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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
 
**** the complexity of Birds Bop is beyond comprehension. ****

Not at all. It is quite comprehensible. If you are speaking metaphorically about it’s greatness, fine; otherwise, the fact that so many were able to copy his style shows just how comprehensible it is. The same way that many copied or were influenced by Hawkins’ style; although this was probably on an a lesser scale.
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nsp
362 posts
 
I would like to weigh in on this subject tomorrow when I have time.
pjw81563
258 posts
 
frogman quoted " the fact that so many were able to copy his style shows just how comprehensible it is."

There were many who could emulate Parker almost to a T. Sonny Stitt came to the fore immediately when I saw your quote. And one thing is for certain: When Art Pepper played bebop on the alto, as did Bird, he was just as good IMHO. 
pryso
1,501 posts
 
Since I'm like Lou Costello and have no idea "Who's On First" regarding origins of bebop I'll pose another question.  Hopefully it will have general interest plus may be helpful to budding aficionados.

Many well known jazz artists have one particular album they are famous for and it is often the first one suggested on a "best buy" list or recommendations for beginners.  One easy example is the Dave Brubeck Quartet's "Take Five".

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=veX9dotK_do

However as someone who owns at least 20 Brubeck albums that would not be my choice.  Instead, I'd recommend this one -

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XFrnCnbEJMQ&list=PL64D93478E0879D5B

Before you respond "that's cheating" because it is a double album, consider this.  It includes the best known numbers from the "Take Five" album but adds a wider variety.  Plus it offers the excitement of a live performance and I feel the audience really inspired the musicians that night.

As a secondary part of this game I'll add naming other albums to experience which are not that well known for anyone who wants to explore that artist/group in more depth.  Staying with Brubeck here are two I love and recommend - 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0ieHdRYGCdg&list=PLk5SVLXcQrR5GY-LAcbvh2Of4jwCpSKSy

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G0Uf2pta4-Y

I'm sure aficionados can suggest many other examples for introductions beyond the tired and true popular albums.
pjw81563
258 posts
 
Art Pepper "Cherokee"

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mTx7xiVcmc8

Art Pepper, played an extremely long version of "Cherokee" on one of the nights at the Village Vanguard comeback sessions in 1977. Before he starts playing he addresses the audience by saying "If you can’t play this tune and play the crap  out of it...don’t blow!!"....then he proceeds to "knock the socks of it" All this when he was in his early 50’s after 30 plus years of drug abuse and long prison stints. He would die a few years later in his late 50’s. The complete sessions are a worthy investment.


https://www.allmusic.com/album/the-complete-village-vanguard-sessions-mw0000124795


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