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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
frogman
4,637 posts
 
And, of course, there’s the best known Stayhorn tune of all. Often credited to The Duke, "Take The A Train" was actually penned by Strayhorn and the story behind it is interesting. Duke’s band already had a "signature tune", but when Duke’s publisher raised the fees for broadcasts of it’s catalog (remember, radio was everything back then), Duke asked Strayhorn, who had a different publisher, to write new material for the band. Fletcher Henderson is reported to have rescued the tune from a garbage can as Strayhorn was initially unhappy with it (!?!?).

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=1ggcQk67Mco


orpheus10 OP
5,988 posts
 

Rok, I've been running into records that I'm sure you had in your collection because we used the same reviewer for buying, "Stereo Review".

"Shadowfax Too Far to Whisper" was one of them that I think is a really good alternative to  "Straight ahead Jazz". I've also got 3 "Cadona" albums that I'm not too sure of, plus "Old And New Dreams" with some of the same people. Just curious to know if you remember any of those albums? "Shadowfax too far to Whisper" is definitely a 4 thumbs up, while one recorded in 75 is 4 thumbs down, but all of "Shadowfax" on Windam Hill are very well recorded.


        https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yhr5j9a5L0A


        https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FESYij5cfKQ


I found all the cuts on that album to be consistently good music worth listening to.


Enjoy the music.


               
rok2id's avatar
rok2id
4,494 posts
 
I know I have owned Shadowfax LPs in the past.   I can visualize the album art, but, after checking my LP printout, I don't see Shadowfax listed. I may have given it away during one of my many moves.  I left many a LP in Germany and Korea.

Today's Listen:

No Youtube :(

Various -- PROJECT G-7: A TRIBUTE TO WES MONTGOMERY

Players include: Kenny Burrell, Gene Bertoncini, Ted Dunbar, Kevin Eubanks, Rodney Jones and Jack Wilkins.   Guitar players all.
Excellent CD.  Could not find it on the tube.

The Leopold String Trio -- Mozart Divertimento in E flat K563

Not Jazz, but it does remind one of, and demonstrates The Duke's first law of music.  Played at volume this is just awesome!

Cheers


rok2id's avatar
rok2id
4,494 posts
 
I did find this one on the tube.

George Benson -- SHAPE OF THINGS TO COME

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zots1vvsmcY

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ehciznyZI8E

Cheers
frogman
4,637 posts
 
I love George Benson's guitar playing; I like his musical attitude.  The problem I have always had with Creed Taylor productions  (even some of the Freddie Hubbard and Stanley Turrentine projects which I generally like) is that, imo,  they always demonstrate a heavy handed production style.  Producers take one of two approaches come recording session day: they create a vibe in the studio that says "you guys do your thing and I will capture it on tape and maybe tweak it a little bit in here",  or "this is what I want and I want it like this...".  The former approach creates an atmosphere where the players are too concerned about everything being perfect.  CTI recordings, as good as some are, seldom have much sense of spontaneity to them for me.  Everything  sounds controlled and stylized, from the extra reverb on the horn section to percussion that sounds a bit too careful.  Benson always sounds great though and this is one of his best from his CTI period.  
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