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

@frogman 

You're three for three.  I enjoyed all three video's and I learned a new name. I never heard of Chris Byars.

Thanks.

 

Glad you enjoyed those, @curiousjim.  Byars is a terrific player and composer.  As much as I love Coltrane and some of his many disciples, I always find it refreshing when a “younger” tenor player doesn’t have a blatant post-Coltrane approach as do the vast majority of current tenor players.

Speaking of Coltrane, I think it’s safe to say that when the topic of McCoy Tyner comes up, most Jazz lovers think of Coltrane and their years long association.  Was listening to this recently.  This record shows a different side of McCoy.  Not the powerfully rhythmic and pentatonic based harmonic language that he developed later in his career and during his tenure with Coltrane, but a much more traditional, lighter and swinging touch.  The first tune is my favorite recorded version of this, arguably overdone Ellington classic:

https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLH08Ng-0AYiQAikyoiwL2GHJf7QZlh8oz&si=vRd6sXkLZ3MayDcV

 

@curiousjim I'm picking up my DAC between Friday and Saturday.  It's a 6 hour drive from my home so I won't have a chance for any real critical listening until Sunday. I'm spending the night in Montreal and the dealer is top notch so it'll be a great experience no doubt. I have a few of my ECM Jazz and Windham Hill favorites lined up so I can't wait to see what this Accuphase delivers!