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

I saw J. Heath just once, playing in The Heath Brothers, with Percy. Don’t recall if Albert was on drums but they had Stanley Cowell on piano.

@acman3 

 

Absolutely! I think it’s great that we have a differences of opinions on these great players.  I was thinking, probably what made Alex and Stuartk not love Sonnys playing is exactly what I enjoy. 

I would never have anything negative to say about Getz, Hawk, Sims or Webster. Love them all! That’s why Jimmy Heath said "In a garden there are many beautiful flowers".

 

Neither would I. Hawk and Webster sounded a little "gruff" as well. Did not sound like Sonny but had that gruff tone as well. I think a players tone is a result of their embouchure.

A proper saxophone embouchure is the foundation of a great tone and intonation. It directs your air and controls the reeds vibration.

A couple other greats not mentioned were Dexter Gordon, Wardell Gray and Illinois Jacquet. Jacquet preforming his popular tune "Flying Home" on the Ed Sullivan Show:

https://youtu.be/3yxWONmkc14?si=jFawI8J7heiFqIFB

Dexter and Wardell Gray - "The Hunt"

https://youtu.be/XwyiwgQhBV0?si=EdgvgtPRU2vIJWXg