Jazz for aficionados

Rok, I like those parades, can't we have a parade anyway, I can even join the second line; I always wanted to do that.

I'm back! Almost anyway; there is no such thing as "minor" surgery, hernia surgery is what I had done, I'm still in pain, but they gave me some good dope, uh pain pills that is.

My son is helping, I write on a note pad and he takes it down types and posts it. Today I'm listening to music that has no genre or category, it's kind of like I feel after taking pain pills, in betwixt and between here and there.

"The Dead Can Dance", and "Enigma" are two groups that move to a different drummers beat. First I'll cover "Enigma"; their music has an incessant beat that draws you into it's world of universal truths, in regard to the sensual aspects of man. Since it's global in nature, maybe you could call it "world music"; but it would certainly be a very sensual and surrealistic world. This page gives you many choices, try them.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SC_VQ_aXmd0&playnext=1&list=AL94UKMTqg-9CYbse9vUf1vJMdBN78bAl9

Now we go to "Dead Can Dance"; this music is primeval, they use drums that were some of the first ever used, and the sound can take you back to a time before time. Some of this music might still be played by the indigenous people in remote corners of the planet such as South America, or the remotest parts of Africa maybe.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2ZpXPwmbQvc

Although "Dead Can Dance" had very interesting music, they weren't as consistent as "Enigma" in regard to a signature sound, I liked the primeval best.

As you can see I'm making the best of this time, although pain and recuperating from surgery go together, the good dope they gave me makes the pain go away. (I'm keeping it real).

Since I won't be responding to everybody's posts, you take over Rok.

Enjoy the music.

Today I'm listening to "Dave Pike", Pike's Peak; he's a vibraphonist. Presently I'm enjoying "In a Sentimental Mood". Dave likes to "scat" while he's jammin. Some people find that distracting, but I like it; "Ooh shooby doo bop swello", I can't scat like Dave or Ella, but I have fun.

Each note from Dave's vibes hangs in the air ringing in my ear; now, "give the drummer some", his name is Walter Perkins. Sorry, I never heard of a Walter Perkins, but he can jam. Right now he's doing his thing on "Vierd Blues" by M. Davis. Him and Herbie Lewis on bass are "rompin and stompin". (never heard of a Herbie Lewis either) These cats can jam, that just shows you how many top notch jazz musicians this aficionado has never heard of.

Recuperating from surgery ain't all bad, I'm forced to do what I love to do and nobody can nag me about what I should be doing. Did I tell you about the feel good pills they gave me? "Nope, not for another 4 hours".

"Besame Mucho", that means "Kiss me much", was written by Mexican songwriter Consuelo Velazquez, who wrote this before she had ever been kissed, and I fell in love with this song before I ever did any kissing. Me and her got a lot in common. Miles Davis was kissin on Velma Brooks at his birthday party, when his big sister told on him. "As long as he ain't kissin on Junior Quinn" was his father's response. That's the kind of kissing this song is about, and if you stop and think; that's even more romantic than adult kissing. (Frogman and Leersfool created a monster, when they started this "aficionado" going deep into the music)

Herbie Lewis's boss bass intro on this tune, followed by Dave's "vibrasonic" vibes, get into the soul of this music like I've never heard it before; and now Bill Evans melodic piano responds to the rhythm. Bill sounds like he was born playing jazz piano.

Although I've had this CD in my collection for over 15 years, I just discovered Bill Evans was on it. There are several reasons for this; a sale was on at the record store, and I told the sales girl to select the best jazz CD's, and I would pick them up later; consequently I only know how good the music is, and I'm just discovering all of the musicians. When you hear Miles, Monk, or Trane, you know who you're listening to, but Bill is like a cameleon who takes on the color of the music he's playing, and he does it so well that all you can hear is the beautiful music emanating from the key's of his piano everytime he strikes one. I imagine Consuelo Velazquez is looking down from a cloud smiling, and enjoying listening to her music sounding exactly as she intended for it to souund

"Wild Is The Wind" is the last cut on this CD, and the music captures the romantic intensity of the lyrics as sung by Johnny Mathis or Randy Crawford. All of these musicians are so into each song they play, that I feel this is the first time I've heard each one of those old standards. Anytime musicians can make old music sound brand new, that's the highest compliment that I can give them. This is a must have CD in your collection.

