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
pryso I think your correct about reed players. One of my favorites, James Carter, plays every reed instrument there is. What's amazing is that he plays them all at an elite level.
Just finished listening to the Milt Jackson Quintet Live at the Village Gate. recorded 9 December 1963. Awesome mastering on the CD. Label is Fantasy released in 1994. Not a bad song on the disc. 

I have been on a quest to acquire more jazz recordings with Jimmy Heath and I am glad I picked this up for a decent price. Albert "Tootie" Heath is the last of the Heath brothers alive and he is an underrated drummer who shines on this live date as well as his brother Jimmy. Milt Jackson's vibraphone playing is front and center in the mix. 




Asking a favor of you jazz gurus....

I have been enjoying Chick Corea’s Three Quartets since Frogman mentioned it some time ago. I’d appreciate recommendations of similar compositions/recordings. I’ve not found The All Music Guide’s suggestions of similar albums too helpful. It’s a challenge to convey what about Three Quartets is so appealing. The best I can do:
- It has a certain "gravitas" and despite lots of room for improvisation seems highly structured with a quasi-classical feel;
- The compositions are somewhat abstract (nothing you’ll be whistling in the shower) yet accessible;
- There is ample complexity that rewards repeated listening;
- Musicianship and sound quality are superb.
- Corea's Time Warp is enjoyable for what seem to be similar traits. 

Hoping these give some clue as to what I’d like to find.
(Listening right now to Thelonius Monk Quartet w/JohnColtrane at Carnegie Hall...it has moments that get close.)

Thanks in advance for any thought you put into this.