Jazz for aficionados
Orpheus, I enjoy a good story, I am sure we all do. A good one even does not have to be a true. Let me point to a one, documentry film, from Tribeca festival, its not tied to jazz, hope its not an offense. Maybe Rok could check that Cia book to see is it a myth or true story. Here is the link to a trailer https://youtu.be/Q_oQFplWs_g |
1961 was a extremely interesting year in jazz. The music was breaking new ground and going in new directions that, while not immediately accepted by all, was an expression of the inevitability of its evolution. As always, there was a kind of conflict between the artists that push the music forward in new directions and those whose comfort zone is more in the past and who feel that is where the music should stay. Still, there were some artists like Benny Carter who, while comfortable in their own skin as keepers of the swing tradition, welcomed and encouraged the younger more experimental players. Rok’s Benny Carter clips are a good example of this. Carter was a champion of the younger alto star Phil Woods and his presence on this record, along with Charles Rouse was a bow to the contemporary while the inclusion of Coleman Hawkins (as well as himself) was a tribute to the past. There is also a very subtle and unexpected hint about a dynamic that is important to jazz players to be found in the order of the solos on "Cotton Tail". I don’t believe that it is coincidental that Hawkins solos twice. It could have been anyone of the four; and, being Carter’s session it would probably have been someone besides himself. I am certain he gave that "honor" to the senior member of the saxophone section and an acknowledged giant. Jazz player are always very conscious of this sort of thing; respect. O-10 expressed a desire to "establish the mood for that period of time"; an interesting proposition. I think that the mentioned Carter session is emblematic of the mood for that period: the push towards the modern contending with the pull of the traditional. Obviously, this is something that could be said about jazz at any point in time; I just think that this dynamic was particularly important during this time. Some of my favorite recordings from 1961: One of my all time favorite recordings, the presence of Dolphy alone augers what is to come in jazz. Brilliant record: https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=f_R7pbBAjcA This one became a hit (!) after its RE-release in 1961. Combined the West Coast "cool" sound with, incredibly, odd meter. The public accepted and loved a tune in 5 (!!!); and they didn’t even know it: https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=nzpnWuk3RjU A meeting made in heaven and long overdue. As good a reminder of the importance of the traditional as any: https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=m8HZ7Ku1f3k Hard to believe that the previous music was performed the same year as this. Spiritual: https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=wr5BotYA3U8 One of my favorites from 1961 and one which featured Wayne Shorter who would soon start recording as a leader himself and be one of the most influential in taking jazz to a new place: https://m.youtube.com/watch?list=PL15243F255ACDA1EC&v=NrP7KI6--2c Many more examples, but I think the above do a pretty good job of establishing the mood for that period: looking forward with respect for tradition; within an environment in which the public could still accept a REAL jazz tune and make it a "hit". Then there was the soul-funk-jazz thing which ultimately led to the gross commercialization of jazz and brought unimagined success to some and derailed the careers of others...... |
Here's an album issued by Kenny Burrell in 62, you can compare it to what Grant Green made that same year. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GXhXkYw3FmI&list=PLEFXyUJJznO6iCF7tvI6ZHpwCjGPOf3k- Enjoy the music. |
Not 61", but great new recording from Julian Lage. Still only 28 years old. Thanks for turning me on to him Frogman. Maybe the best overall guitarist I have heard. 1st recording, I think, with electric guitar. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ceL8TrtHY4w |
