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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
orpheus10 OP
8,668 posts
 

"Eumir Deodato" is an interesting musician (I don't know why I think of some kind of big bird everytime I hear first name). While not an icon of jazz, he made some interesting music in the 70's I was listening to and still like.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n5dLWFb50To

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

Those are my two favorite albums by Dodato, they bring back memories and make for good listening, also when I checked his "bio" it seems he's quite a musician whose been involved with quite a few artists in my collection, and he's still active.

Enjoy the music.
orpheus10 OP
8,668 posts
 

Alex, "Ike Quebec" is the only artist I have everything that is and is not available by. When you listen to Ike, I might be listening to the same thing no matter what you're listening to, and I listen to the one's you submitted a lot.

Correction Alex, I know I have the LP, "Congo Lament"; yes, that same "Easy Living" is on "Congo Lament", and as far as I'm concerned it's one of the best if not "the best".

Enjoy the music.
frogman
7,358 posts
 
## *****What is it about the blues that says it's the blues (American)?*****

My question exactly. ##

Well, for the answer, and one which is applicable to the music of any country, a good place to start is the spoken language of that country. The relationship between the language and the music of any culture is well researched and documented. The music of many cultures closely follows the rhythm, patterns and both rhythmic and melodic contours of the language. In the case of the blues, not only are things like the harmony and form the direct descendants of European musical tradition, but the use of what defines the Blues melodically, the minor third and minor seventh, are found in the speech of most African countries. Coincidence? I doubt it.
rok2id's avatar
rok2id
7,817 posts
 
This might be a better example of what I am talking about. This piece was composed by a Russian, with a Spanish Theme, and it does sound Spanish to my ear.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lh6mDL-VwYw

Is this because of just me associating sounds with visual images, i.e. the movies, I hear the music when looking at Carmen or El Cid, or, did the composer 'know' how to make it sound 'Spanish' to listeners around the world

Derived from Spanish Folk Music?

I think the answer has a lot to do with indigenous folk music. Being the source, it can never be changed, and is identified with a people or culture forever.

Cheers
rok2id's avatar
rok2id
7,817 posts
 
Louis Armstrong -- AND THE GOOD BOOK

This is actually two albums on one CD. "Louis and the Good Book" and "Louis and the Angels". Tracks 1 thru 12 are from 'The Good Book', and they are great. Spirituals being sung with humor, and NOT like it's European Opera. Great backup singers. You can imagine Louis doing 'Ezekiel Saw The Wheel'.

Of course no one can do a song like Pops. The second LP, 'Louis and the Angels' must have taxed Pop's spirit. But he was the consummate pro. Sy Oliver and his orchestra with some background singers that sounded like they came from 'sing along with mitch'. Complete with the obligatory violins. What a bunch of crap. I guess they wanted 'improve' Pops!! Sy Oliver should be ashamed.

But, Louis struggles to, and manages to stay above the travesty. This is what I call disrespect. As bad as 'Bird with strings'. I guess some people with the power just didn't get it.

Recommended for the first 12 tracks only. At least they didn't mix the tunes, it's easy to hit the eject key after #12.

Allen Toussaint died yesterday while in Spain. He was right up there with Louis when it came to capturing the soul and essence of New Orleans. I will have to play "The Bright Mississippi" today. Great CD.

Cheers
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