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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
rok2id's avatar
rok2id
4,494 posts
 
Frogman:

We have no disagreement. I was just trying to show the influence of the public in our perception of 'the best'.
I did not mean to imply that you thought mariano was the best. just a favorite. And I understand the mastery of the instrument versus creativity.
Brings to mind Wynton Marsalis. He is truly a master of the trumpet. But, not my favorite player, just my favorite PERSON in Jazz, because of his efforts to preserve and grow the music.

I, for one, do not buy into all this 'the best' stuff. They are all magicians. This is as pertains to players.

I do have a best when it comes to the music. But magic can be found in the most usual places. Even listening to the car radio in traffic. Just a fleeting passage, a few bars / measures.

The trumpet playing on 'the monkey speaks his mind' on the Dr John Cd ' nawlinz, dis, dat or D'udda'. Check it out.

Cheers
orpheus10 OP
5,988 posts
 
Acman3, I have empathy for all human beings, especially musicians, and I hope your friend Mr. John Purcell gets better.
orpheus10 OP
5,988 posts
 

Jimmy giuffre opening for jazz on a summers day is my best example of West coast jazz.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pfLsEH4csQ4

Chico Hamiltons "Topsy" is another good one.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1fE73sAZxlE

Now you're an aficionado of West Coast jazz.

Enjoy the music.
frogman
4,637 posts
 
Orpheus, two great choices. Loved the Jimmy Giuffre cut; hadn't heard that before. Players from that era were amazing musicians; they listened to and took in the influence of just about everything. On that cut can be heard shades of Copland's "Hoedown", Gershwin, as well as, of course, the blues. Great stuff.

Another great Chico Hamilton record that I appreciate is "Gongs East" featuring Eric Dolphy, surely one of the most distinctive alto sounds ever.

http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=EpI2j3e7r5U
frogman
4,637 posts
 
Acman3, Lee Konitz is one of the greatest of the West Coast players and an influence on Art Pepper and Paul Desmond. He is the alto player on the Birth Of The Cool sessions even though Sonny Stitt was the original choice and Evans decided that Stitt's sound was too steeped in be-bop (Charlie Parker) and they wanted a "cooler" sound. Glad you mentioned him, this record belongs on my favorites list, and is highly recommended

http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=LAufCG4rH6o

BTW, related to the above, Orpheus10's comments re Bird's influence are well taken. His influence turned the jazz world upside down, and it was to the credit of players like Konitz that they chose a different path.
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