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

@acman3 

Thanks for the M. Melford recommendation. Fresh and invigorating. I’ve always loved the combination of piano and vibes and the pairing, combined here with the varying textures provided by the bass, creates a very rich listening experience. 

Monk in Sendesaal Bremen 1965

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=usfRuyJUWs8

Monk in Poland 1966

https://youtu.be/CxmOzYnXeBY?si=GkkGXLmbqxLVXl8W

Same personnel both dates

Charles Rouse - tenor Lawrence Gales - bass Benjamin Riley - drums

Listening to Andrew Gould, Sam Dillon - Trade Off. (2025)

This just released (December 11,2025) album seems well recorded and an easy listen.