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
 Very nice clips, Rok.  Intrigued by:

**** the Orchestra does not seem to have that Ellington sound ****

???


I am used to the 'Ellington Reeds' having a prominent place in his music.

I guess with a singer, the arrangements are different.   But that is an old picture, could it be that he had not developed his signature sound at that time.

Not a criticism of the music.  Who the hell can be critical of Ellington?  Certainly not this musical peon.

Cheers

I believe that was 1957 and the band’s “sound” was pretty well established by then.   I know what you mean about the prominence of the reeds and you’re right:

****I guess with a singer, the arrangements are different.****

More “generic” in order to feature the singer.  The band’s distinguishing traits are a lot more subtle in that arrangement, like Harry Carney’s huge baritone sound leading on the opening chords and Jimmy Hamilton’s clarinet with that beautiful “classically trained” tone that he had.  Ella sounds sublime.  Love that recording.