Jazz for aficionados

I did leave off one of the toughest babes of all. That would be Miss Betty Davis. Remember the scene of her strolling down the staircase putting six slugs in that poor guy. One of the most famous sequences in all of moviedom!!

Cheers

I honor of this thread's 1000 post mark, I am going to re-post this link to what I think is a performance that exemplifies all that jazz is.

First of all, it is an example of big-band jazz; something that has gotten short shrift in this thread. More importantly, as the title suggests, its about groove; groove is everything in jazz. You have groove, and then you have GROOVE. The groove that this rhythm section sets up is unbelievable; for me, that is what sets a performance apart. Roland Hanna was a genius. The ensemble playing is absolutely superb. To play with that much swagger and still be incredibly tight is very very difficult to do. Listen to the brass hits on the upbeats at around 3:50; gives me chills. The reed section lineup is amazing: Joe Henderson, Jerry Dodgion, Jerome Richardson, Eddie Daniels, and Pepper Adams anchoring things with his big, beautiful husky sound; enough said.

But, there is something about this performance that brings up a subject that hasn't been discussed here very much, and is a subtle and key element in great jazz. I am talking about the depth of the love for the music, and the mutual respect and appreciation that great jazz players have for each other. That backdrop is a key element in a truly great, and not simply good, performance. Check out the "bantering" between Thad Jones (the leader and arranger) and Richard Davis; the FUN they are having. Then there is Snooky Young's expression at 2:35 while he listens to Hanna play his a## off; priceless.

No one bit with comments the first time around; so, here's another chance:

http://m.youtube.com/watch?feature=related&v=4ZLvqXFddu0

Of course, that should read "In" honor of.....

Frogman,
Thanks for that, it captures the sheer talent, energy and genuine raw joy and emotion this music inspires, it's all there on display. Thad Jone's legacy has always been an enigma to me. He was an absolute master of the trumpet, excellent band leader and arranger and composed some timeless jazz standards. For some reason (early death?) historically he takes a back seat to his equally talented brothers Elvin and Hank(that was some gene pool in that family huh?).

One of the most beautiful jazz ballads I can name is"A Child Is Born" written by Thad Jones. Of all the versions I've heard I'd say Pepper Adams is perhaps the most utterly beautiful and touching interpretation. Thad was extraordinarily talented.
Charles,

Learsfool,
There's a Jimmy Heath CD "The Quota" it features Julius Watkins and Freddy Hubbard recorded in 1961. You might like this one.
Charles,