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

Frogman, Charlie Mariano is one of those musicians, I saw out of the corner my eye; meaning he was around, but I just didn't see him. I also discovered what we wont discuss, in consideration of Rok's sensitivities.

Good "West Coast" jazz is something I'm trying hard to acquire. All the records I had have long gone, and it was something that came and went. I recall me and another aficionado going to movies just to hear the soundtracks; that's where the very best examples of West Coast jazz appeared, as well as TV backgrounds. The movies were so forgettable that I've forgotten them. Maybe you remember some good West Coast jazz?

Enjoy the music.
" I also discovered what we wont discuss, in consideration of Rok's sensitivities."

hahahahah I didn't know I had any of those.
Discuss, please.
Orpheus, as you know, lot's of great West Coast Jazz available. We can probably skip over the usual known suspects like the Birth Of The Cool sessions, Brubeck/Desmond, Mulligan, Getz, Chet Baker, etc. as there are a lot of other really great and lesser known examples. Here's a couple of great "under the radar players", some of these records are hard to find but worth looking for as well as others from these guys:

One of my favorite records in this style:

http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=iAhASX_FO5k&feature=relmfu

And two forgotten great saxophone players:

http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=Vf5C946sdCU

http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=jWjGcf9kkj4
Taken from Amazon.

"The wire is thin and stretched tight between two poles. On one end is everything known – the safe sounds, the expected chords resolving in expected ways. On the far end is something more elusive – the magic realm where jazz becomes what the critic Whitney Balliett once called β€œthe sound of surprise.”

This little bit of nonsense was written by a critic writing about Wayne Shorter's new CD, 'Without A Net'.
Surprised Ideed!!

And he WAS such a good player. But I guess sooner or later you gotta go with the flow, if you wanna make a living playing Jazz. Rubalcaba is a partner in this crime.

Also mention in the notes was a group called 'Imani Winds'. I checked them out, and they seem to be something I will like. They get into some classical, Ravel. Also Piazzolla and Mongo Santamari.(afro blue).

I am sure The Frogman and O-10 will love the Shorter Disc.

I'm glad I got my JuJU, Speak No Evil and Etcetera.

Cheers

Frogman, you were absolutely correct in assuming we could skip over the usual suspects. That first LP led me to a gold mine. Curtis Counce, Shelly Manne, Andre Previn, Bud Shank, Jimmy Giuffre, are all proponents of the West Coast jazz that I'm seeking. I can track each one of them during that time, and add to my West Coast collection.

Charlie Parker's spell was cast too strong over jazz in the 50's, and there was entirely too much imitation; while those on the West Coast were just doing their thing. This music is for "being cool", laid back and just enjoy listening. Thank you much.

Enjoy the music.