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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
frogman
4,637 posts
 
In case anyone is interested or curious.. First, the Bolling/Rampal Suite is not jazz and when listening one should not have that expectation. It is intended as a fusion of Classical and Jazz styles. It is “jazz like” in many places of the score and not intended to be more than that. If the listener doesn’t like Classical, Baroque music in particular, chances are he won’t like it. The flavor of its “jazz” is not unlike the way that Michel Legrand plays “jazz”. Kind of an “aristocratic” and, dare I say it?, very “white” approach to a jazz feel. In some respects it is at times reminiscent of some of the West Coast jazz (Brubeck in particular) in its use of Classical counterpoint. And remember it is mostly through-composed; little actual improvisation. As Rok would say, it could use a lot more of the blues. However, in many respects it is very charming music with a very joyous feeling and some wonderful virtuosic playing. Jean Pierre Rampal was one of the greatest Classical flutists ever. So, take your Jazz hat off when (if) listening. Not necessarily an endorsement, and you may find some things to like:

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=4ZTGaJ4nkeY

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=S7repRpobFA

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


acman3
2,267 posts
 
Thanks Ghosthose for the introduction to the Alboran Trio. I agree the bass player is a big part of their signature. Currently listening to Meltemi.


ghosthouse's avatar
ghosthouse
3,718 posts
 
Cool, acman3. You are welcome, of course. If you read the All About Jazz review, EST was mentioned so hopefully Alboran Trio will work for you as well. Yeah, I could hear how prominently the bass figured...both in terms of composition/performance as well as how he’s mic’d. The AAJ write up called it out so knew it wasn’t just imagination.

BTW - Here’s more "jazz from Italy". Over 50 years old but and still fascinating to watch.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kJq3j4rA0o0

Herbie Hancock’s solo in Autumn Leaves (it starts around 8:45) is amazing. Geez what a talent.

For how old this is, the sound is remarkably good.  

frogman
4,637 posts
 
My favorite band in all of jazz.  That quintet was magic.  Great clip.  Tony Williams was 19 years old!
ghosthouse's avatar
ghosthouse
3,718 posts
 
Forget anything else said or written about Miles, the fact remains he sure knew how to gather talent around himself. I stumbled onto that 1964 footage after watching a short one where Ron Carter describes how he got recruited by Miles. What a charmer RC seems. "Well!...."

watch it here (very short)....

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wzHDKtTI1rw

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