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
1977:

The Brecker Brothers release the timely (for this thread) titled "Don't Stop The Music".  Michael Brecker plays another of his impossibly virtuosic funk solos:

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=geV8ExTfORc

Pat Metheny's second solo record "Watercolors" is very impressionistic in overall vibe.  New Age with musical substance and meaning?:

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=-qIfGZCDpUw

Just as Metheny's music and beautifully delicate guitar sound was a harbinger of the soon to come, insipid and dreadful (how do I really feel?) New Age Music wave (but without the substance), Dave Sanborn's sound would change the way that countless young saxophone players would play the alto saxophone in the new (and mostly dreadful) Smooth Jazz wave; but, without the grease and soulfulness that Sanborn brings to the table:

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=8ci3cQo986k

Steve Grossman, another Miles alum, releases "Terra Firma"; very intense post-Coltrane tenor playing in some of the most aggressive jazz-rock fusion of the period.  Acman3, this has your name on it:

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=0BHmRfE0P9Q

Poland is not the first place one thinks of as a place for interesting fusion.  Urszula Dudziak is a very interesting and virtuosic singer who often worked with electric violinist Michal Urbaniak.  An acquired taste; but very interesting:

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=nS0a_yc2aUU

So where did all the grease and soulfulness in that unique tone that Sanborn has come from?  Before he was the megastar that he would become this is where he paid his dues.  A victim of polio, he lost one of his lungs and his doctor told him that he should pick up a wind instrument to strengthen the remaining lung:

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=B4GNci5koi8








Just saw the last few post. Are you kidding me? 

Frogman, enjoyed all the clips! You are correct in knowing which one I would enjoy best. Grossman plays with great intensity, but you still can follow his ideas. I will find that recording. 

Never knew the tidbit on Sanborn, and never would have believed he played with Paul Butterfield! Thanks!


Thought this was 1977, but it turns out to be 1976, a great year. Bass line makes it my most easily Identifiable song.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hrnI7TQ44U0
Looked at the Paul Butterfield recording on my computer for the first time, instead of my phone, and saw to my surprise Dr. John on piano, and  Levon Helm on drums. Great band!