Enjoy the music.

Leersfool, It's nice to know you're concerned, that will help my recuperation.

Enjoy the music.

Rok, Frogman, Leersfool;

I had a setback, and things have gone terribly wrong. Just wanted to let you guys know why I havent been posting. I've got a lot of questions and no answers yet.

Enjoy the music.

I'm back! I think. Although I was restricted to the bed attached to a machine, my favorite pastime, enjoying good music was not restricted; that's because the play list on my computer runs non-stop, and the bedroom system is decent.

Since I didn't have a choice as far as what to hear next, I decided to review what ever came up. If you will get in your time machine and set the dial for 1970, provided yours goes back that far, we'll enjoy the hits of O. C. Smith.

"Little Green Apples", takes me back to good times with fun loving people.

http://youtu.be/i5J_FyLg7tc

"Help Me Make It Through The Night". I was in a hotel room on Peach Tree Street in Atlanta, all alone gazing out the window at neon lights, and didn't know a single solitary soul in Atlanta, when this song came on the radio.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=quYwf3_EqbY

Our next artist is Eddie Harris. He had the effect of making people get up on a dance floor and shake their "boody's" when they couldn't even dance.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CsHtO_i4qzM

"Theme In Search of A Movie" is one of the most beautiful tunes I can think of.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xgNum6bqX0I

( While I had a good support team that would get me anything I wanted, I was still in bed hooked up to a machine with my music as the only solace.)

Bean Bags is the CD "Sandra's Blues" is the tune.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DMgwWAaxQQ4

(Remember, I wasn't looking at the CD or LP when I heard these tunes, I had to identify them from memory, and what you're reading, is what I wrote while in bed. These "You tubes" were added after I was able to move around)

Coleman Hawkins is the sax man with "Bags" on vibes, and Kenny Burrel on guitar.

It's absolutely astounding how well a person can hear the music when they no longer have to consider things like, "where will I go, and what shall I do today"?

The first record I ever bought by this next artist just came up on the play list. Right now, I'm listening to her piano; this was when she still had aspirations of becoming a concert pianist. Leersfool, I'm sure that no one can appreciate classical piano more than you, and this aspect of her piano, along with jazz, blues and gospel, can be heard here.

When you get "Nina Simone/ Little Girl Blue", you will be delighted by a young lady who can sing and loves to demonstrate her virtuosity as a musician. On "Love Me Or Leave Me", her piano is reminiscent of Brubeck, but all "Nina Simone".

Now that I'm back, all I have to say about my journey to hell, is that it never should have happened, and that's all I got to say about that.

Rok, Frogman, Leersfool, and Acman3; I hope I've still got the same support team I had when I left; I missed communicating with you guys about the music I love.

Enjoy the music.

Rok, I had more fun in Atlanta than in any town I can remember. This is a follow up to my last post about "Nina". These tunes illustrate how great a jazz pianist she was; they give you another aspect of her talents to focus on. Nina gives you two for one, a great vocalist and pianist.

Nina Simone "Good Bait".

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nwPw9YiBXtM

Nina simone "African Mailman".

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xz0VOq9UuyQ

Nina Simone "Central Park Blues".

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ne8XQRBm_Gw

Nina Simone "Flo me La".

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HWX0beegGA0

Enjoy the music.

Rok, I checked Rodrick Dixon singing "This Song For You"; the "soul" was palpable. That word should be reserved exclusively for vocalists like him; I can believe he's really singing this song for the lady he wishes he had back.

Enjoy the music.

Frogman, I saw that movie "The Americano" on you tube and watched it all the way through; I liked it. Although I remember my older cousin taking me to see that movie, all I remembered was the music.

Enjoy the music.

Rok, send me a bottle with a note in it, anything to let me know you're OK.

All good things must come to an end, and so it is with this thread. Without the Rok's input it's dead. I've had fun and I thank every one for their input.

Enjoy the music.

Rok, like Lazarus, has returned from the dead, hallelujah! Why don't we pick up where Leersfool left off, and then go into your reviews? Glad you're back!

