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Jazz Review

You may have seen the thread regarding a review section. This is a trial as suggested by member Elgordo to see how it might work in our current forums, since there currently is not a review section. If this works, perhaps Audiogon will add a dedicated review section.

Please review on album or CD per reply. Change the sub title to read: {the artist}, {album title}, {performance rating}, {sonic rating}.

Performance and sonic ratings on a 1 - 10 scale. In the body write a short review and at the end put in all album information (catalog number, label, etc.) so that other A-goners can easily find it for purchase.

I realize "Jazz review" is kind of crazy because it encompasses so much, but we have to start somewhere and hopefully this will get A-gon's attention to add a section with more refined categories, a rating system by which all can add their ratings for an individual album.
abstract7

Showing 2 responses by gregm

gregm
3,395 posts
 
This album exemplifies Miles' incredible ability to "create the musical future" and to lead/conduct a veritable powerhouse of jazz soloists. The music is, IMO, a musical landmark. The compositions (esp. Sanctuary, B Brew, Pharaoh's Dance) link traditional jazz with classical composition and more, creating an "open window" to the future of instrumental jazz. Released in 1970, recorded '68-'69 (I beleive), the music staggered me when I first listened to the album; there had been ideas before (from Zawinul to, say, Cukay) but never before had this music been so confidently presented in a final and definitive form.
The musicians are suberb, as expected. Coherence is also exemplary, and the music flows not as a statement of the musicians' prowess but, rather, as an expression of collective emotion.

The recording is good (some harshness/denaturation on the brass).
(CBS 451126 1// 2 LP)
gregm
3,395 posts
 
This double LP takes us through a jam meeting recording session featuring, other than the title song, Straight, No Chaser (2 takes), I Mean You (3 takes), and other musical games.
The simplicity of the music coincides with its greatness. At times, we are confronted with the feeling of listening in unobserved, so taken away are the players... I am taking this partly from S. Wilson's presence in the drums section (I am more used to A. Blakey) -- who, virtually rocks with the lead players.

More than a encyclopaedic reference, this is a musical album. The recording quality is rewarding in a revealing TT.

Milestone records, LP M-47067. Probably available on CD.
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