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
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Catching up on some great piano clips. Thanks all.

nsp (and acman3) loved the Stefano Bollani clips! Fantastic. What a great player and what a great attitude in his playing! Incredible left hand!!! I was not familiar with him at all and that needs to change. It’s interesting to me how ethnicity often creeps into a non-American jazz player’s approach and attitude in jazz. I hear similarities in both Bollani’s and Enrico Pieranunzi’s playing that I attribute to their ethnicity. Of course, it is a generalization, but there is a quality that, for instance, Latin players bring to jazz just as there is with any nationality. Jazz is, fundamentally, an American art form and just as a non-American’s spoken English will have an accent that “accent” can be heard in their approach and attitude when playing jazz. Some jazz purists consider this a “disqualifier”. I totally disagree; it can make for very interesting jazz.  Loved Bollani.  Liked Pieranunzi as well, if not as much.  Good fit for Chet Baker with a gentle touch.  

Acman3, its interesting, when you wrote “Most European players have that crossover between Jazz and Classical.” I thought I understood exactly what you meant; correct me if I’m wrong. To my ears there is a GENERAL quality to many European jazz players in their sense of swing and harmony that very much evokes Classical music. Not surprising given the centuries old Classical music tradition in Europe. It’s a subtle thing but it’s there.
mary_jo, I have posted this around Thanksgiving time. My favorite “thank you” jazz tune.  Jerry Dodgion’s best known tune.  Sounds like something Billy Strayhorn might have written:

https://youtu.be/iIjKV1M8kqM
That is wonderful "Thank you" song fro and yes sounds like Billy made it. Remarkable "twist" at 3:56. 
Beautiful Oscar Peterson, pryso. “Night Train” is a classic; great feel on that record.

One of my favorite current piano players. A little brainy at times, especially on up tunes, but very interesting player.

https://youtu.be/Hw58HK3GYAg

https://youtu.be/khzESmMJAcw