Jazz for aficionados

Today's gem:

Ray Bryant Trio -- POTPOURRI

Ray Bryant (piano),Jimmy Rowser (bass),Mickey Roker(drums)

Eight tracks, all standards. They aren't called standards for nothing. Great Tunes. My comments apply to each and every track.

Outstanding dynamics throughout the CD. No gentle Tinkling of the ivories or soft brush strokes on the cymbals, these guys make a joyful noise!!

They sound like a much larger group. It's hard to keep in mind that only three people are making these wonderful sounds.

Of course Bryant is just awesome. One of my favorite Jazz players and one of my first. "Slow Freight" was one of my first Jazz LPs.

What is unique about this set is that the Drum and Bass solos are of just as high a quality as the leader's solos. The bass player plays with outstanding intonation and articlation. Very effective and merges seamless with the tunes. Ditto the drumer.

Should be played at the proper volume for max effect and enjoyment.

Don't like this? Not a crime, just means you don't like Jazz, and that's not a crime either. It's a 'condition'.

Cheers

The most impressive 'pit players' are the guys that play for Ballets and Operas. IMHO, of course.:)

Last night, I watched and listened to The Nutcracker -- The Royal Ballet and Orch of the Royal Opera House. Miyako Yoshida danced the Sugar Plum Fairy.

To see the dancers movement and hear the band in the 'pit' is just awesome. Perfect sync.

Cheers

Leersfool, here's a must have for your collection, Dorothy Ashby, "Invitation".

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KCNIapijh8w

Enjoy the music.

Take Two:

Freddie Hubbard -- READY FOR FREDDIE

Hubbard(trumpet),McKinney(euphonium)WTF???,Wayne Shorter(tenor Sax), Art Davis (bass), McCoy Tyner(piano).

As The O-10 previously pointed out,(stealing my thunder in the process), good straight ahead Bebop.

There was a time when I felt Miles Davis was the Alpha and Omega of Jazz trumpet. No more.

I was a little late 'discovering' Freddie Hubbard. My loss. He is for sure among the top trumpet players ever.

Three of the five tunes are by Hubbard and they are the best on the CD. The aptly named "Birdlike" is the best cut. It and "Crisis" rise above the typical BlueNote stuff.

I don't get the Euphonium, seems to me that if they wanted another horn, someone like, Al Grey on trombone would have been a better fit.

McKinney plays well, it's just that the tone of the instrument does not seem to add much to the proceedings.

Tyner is the consummate sideman. Giving just what is needed. I guess he learned to be low key playing with the biggest ego in Jazz, Coltrane.

Shorter comes close to stealing the show, esp on "Birdlike". I guess that would be fitting.

The rhythm section keeps everything moving, even the tuba guy. Elvin Jones is another great on drums.

Overall, a very good Blue Note outing. But with the talent avalabile during that time, it was sort of difficult to make a bad record.

O-10 says it's on youtube. Check it out. Esp "Birdlike"

Cheers

Jimmy Scott -- MOOD INDIGO

A truly unique talent. The epitome of a Song Stylist. 10 songs, all well known standards, from Mood Indigo to How Deep is the Ocean.

Backing group includes Hank Crawford, Cyrus Chestnut, Joe Beck etc....Gregoire Maret does great work on Harmonica.

Crawford and Chestnut are the perfect type players for Scott's style of singing.

Scott had a rough time of it in the music business. He often times didn't even get paid. His trusting and honest nature seems to come thru in his voice. Great for his art, but very bad when dealing with the sharks in the music business.

Every Jazz fan should own some Jimmy Scott. I have several CDs and they are all exceptional performances without a weak track in the lot.

Give him a listen.

Cheers