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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
 
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
orpheus10 OP
5,988 posts
 

Rok, we agree on all counts. Although I have Mulligan on LP, I was wondering if it was the same one, and as far as I can tell it is. I hope the one I have is on CD, because the sonics are excellent. Since Amazon only gives "used" LP, I don't know; but there are also "down loads". Since that's the best cut on the LP, and none of the rest of them quite come up to "I'm Gonna Go Fishin", "down load" isn't a bad idea.

Enjoy the music.
rok2id's avatar
rok2id
4,494 posts
 
Todays' Discovery:

Charles Mingus -- MINGUS AT THE BOHEMIA

features: Mingus(bass),Eddie Bert(trombone), George Barrow(tenor Sax), Willie Jones(drums), and Max Roach as special guest on drums.

The first step on the road to 'Ah Um', 'Oh Yeah', 'At Antibes' et al. Recorded at Cafe Bohemia, NYC DEC 1955.

Comments by Nat Hentoff, Down Beat, state that "This was Mingus' first recording with a working band of his own. The group was also the first to carry the Mingus Jazz Workshop Banner."

So this is very, very early Mingus. It you listen you can hear a little of what is to come. The music just sounds familiar. Now, not then. This was cutting edge stuff then.

Eight tracks. No throwaways here. 'Septemberly', 'All the Things you C#', and 'Jump Monk' feature exceptional playing.

Mingus does a very nice duet with Max Roach, on a tune called 'percussion discussion.' Mingus on Bass.

'All the things that you C#' contains elements of 'all the things you are' and Rachmaninov's 'prelude in C# minor' and a little dash of 'Clair de Lune.'

On the alt take of C#, he stopped the band, and restarted them after a little admonishment. hahhaha Gotta be Mingus! The guy was worst than Monk!!

Check it out. Any Mingus / Jazz fan has to have it.

Cheers
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