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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
 
Thanks O-10. Happy Father's Day to All!!

Every Sunday here, is Big Band Sunday, on the local PBS FM station. Here is an example of the stuff they play. All day.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IAinKGJZ8YE

I love this stuff. Try and youtube 'I don't want to set the World on fire'. Great stuff! And check out all the links that show up the side. Esp Cab Calloway and the Nicholas Brothers.

Cheers
frogman
4,637 posts
 
That Ink Spots cut was amazing! Talk about skill; simply beautiful singing. Oh yeah, and then there's all the "little" things that seem to elude a lot of singers today like sheer entertainment factor, lack of pretense, connection with an audience. Nothing "edgy" about a performance like that, but so much sincerity in the song's simplicity. Thanks.
rok2id's avatar
rok2id
4,494 posts
 
Today's Music:
Afrocubism -- Afrocubism

Cuban and Malian Musicians. Think of Ali Farka Toure and Buena Vista Social Club playing together.
Sometimes it hard to sepeate the African from the Cuban.

Features, what has to be, the entire Diabate family and Elidas Ochoa on guitar and vocals. Jose Angel Martinez on Double Bass. Chorus vocals done by Cuban and Malians.

Seems as if Mali and Cuba have a history. Musicians from Mali, after independence, went to Music schools in Cuba.

I liked the 'Cuban' music the best. The Mali music was good, but in places, exhibited that repetitive 'sameness' common to a lot of Toure's music. A little goes a long way. But the entire set is well integrated. Excellent recording.

All in all a good session. 'Al Vaiven De Mi Carreta' was my favorite. Ochoa sings on this one. One measure and you know it's Cuban.

Does the Bass, the instrument, have any special place in Cuban music as compared to other Latin music??

The link is to a short documentary thingy made in the studio. Interesting. The music from the CD is on youtube also.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dDe47kNWsYE

Cheers
rok2id's avatar
rok2id
4,494 posts
 
A great song off of a great CD. 'The weight' and 'Patches' are two more gotta listen to..

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cAA_LUCb0QE&list=PL14CE19C53F9D9B06&index=6

Cheers
orpheus10 OP
5,988 posts
 

Although I heard strains of Spain, Mexico, and Cuba in the music, I find it interesting how many people like to lump them under "Latin" music, I don't. While the music originated in Spain, it took on it's own unique identity once it reached this hemisphere.

There are too many distinct types of African music for me to identify, but it's just as well because from what I've heard, it's best blended with music from other lands, although African drumming can be quite compelling; especially when utilized by Diz or Blakey.

Afro Cuban has achieved that just right blend of the two for me.

Here's that compelling drumming as utilized by Blakey, this makes you want to go native.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pnaD9gU9N80
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