Jazz for aficionados
While Paquito wasn't "Afro Cuban", it was still music that had a Cuban flair, and I'm thinking about ordering it. Dorothy Donegan's "Boogie Woogie" was historic and interesting as well. Say "Lena Horne", and I think "Stormy Weather"; yes she was very beautiful. Sunday must be a good day for nostalgia, because I've enjoyed this trip down memory lane. Enjoy the music. |
"A Night In Tunisia", from the LP, "The Cooker" by Lee Morgan, has to be the most fantastic version of that jam ever. It features Lee Morgan on trumpet; Pepper Adams, Baritone sax; Bobby Timmons, piano; Paul Chambers, bass; and Philly Joe Jones, drums. Pepper Adams is to the baritone sax what Lee Morgan is to the trumpet; the best ever, according to aficionados. Pepper blew on this jam like there would be no tomorrow, and he had to get every last note in that he was going to ever blow, on this jam. Although it was headed by Lee Morgan, everybody gave Pepper the floor cause "He wanna blow now". Even Gabriel and the angels had to stop and listen. "Blow your horn, Blow your horn", that's what Gabriel said. "I can't wait to get some more Pepper Adams and Lee Morgan", that's what Orpheus said. Enjoy the music. |
Rok, thanks for the Andrew Davis link. No, I had not seen this, and he does a great job of dissecting (in a good sense) Berg's "Lulu". It is always interesting to hear how a composer may have first conceived the music on the piano before orchestrating it as it is more commonly known; while it may lack the complexity of the orchestral colors, there is a wonderful directness about it. Great call with Dorothy Donegan. What a pianist! Speaking of directness in music, lack of pretense, personality, whatever one wants to call it, she had it. There was something really infectious in her playing; a good dose of show(wo)manship, but also a sense of sincerity. Check out how she ends the tune at 2:16. Gotta love it! http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=D-JlF3cC538&feature=plpp |
Re: Paquito D'Rivera's 'Portraits of Cuba', I can't believe I'm saying this but I agree with Rok2id's opinion of the record. PDR is one of my favorite musician's of all time, been an avid fan for over 3 decades and own over 90% of his catalog which is quite extensive. D'Rivera's one of those artists that's always exploring new directions and music styles, I love that in any musician. The problem with trying so many different types of projects (as opposed to just staying within a comfort zone) is that sometimes what looks good on paper doesn't quite pan out. 'Portraits of Cuba' was meant to be an homage to Miles's 'Sketches of Spain' but fell far short and somewhat flat. Although it won awards and praise I certainly wouldn't reccommend it to a 1st-timer. The only tune that's memorable (as a novelty) is the theme from 'I Love Lucy'. There's so many great PDR records to choose from. If there's any interest in some recommendations lemme know! |
