While I kinda/sorta understand why some people don't care for drum or bass solos, for some reason it surprises me when it comes to Jazz fans. The essence of Jazz is self-expression and musical development. Seems like an incredible disservice to all the bass and drum players! And totally contradictory to the inherent sense of exploration required to play it. Here's the thing, so many listeners automatically 'turn off' their ears as soon as they hear a bass or drum solo, as if they're ALL being played by the same guy! An Elvin Jones solo is a little different than the guy from Iron Butterfly bangin' away for a whole side! Want a more reasonable comparison, listen to the sure cure for insomnia solos of maestro Ron Carter vs. a Jaco Pastorious. Silly comparisons, I know, but it seems just as silly, to me, to lump ALL bass & drum solos into the same group. BTW, in the Latin music I listen to I often come up against the same mindset when discussing percussion! It surprised me to learn that is what is often a very precise music is often perceived as a 'racket'!;)
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.
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.
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- 15551 posts total
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Least I be misunderstood, and I don't believe anyone directly implied that, let me be more direct. I enjoy drums and bass, both for their foundation work and when offering entertaining solos. However for me there can be two issues -- unnecessarily long solos and solos that seem to lack a cohesive musical plot. Maybe those are one and the same. Possibly frog offered the essence: "everyone gets to tell his/her story." Too many drum and bass solos don't seem to me to have a story. Or they offer only a short anecdote and then keep repeating it, hoping it may take the form of a story. Or they start out fine, but then ignore the standards for telling a good story and end up without a climax and going no place, leaving me hanging. My example on the positive side, Morello's extended solo on "Castillian Drums". It may be long, but I find it continuously interesting and carrying on the musical theme. For anyone who may still be unfamiliar with it - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0LBZJk5Kfgw And so, when local musicians, not quite professional grade, find it necessary to solo on every number it's time for me to leave. |
- 15551 posts total