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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
ghosthouse's avatar
ghosthouse
3,718 posts
 
Hello Inna - no need to apologize...you is what you is and you likes what you likes. Similar situation for me with Yngwie Malmsteen. Though I admire him (along with that other "shredder", Joe Satriani) for technical chops, that performance doesn’t make me want to go out and listen to more of his repertoire. I can’t explain why. Wish I could.

On the other hand, the Mehran jalili "Little Song of Hope"  hooked me with the first few notes...at least generated enough interest to want to hear more of it (and visit his website). THANKS.

Inna - If you like something in a flamenco style, check out Carles Benavent's "Quartet".  It ain't your grandfather's flamenco.  Excellent sonics and good music (though Orpheus did not care for it).  I found it to get better and better with repeated listening.

Talking Santana. Is this homage or parody?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V0nIlJKSrVg&ab_channel=G%C3%A9rardParame
frogman
4,637 posts
 
Parody all the way; and a bit of a dig directed at Santana.  Zappa was a genius; and, a very opinionated one.  He was also a very serious composer and student of the music of Edgar Varese and Stravinsky.  He was a very deep musician whose music has a depth, complexity and level of craft that is leagues beyond Santana's.  Santana's strength is that great and instantly recognizable tone with a really strong sense of sincerity and very deep "from the heart" quality in his playing.  Most guitar players would say that Zappa was an infinitely better guitar player; just as most composers would say that Zappa was infinitely more accomplished. Which one touches any given listener's heart more is, as always, subjective and dependent on what that listener is looking for in music.
ghosthouse's avatar
ghosthouse
3,718 posts
 
I tend to agree with the parody assessment, Frogman - as well as your evaluation of Frank's vs Carlos' musicianship.  But ultimately each has artistic merit.  The possibility of homage never occurred to me until I read some of the comments. As parody though, it ultimately ends up being WAY more than a mocking bit of instrumental music. Excellent in it’s own right whatever the motivation. I have high regard for Zappa. He’s no novelty act and is firmly grounded in music as a (discipline?). Zappa by Barry Miles is very enlightening in that regard.  I need to refamiliarize myself with Yellow Shark.
frogman
4,637 posts
 
Agreed, both have artistic merit.  In its context, I love Santana's playing.  I can do without some of his more recent "star studded" efforts; but, still....

The parody runs deeper than meets the eye.  There is more than a passing resemblance to "Evil Ways".  Zappa's parody is in the same key (G minor) and the "chord orogreasion" is nothing more than a vamp between two chords (Gm and C) for the entire tune; just like Evil Ways.  Hardly a "chord progression; and, that's the point of the parody.
ghosthouse's avatar
ghosthouse
3,718 posts
 
Frogman - While I could hear something reminiscent of Santata I didn't pick up on Evil Ways as the take off point much less pick up on the same key or the Gm - C chord vamp.  I'm impressed.  What's your background in music if you don't mind me asking?  

Yellow Shark is over (Doing a little painting project.  Music alleviates the the tedium).  Not really my cuppa and I'm reminded why it's been a lot of years since last I listened to it!  Jaga Jazzist Living Room Hush on now.  A bit more accessible.
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