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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
 
I enjoyed reading the lyrics more than I did hearing June Christy sing them. She is a good singer, but the music and her voice had no dynamic range. Didn't reach out and get my attention.

Chris Conners? Sometimes 'Cool' Jazz can be a little too 'cool'. There has to be a little fire and heat. Billie excelled at that.

Cheers
acman3
2,267 posts
 
Chazro, thanks for the Bobby Mcferrin recommendation. I will look it up.

I like June Christy. She usually has a smoking band, and her coolness works for me.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WYrgEi12EvY

And then there are the ballads. Definitly not Billie, but who is?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=13T2SiP6qRA
rok2id's avatar
rok2id
4,494 posts
 
For those who want to hear it as it's supposed to be done, look up the CD "Jazz in a R&B Groove vol 1" I could not find it on youtube. One of the best CDs I own.

But I did find one of the singers that appears on that CD. Irene Reid. See the link below.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xaf0oPqtp8U

As Acman3 alluded to, and I have said many times, the group backing the singer is EVERYTHING.

That means the ultimate would be Ella backed by Basie.

But, do check out Miss Reid on the link. If for no other reason than to hear and see the Basie band.

On the 'R&B Groove' CD she sings 'what a difference a day make' instead of 'day makes'. Used to drive me nuts for a long time. I don't even hear it now. :)

Cheers
orpheus10 OP
5,988 posts
 

Rok, here's a real kicker by Gerry Mulligan's concert jazz band, these cats can blow.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KLaRvL1wEeQ

Here's Peggy Lee singing that same tune.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=djXwNOrO5zg

Annie Ross is one jazzy chick, this is when "hip" was an everyday way of life; I'm so glad that I lived it.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IYnmSAtZuB0

Enjoy the music.
rok2id's avatar
rok2id
4,494 posts
 
O-10:
All three youtubes were very good. The Mulligan cut was let down by poor sonics, but great playing.

Peggy Lee? You don't have to say alot. She was one of the best ever.

Annie Ross? I have several of her with LH&R. The songs she sang here, I have played a zillion times. Joe Williams was an added treat. And did you notice, the Basie septet. :)

The word 'Hip' fits Ross and LH&R like a glove. Talk about 'sophisticated' Jazz. That would be Annie & Company.

Cheers
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