Jazz for aficionados

RE: Religion and Jazz

The February 2013 issue of BBC MUSIC magazine has an article entitled "The 50 People Who Changed Classical Music Forever"

1. Pythagoras 2. Jesus Christ 34. Joseph Stalin :) You have to read the article to understand.

Since ALL music is derivative to some degree, and stretching that logic almost to it's breaking point, we can say that the Good Lord was very influential in the creation (no pun) of Jazz. And of course, everything else.

Cheers

Today's Gem and History Lesson:

Everyone who was Anyone -- THE FIRST ESQUIRE CONCERT

To name a few: Tatum, Eldridge, Armstrong, Holiday, Hawkins, Bigard, and many more. Recorded at the MET in NYC in 1944. The event was part of a War Bond drive.

The sound quality is remarkable considering the time and place. Since it went out on radio, we are inflicted with a 'Master of Ceremonies'. This one is not as bad as some I have heard.

The liner notes are very interesting and hilarious at the same time. The writer says a few words about each performer.

When got to Billie, he says she can only be 'termed'(?) with Bessie Smith, and "ELLA FITZGERALD, THE WOMAN JAZZ SINGER"!! hahahahahahahahah This was really back in the day.

Roy Eldridge was 70 when this was recorded!!!! I think playing trumpet was a lot harder pre be-bop.

The event gets better as it goes. Lionel Hampton sort of jump-starts things with 'flying home'.

This CD is worth it just for historical reasons. To hear these magicians in their prime.

The sound of the applause is distorted and is abruptly ended. There are a few glitches in the editing process, but these things are very minor compared what is recorded here. The music is never affected.

Got to Amazon for a full list of the players. I see there is a second concert recorded in 1947. 2-CD set. I got my copy in Austin years ago for $2.98.

I think I was introduced to this one in 'Stereo Review'.

Check it out.

Cheers

******"Besame Mucho" has special meaning for me, it brings back memories of Victoria Gomez in the 6th grade*******

My true love and life long soul-mate was named Earlean, and the music was Roy Hamilton's "Don't Let Go". :) Those were the days.

Cheers

Too good not to share.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MzvlivbptXk
One of my all time favorites. I remember where I was when I first heard it. I wonder how many awesome performances have been wasted on European and Asian audiences?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=50mSSca1xnQ
The most exspensive single CD I have ever purchased. Japanese CD, but I had to have it.

Cheers

Less McCann was a joy to behold; although I've had that album since about that time, this was the first time I saw a live performance, and I could feel the rapture he felt when he played.

Enjoy the music.