Enjoy the music.

Rok, while we're waiting for Frogman to expound on "studio players" or "pit musicians", as I referred to them; I'll explain how I have pristine sound in every room that I want it, generated from the play list on my computer.

I don't remember what sound cards I use, but I'm sure you've already taken care of that. let's begin with computer out to HRT Music Streamer II to Intelix Audio Balun, Max distance 2,500 ft, out to Cat 6 cable the distance of the house. This is fed to a balun at the receiving end, and interconnect to preamp. The "baluns" are available from "Parts Express", $55., and Cat 6 can be purchased cheaply in your desired length. 2 ft. of your favorite interconnect completes this pristine signal to the pre, and it's as good as a signal 2 ft. from the pre.

Enjoy the music.

Rok, I want your e-mail address. If you follow these instructions, I can copy it and take it down after I get it.

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Enjoy the music.

Rok, Frogman is the only person who can respond to the post about "Reedmen". I went to Freddie Hubbard on "youtube", good straight ahead jazz. That group on "Ready For Freddie" was really tight. I'm eagerly awaiting your reviews.

Enjoy the music.

Leersfool, here's a must have for your collection, Dorothy Ashby, "Invitation".

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KCNIapijh8w

Enjoy the music.

Rok this is the first time I ever even heard of a "euphonium", and if it was the last time, my feelings wouldn't be hurt.

"Birdlike", certainly reminds me of Bird. Sometime ago, I told you I was looking for new music, this music is new all over again. My search has ended, let's find some more "new music".

Enjoy the music.

Acman3, thank you for pointing out Cedar Walton. Like so many musicians I have in my collection, his name didn't just instantly pop up, but after examining his "discography", I discovered he's very well represented in my collection, and now I'll listen exclusively for his piano.

Enjoy the music.

Rok, here's another interesting version of "Round Midnight" with Chic Corea.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=shWrMVSj_hk

Enjoy the music.

I've been following Bobby every since I discovered he was an accomplished musician who uses his instrument, the same as any horn player; his instrument, which is his voice, is even more versatile than a horn. The soundtrack from the movie "Round Midnight" is another good display of Bobby McFerrins versatility.

Enjoy the music.

"Paris Texas" is the most depressing music I've ever heard. When, and if I feel like hanging myself, I'll be sure and play "Paris Texas" to make sure I don't change my mind. That's no reflection on Ry Cooder who's all over the map in music; I mean that literally, from Rangoon to Cancun, you'll find "Ry Cooder", he's even all over Africa, Ry get's around. He's even been to E. St. Louis, that Ry guy gets around.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=050TIMlpmL0

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7BUTqnmVIHk

Enjoy the music.

This is the original "Killer Joe". As always, there are beautiful memories attached to my favorite tunes. This tune reminds me of a time when onions smelled like the finest French Perfume, but that's a long story; nevertheless, we played this tune over, and over, it's just too short.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u23Etcb-L9M

Mox Nix was on the same jukebox.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ns5m-OleLVI

Enjoy the music.

Rok, here's a real kicker by Gerry Mulligan's concert jazz band, these cats can blow.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KLaRvL1wEeQ

Here's Peggy Lee singing that same tune.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=djXwNOrO5zg

Annie Ross is one jazzy chick, this is when "hip" was an everyday way of life; I'm so glad that I lived it.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IYnmSAtZuB0

Enjoy the music.

Rok, we agree on all counts. Although I have Mulligan on LP, I was wondering if it was the same one, and as far as I can tell it is. I hope the one I have is on CD, because the sonics are excellent. Since Amazon only gives "used" LP, I don't know; but there are also "down loads". Since that's the best cut on the LP, and none of the rest of them quite come up to "I'm Gonna Go Fishin", "down load" isn't a bad idea.

Enjoy the music.

Here's "Mission Impossible", I really liked that series. "Bullit" is another cool tune, that guy couldn't miss.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7HFakjigeFc

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0WQMZFFkx6Y

Leersfool, here's a composer we could get into for weeks, and never get bored. I'm sure you're familiar with "Lalo Schifrin", he's best known for his TV and film scores, like "Mission Impossible" and "Bullitt". Here are a couple from the album "Black Widow".

