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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
orpheus10 OP
5,988 posts
 

Ghosthouse, when I went to the record store, it was never about "West Coast" or "East Coast", it was just about the name of the album and who the artists were. Now that I'm trying to communicate with you, in order to help your collection, I'm saying "East Coast" for that purpose.

Frogman is the only professional in our club, and the one to talk to for concise definitions. Since I never had to define things to myself when I went to the record store, I'm quite rusty; fortunately, Frogman is our go to guy for descriptions of music and definitions; he offered to teach me, but I'm too busy to learn, I find it much easier to rely on him for such things.



Enjoy the mmusic.
ghosthouse's avatar
ghosthouse
3,718 posts
 
@frogman 
This is a hard listen for me.  I am 20+ minutes into Pilgrimage and so far (especially w/respect to MBs soloing) it has seemed an undifferentiated mass of noodling.  On the first 3 tracks, very little structure that I can grasp or melodic content (not that I'm looking for something to whistle in the shower).  Okay have now gotten to Tumbleweed and there's a bit more that's accessible here.  I read the All Music comments and the first few reviews on Amazon. A highly regarded album.  I can "see" why you would group it with the likes of Three Quartets.  But overall, kind of a slog for me (and there's still almost an hour left!).  Might be a little beyond where I'm at "music appreciation-wise".  I'll try to come back to it; sometimes the soul receiver ain't tuned in quite right.  Might become a favorite listen as is sometimes the case with things that were not immediately appreciated. Thanks again.  I remain interested in your recommendations.  
orpheus10 OP
5,988 posts
 

Ghosthouse, you've got one person to please, and that's you. Nobody is going to get me to learn to appreciate raw oysters, I don't care how good they are.

There is such a thing as "growing" into a new genre of music when another Aficionado is pointing things out to you; this is the way I would be if I got into classical, but you are doing right by paying close attention to the albums like "Blue Train" where there is a strong consensus, plus the very best sidemen.
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astewart8944
353 posts
 
Went to the Village Vanguard earlier this week and heard Javon Jackson quartet. Stayed for both sets. They were very cohesive. Javon Jackson (tenor sax) Jeremy Manasia (piano) David Williams (double bass) McClenty Hunter (drums). Easily worth the ticket. Every player worth their salt. Of particular note: the drummer--he is young, he is fast, he is creative. Interestingly, Al Foster (drums--played with Miles Davis and many others--in his 70s now) was in the house and sitting very close to the drum kit. He seemed to be having a good time taking in the show and watching the young drummer work. Also, David Williams has played, it seems, with everybody of note and that dude can make his bass talk--doesn't matter where his fingers are on that fingerboard--he is money.
frogman
4,637 posts
 
Isn't that place amazing?!  The vibe as you go down those steps and when you see those photos on the walls of all the greats that played in that room over the years is almost overwhelming.  Btw, I saw Al Foster play there several times in the 80's with Dexter Gordon during Dexter's "comeback" period.  Probably the greatest jazz club still in existence.  Thanks for sharing
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