is not a safe choice, but it has been one of my favorites, and is a classic. After starting to listen to jazz from strictly rock, by way of Metheny, I picked up an ECM sampler and "forced" myself to understand what was going on. I picked this recording up at this time and fell in love with it.

If you think about it, it is actually easier, as a young man listening to Zeppelin, to understand free jazz and hard bop than structured classic jazz.
frogman
4,637 posts
 
Rok, check out Elvin Jones' album "Dear John C." featuring Charlie Mariano. Absolutely killer album from 1965 in a more modern bag; one of my very favorite records. There are some cuts on Youtube, but I don't seem to be ale to download them. This record shows Mariano at his absolute peak, IMO; before he moved in a completely different direction.
rok2id's avatar
rok2id
4,494 posts
 
You are correct he is a great player. Awesome tone and phrasing.
I noticed two things from what I have been able to read. He didn't seem to record a lot as leader and then not with the major labels.

The second thing is, he is called underrated, invisible, under the radar etc.... on a lot of reviews. I don't understand that at all. You can't be this good, and invisible an entire career.

I did listen to Dear John C on youtube. I will try him out. 'Boston All Stars' or 'Charlie Mariano Plays'. both seem to be from his best period.

Thanks for the info.

Cheers
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