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KHNINWAIx4Q


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LKx15uDqtd4

Enjoy the music.

Rok, when I was in El. A. In the early 70's, there was incredible jazz in lounges everywhere. While Zoot Sims was famous, most of the musicians I saw were unknown, but could jam as well as the best in our collections. From what I could surmise, they didn't want to go on the road and leave El. A.; besides, they were making a good living.

Although Zoot has better music, it's not on video, and this lounge gives you the feel of El. A. at that time.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V1eqs3-5_A0

Here's the real deal, back in the groove.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MEFaBKok1jg

Enjoy the music.

Zoot Coltrane! I'm still laughing! Jutta Hipp is a name I remember, and I don't know where from. Between Horace Silver and Bobby Timmons, there's no way I would make a choice.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PuM75h_vRC0

This is what I found on "you tube", but I still don't know where I remember the name from. Back in the day, we would go from one pad to the next, spinning albums, consequently I've heard many albums I can't remember.

Enjoy the music.

I enjoyed half of your change, the first half; that's Aretha's song. I really liked the way they dressed. Too many people look like "bums" wherever you go now. This is just the kind of change I was thinking about, but a little more in the jazz vein. Do you remember Eddie Jefferson, and King Pleasure, I was thinking about them.

Enjoy the music.

Here's something to stir your soul, this is my favorite trombone.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7aeVlQtsaFE

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TKkKqrgquAw

Enjoy the music.

For me, it's a pleasant nostalgic album, and from what I remember, it was far more impressive to my friend who bought it; some people are more in tune to Miles music than others.

Lovely pictures of sweet memories flowed past in my mind like a movie of better times that I would like to relive when I heard the sweet sound of Miles horn, and I found the nostalgic aspect of this album to outweigh all others. In regard to the best ever, "I don't think so". That would be a different album every night for a week, depending on my mood.

"Otherwise Coltane's solos would be longer than the entire CD;" try 45 minutes of "My Favorite Things" live. McCoy Tyner, Elvin Jones and the bass man were trying to keep it together, while Trane went out into the nether regions.

Enjoy the music.

Rok, there's nothing like a live organ, and I say "live" because not even the best rigs can duplicate the "howls and squeals" a Wild man on organ can generate.

I've found the best examples I could find of "wild men", but they come up way short. Although these are the same organ players I heard "live", there is no way to duplicate what I heard. These guys could exhilarate, and mesmerize a crowd of people like you wouldn't believe. I know, because I was one of the "mesmerizees", and I can testify to that fact.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sK3lNoHrkLc

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5vILXAc_eO0

Enjoy the music.

Jimmy Smith, "Walking On The Wildside"!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dy8dZEpEYrA

Here's Jimmy live in 65.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gobKu4UlxSA

Enjoy the music.

Frogman, I'm glad you're back; you left us hanging in the air for the longest. As you can tell by my last post, I had ran out of things to talk about; I hope you found it humerus.

The "doubler" I saw was truly incredible, Leersfool referred to him as a "sight reader". Since he was most certainly both, there's no conflict. His skills were beyond my comprehension; if I hadn't seen it I would not have believed it; but a long time ago, an older jazz aficionado who had been everywhere and done everything told me that "pit musicians" were the greatest of them all, now I can believe that.

Thanks for your enlightening contribution.

Enjoy the music.

Rok, you're always good for a laugh, and I always need one. "Spike Jones Tailor", I like that.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_PPC5_nnFgY

This is what I saw on "youtube", I'll have to get it.

Enjoy the music.

Leersfool, I have a good idea of everybody's favorite music except yours. Since I want to put the spotlight on "Lalo Schifrin", I would like for you to find your favorite music by this artist. Take your time, he has music in almost every genre.

Enjoy the music.

Rok, it's amazing how much we agree; I just got a HD Download of the MJQ, to replace a scratched 2 LP set, and even that didn't help. Milt Jackson "Bags" on the other hand can do no wrong, I think you've identified the problem.

"On Green Dolphin Street" is also one of my favorite tunes.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HbHCrFvzwG0

Enjoy the music.

