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
Well, I'm batting .500; not bad, I suppose.

****In Cuba, like almost all other countries and cultures, history and music are inextricably interwoven.****

Could not agree more.

****I think I was on to something, when I said the "African" influence in a lot of this music does not really exist. ****

Could not agree less.

That it is considered "Cuban street music" in no way negates the African influence. In fact, depending on one's points of view, it confirms it. Surely, you understand that original musical instruments are not necessary for transporting the musical heritage. Remember the comment by some musicians that perplexed you so ("I wish I could play what I hear in my head")? Similar and related idea.

Great documentaries, btw; thanks.

I will need a day or so to comment on the Afro Cuban All Stars tracks.

Cheers
I just read the Wiki article on "Mozambique". It says this:

"Although the rhythm shares many characteristics with Sub-Saharan African music traditions, it does not have anything to do with music from the African nation of Mozambique"

It's funny how we sometimes see what we want to see. That comment clearly points out the African connection; but, it points out that, although implied by the name of that particular rhythm, it does not relate to the music of the country Mozambique specifically.
Wiki is not the King James Version.

Some people hear drums, they think 'Africa'. Tooooo many Tarzan movies!!

***It's funny how we sometimes see what we want to see. That comment clearly points out the African connection;****

"Many Characteristics" does not a 'connection' make. Besides, I heard the tune and thought 'Latin".

Cheers
#9
Clasiqueando Con Ruben

Wiki says:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Son_(music)

This is SON music and the title is in honor of the pianist for the BVSC, Ruben Gonzalez.

SON is also said to be of African orgin, although it only appeared at the turn of the last century. Where was it hiding? :) If it took that long to manifest itself, a body could be excused for thinking it was of Cuban orgin!!

Son was looked down upon by the Cuban Elite i.e. Europeans. I guess they couldn't 'hear' it. Wiki says SON caused "considerable Anxiety" among the powers that be. I love it for that reason alone. And of course because of the BVSC.

Wiki also says BVSC was not that well thought of by the Cubans. Read the article. It's a good read.

To hear the tune, just go to O-10's post and click on the song title. It will move to the start of that tune.

Cheers