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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
 

Ahmad Jamal has always been a very advanced artist, that's why Miles liked him so much. "Extensions" is a tune that could have been done yesterday, but he originated it in the 60's, that's just one of the reasons Miles liked him.

I saw him in Chicago, and had the opportunity to have a few drinks and conversation with Frank Gant, his drummer, after the set; this was in the 80's, and Frank told me they had tickets to Japan, he said they couldn't make it by only appearing in this country; Japan and Europe were a necessity as opposed to a choice.

Complete review of Ahmad Jamal in the works.



                https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w0G1D0j0zLQ



Enjoy the music.
orpheus10 OP
5,988 posts
 

I'll begin my review by sharing with you what "Wiki" has to say about Mr. Jamal.


          https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ahmad_Jamal


A good friend of mine managed to be on the set of "Live At The Pershing" in 58. He was 18 (same age as me), I don't know how he managed it, since we both lived in St. Louis, and too young to be on that set legally; but made he did and you can hear his "donkey laugh" on that LP.
Every time I play it and hear his "donkey laugh", I remember Hank.

I'm sure everybody has that LP in their collection; after it came out "Poinciana" was so popular that you would have to live on a different planet not to have heard it, but just in case; here it is to refresh your memory.


          https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ev-3kIXlEGA


Get set for a long ride because I'm going to start in the late 50's and come up to the present. That's all for now folks.


Enjoy the music.
alexatpos
500 posts
 
Speaking of Jamal, I would say that one should start looking at his work that was made couples years before, than mentioned in previous posts.
Here is the mentioned 'Poinciana' but with his 'first' drumless trio, from 1955.

https://youtu.be/ZxZQIgp6iKI

Again, an album that must not be overlooked.
'Chamber music of new jazz' from 1955.

https://youtu.be/E_PbXidJ6WM

By the way, if somebody is interested in guitar player, its Ray Crawford, he also played with organist J.Smith, posted befor his only album he made as leader. Hope nobody will mind that I am using this opportunity and doing it again...
'Smooth Groove' from 1961.

https://youtu.be/fka0tp0WGPs
Such a great line up, but label went broke just before the album was launched....

alexatpos
500 posts
 
I dont mind anybody posting anything about jazz,but perhaps we could stick to the albums that we consider realy worth posting? Anyway, will try to mention those ones that I consider good,or better, but are overlooked for some reason or anoher
orpheus10 OP
5,988 posts
 

That's a marvelous suggestion Alex, could you bring us up to 58.

Thank you.

Enjoy the music.
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