Having been born in the state with the worlds hottest cotton fields, maybe you would know a little bit, like "There ain't no shade in a cotton field".

After this "Bird" fiasco, I hate to admit it was your fault that I'm back into this "old" jazz in the first place; but since there's no new jazz that suits my taste, I might as well be here as any place else.

Just keep on reviewing, eventually we'll strike a "harmonic chord".

Enjoy the music.

BTW Rok, my last post was not intended as personal criticism toward you, but as a general statement for us all as we're entering the holiday season.

Enjoy the music.

Leersfool, now that I know what you like, I believe I can help expand your jazz collection. Here's Benny Green on trombone, tell me what you think?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E2i-vAINqUg

Enjoy the music.

Leersfool, Chuck Mangione is nice on fluglehorn, here he is on "Children of Sanchez".

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wBtxGiqqPTA

Here's Herb Alpert "Rise", it's a hot number.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vltC-O7PDYQ

Dakota Staton is a female vocalist we haven't touched on.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1INhj10CiCE

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=am2oKRJdGwU&list=PL1AFA363FFD6C4752

Gloria Lynne is another female vocalist I like.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qkecwh4wJac

There are plenty more where those came from; once we get on the right track your jazz collection will be larger than mine. Give these a serious listen and give me a lot of feedback.

Enjoy the music.

Leersfool, thanks for the info on your last post.

Enjoy the music.

Here's Benny Green from the album "Glidin Along", I can not believe I don't have this. That problem will be solved, and thanks for the heads up.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m7qjE0DYc-k

Enjoy the music.

I was listening to bird with strings and it sounds just as new and fresh as it did the day he recorded it.

I have a story to tell you about that music. This was at a time before everyone had AC, and the screen door was the only thing that separated them from the outside world when it was hot. Every time I passed this one house, I heard music that I had never heard before, "anywhere". That house was between our house and the candy store. On my way to get candy (I was nine at the time) I "accidentally" dropped a dime in grass in front of that house; this meant I had to get down on my hands and knees to look for it, that gave me more time to hear this beautiful music coming through that screen door.

Over 10 years later, I bought "Bird With Strings", and I had the feeling that I'd heard this music before. Each time I played "Bird With Strings" I was certain I heard it before, but I couldn't place where. Many years later, in a conversation about the people who lived in that house, did I put Birds music, and dropping that dime together. They liked jazz, and it was rumored, they even smoked pot.

Enjoy the music.

Rok, now I know why that's been one of my favorite tunes since I can remember.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XlmMzUMCIIg

Enjoy the music.

Here's where jazz meets the Mississippi cotton fields.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TaZnCuMn1hA

How about the real deal?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rDHpkYI5_FY

Enjoy the music.

Frogman, you brought up a very interesting point; as long as that LP has been in my collection, I didn't know who was on sax. While each time I heard it, I was quite impressed by the sax, I never bothered to find out who he was. Now that my entire vinyl collection has been transposed to computer, and I can never find an LP in order to discover the personnel, I'm really lost; but that tenor sax belonged to Eddie "Lockjaw" Davis, so "Google" told me.

Enjoy the music.

Less McCann was a joy to behold; although I've had that album since about that time, this was the first time I saw a live performance, and I could feel the rapture he felt when he played.

Enjoy the music.

Acman3, she is without a doubt the most expressive artist I've ever seen. Hiromi puts body and soul, with the emphasis on "body" into her very artistic performance.

Enjoy the music.

Rok, the very first time I heard "Ode To Billy Joe", I was crossing a bridge going into Hattiesburg, MS, in my brand new "deuce and a quarter", and I wrongly assumed it was the "Talahatchie Bridge" in Chickasaw county. That song also spoke of towns I had just passed through coming from St. Louis, consequently, I identified with it immediately; it was an instant hit with me.

I never stopped liking the song, and I have the CD. Bobby Gentry is one of the most authentic singer songwriters to come along. Her songs brought Mississippi to life, although they left out the ugliest aspects of that culture, which was most certainly best.

After I entered the state, I had the feeling I was in "The Twilight Zone", and had gone back in time without knowing it. Everything looked the same as it had in some long ago past; filling stations, farm houses, country stores, you name it.

Enjoy the music.