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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
 
Recent Arrival:

Freddie Hubbard & Jimmy heath
JAM GEMS - "LIVE" AT THE LEFT BANK

Great Live recording. You know the audience is there, but it adds to the peformance. The sound is, as if you are sitting in the crowd. Might not be to 'audiophile' taste. Jazz lovers should love it. I think it was recorded by a Jazz Society in Baltimore.

Excellent liner notes, that even address why some folks just can't let go of the OLD stuff. Includes me.

Doc Pomus is quoted, explaining the difference between a studio record and a "LIVE" performance from the musicians perspective.. Very interesting.

The playing is just awesome. The tune 'Bluesville' almost approaches 'Hog Calling Blues'. Not quite, but that type of tune. You could say, 'they turned the joint out.' It was a true Jam Session, as the title states.

The rhythm section is not known to me, but they hung with the horns. All the tunes are long. 'Autumn Leaves' goes 17 minutes. Check it out.

Highly Recommended.

Cheers
frogman
4,637 posts
 
Orpheus10, thanks for the link to the Radhakrishnan link. I enjoy the fusion of ethnic music within a jazz setting (jazz quartet). However, I find Bengal-jazz fusion to be generally less successful than, for instance, Afro-Cuban jazz. This particular example, while pleasant and competent, never really takes off for me. Likewise, the saxophone playing is not particularly inspired. The tone is not as well developed as that of most good jazz players and is consistently flat in pitch. Overall, the feeling that I am left with is that of a better university music school jazz quartet recital.

Glad you enjoyed (with reservations) the Bronislaw Kaper solo piano recommendation. Give it more of a chance, the positives (personal and insightful interpretations as only a composer can) transcend the minimalist setting.

Regards.
chazro's avatar
chazro
575 posts
 
OK, since you opened the door with the 'Bengal Jazz' clip, here's one by the outstanding NY Gypsy All-Stars. Probably not going to float everybody's boat, but give it a chance. It's great stuff!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p66kffsA_mQ&feature=player_detailpage

Listening to them led me to this band featuring 2 of it's members in a different setting/group; The Secret Trio. I love this record!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KBNGLSLwjbA&feature=player_detailpage
orpheus10 OP
5,988 posts
 

Frogman, "Bengal And Beyond", including the sax works for me. Afro Cuban is just another one of the many fusions that work with jazz. On this tune I like the jazzy vocalizing.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FUFqUur7bZg

Now let us compare "Bengal And Beyond" to the Dave Brubeck Quartet from the album "Jazz Impressions of Eurasia" doing Calcutta Blues. I'm comparing the fusion of jazz with Indian music and how well it works. At the same time I'm illustrating what was done by a master, long before "Bengal And Beyond"

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8qNlHh4FiZo

Enjoy the music.
learsfool
1,206 posts
 
Just noticed someone mentioned the tune "Angel Eyes" a couple of days ago. For all those who have not heard it, you MUST listen to Ella's rendition of this on her 40th Birthday Concert album, which was recorded live in Rome. Fantastic album, by the way, one of her very best, and that tune is one of the highlights of it.
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