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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
newbee
4,093 posts
 
Frogman, When I listened to this recording I thought it might just be up your alley.

"Havana Moon" by the TransAtlanticEnsemble. A fusion of Latin Jazz and Classical music. In a couple of cuts I’m reminded of Stravinsky’s Shadow Dances. It is predominantly a piano and clarinet duo. It is on a Steinway & Sons CD.

O-10, somehow I don’t think you would find this music particularly interesting. I could be wrong, just a guess.
orpheus10 OP
5,988 posts
 

Newbee, I considered the music pleasant, like the music that used to be over the PA in large office buildings; it was music to sleep by. I recall buying something like that when CD's first came out because they didn't have any jazz on CD.

You were spot on in regard to whether or not I would like it.


Enjoy the music.
frogman
4,637 posts
 
Thanks for the rec, Newbee; I will check it out.  I am aware of the record but have not heard it.  Have always been a fan of Paquito.  
orpheus10 OP
5,988 posts
 

I just found out the recording quality of that link I was trying to post of "Red Garland" wasn't too good, so that kills it for me. While I'm not extreme in regard to recording quality, there is a minimum, and if the music doesn't meet it, on to the next thing.

I've been listening to female Brazilian vocalists lately, and I was wondering if that would be a good subject for our next foray into good music. It's a lot more productive when we do this thing as a group; I want to make sure we're of one mind before the next venture; that means you too Rok if you're still with us.

How about a little feedback?


Enjoy the music.
frogman
4,637 posts
 
Newbee, lovely record. As you said, interesting fusion of Classical and Latin-Jazz with some very elegant playing. You are correct about the similarity to some of the music in Shadow Dances; "Tango" in particular. There is a strong Tango influence in a couple of the pieces on the Havana Moon recording borrowing a lot from the music of Astor Piazzola. For me, the highlights of the recording are the pieces by Paquito. Paquito is the consummate musician and has no genre boundaries. He has rather quietly become a very admired composer in the modern, crossover Classical music scene. His playing is wonderful. I particularly like his clarinet playing and this leads me to the only very minor issue that I have with the Havana Moon recording. Clarinetist Mariam Adam sounds wonderful; particularly on the slower tempo and rhythmically loose pieces. On a couple of occasions, on the jazzier pieces I miss a little bit of the rhythmic incisiveness and swagger that Paquito would bring to the table. Still, lovely record which I am glad to have. Thanks very much.

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=0sLOMnnhQo8

Speaking of Tango and the influence on some of the music on Havana Moon.  I have been wanting to post this for a while.  I love this record:

https://m.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLK-eutyZMAleP1purAmyN9sp5nDKYbl4e





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