I'm glad you enjoyed them.
They are fun - and very human in their own way.
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I'm glad you enjoyed them.
They are fun - and very human in their own way.
Throughout this thread I have tried to provide examples of great music regardless of genre. Because jazz is a wonderful expression of human creativity, I have added many jazz artists that others may not know or know well. I hope that I am introducing some to music they may never have heard, from a musician they didn't know, and that they enjoy it.
Piano jazz is a personal favorite. Many superb pianists are showcased here but there is one that I have only touched on briefly; the remarkable Erroll Garner.
Many musicians who in their own right are renowned pick him as their favorite. His style, exuberance, and fantastic ability to imbue songs with his unique interpretation are legend. Some even call him the best jazz piano player of all time. Surprisingly, he couldn’t read music or explain well how he did what he did. On many recordings you could hear him humming the melody he followed, especially on “Teach Me Tonight”. He sat on phone books when he played. He was a prodigy in his youth and considered a genius as an adult.
His magnificent album from the sixties, Concert By The Sea, is still one of the best selling jazz albums of all time. He also recorded an album of beautiful, romantic music (Other Voices) that many purists criticized. Overall, he was a prodigious talent whose output of recorded and live performances was in the hundreds, if not more, and, he was probably the musician most interviewed on television during his time.
This is truly music to listen to in the foreground to really appreciate it and then background for doing anything. His sound is unique and immediately recognizable by those knowledgeable about jazz.
Casting around for other examples of his talent will not be wasted time.
He wrote the classic song, Misty. Here is a great rendition.
*Misty (1/15/20 link repaired)
https://youtu.be/P_tAU3GM9XI
Where Or When - and one more (2/11/16 link repaired)
https://youtu.be/zrMYEVnw6iA
*Long Ago And Far Away (2/11/16 link repaired)
https://youtu.be/5G0pvI1Pj4s
4/5/16
I try never to use words that are in excess of what is accurate. I can say with confidence that this is another example of his brilliance and will never be emulated at anywhere near his level.
Laura
https://youtu.be/sRA-WV01Ogk
1/24/17
This is just too pretty to ignore. So little time...
Fly Me To The Moon
https://youtu.be/KLjjQf-Kas0
Some gems from the iconic “Concert By The Sea” album.
I'll Remember April (6/5/16 like repaired)
https://youtu.be/I_aILGaLqyc
They Can't Take That Away From Me
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature...&v=GUVQaNTzNKU
Teach Me Tonight
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature...&v=6wtPHoibRBk
*Autumn Leaves - This is special (7/9/15 link repaired)
https://youtu.be/HY3bi64bJ9c
And, from the “Other Voices” album
*On The Street Where You Live (2/1/16 link repaired)
https://youtu.be/hqtOsj-zecY
*The Very Thought Of You (12/4/18 link repaired)
https://youtu.be/alB5O75gmDo
*Candles, wine and...would go nicely.
1/22/15
In post 225 (now located here), I introduced George Shearing, a jazz pianist popular around the time of Garner and beyond. His music deserves more exposure.
Shearing had a number of phases like most musicians; the one I like the most is his vibe player playing the same notes as he did on the piano. It is a great sound and was his “trademark” for years. Listen for it: September In The Rain and East Of The Sun are examples. There are others.
This is beautiful, elegant and exciting music.
Nothing But De Best
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature...&v=OUAT5rYh7Hk
Caravan
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature...&v=doNyj_iaNek
September In The Rain
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature...&v=9yjlILhTxXM
Now, some beautiful sounds for changing your mood.
Blue Malibu
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature...&v=WxbOkSNTTE0
East Of The Sun
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature...&v=zmm63Z_vUMM
The Folks Who Live On The Hill - especially beautiful (7/17/21 link repaired)
https://youtu.be/MDW6e_FHlOI
Early Autumn
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature...&v=v5_FQfdrStE
Roses Of Picardy
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature...&v=LBCE42_OaYY
And, the lovely...
How Beautiful Is Night
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature...&v=JLkXyJbBB4A
Previously, in post 225.
Heard there’s a great singer at the club. Think I’ll call that doll I met last week, the one whose father is some kind of politician.
“Hey, baby, it’s me, Tony. Whaddya say, we go to the club tonight. Dress up nice. I’ll get us a good table. I’m tight with the captain. That’s great. I’ll pick you up at eight”.
“Hey, is Andre there”?
“No, he’s not here yet. Wait, he just walked in”.
“This is Andre”.
“Andre, this is Tony. I’m comin’ by tonight. I’d sure appreciate that table up front. The one by the stage; table 2, I think it is”.
“I don’t know, Mister Tony. We got a great singer and it’ll be real busy again tonight. I guess Eisenhower’s been good for business. I’m not sure I can”…
“Look, Andre, I’ll make it worth your while, if you know what I mean. I’m bringin’ a gorgeous babe and I want to impress her”.
“Okay, Mister Tony, on that basis I’ll see what I can do”.
“Thanks, Andre. You’re the best. Set us up with Champagne when we get there. The best you got”.
That night after a $50 dollar tip…
Ladies and gentlemen… please welcome The George Shearing Quintet with Miss Dakota Staton.
The Late Late Show (7/16/15 link repaired)
https://youtu.be/am2oKRJdGwU
In The Night
https://youtu.be/BpY_d7_mUaQ
The Thrill Is Gone
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature...&v=c5ArOZoBcZg
The show was great...and so was the Cordon Rouge.
Ten or so years ago I discovered the group 'Indigenous'. I liked their great bluesy-rock sound, and especially their lead singer, Matos', voice. I bought their then current CD.
Researching them, I learned they were a family band composed of members of the Nakota nation in South Dakota, hence their name.
Recently, I uncovered the CD, Circle, and was again impressed.
Here is some information from Wikipedia.
“Indigenous” is an American blues-rock group that came to prominence in the late 1990s. The band originally consisted of two brothers, Mato Nanji (Maiari) ('mah-TOE non-GEE' vocals and guitar, born 1974), Pte ('peh-TAY' bass guitar), along with their sister, Wanbdi ('wan-ba-DEE' drums, vocals), and their cousin, Horse (percussion).
Their music is heavily influenced by guitarist Stevie Ray Vaughan, as well as Jimi Hendrix and Carlos Santana. Mato Nanji's style and skill has drawn comparisons to each of these guitarists. The band has also shared the stage with artists of varying musical genres such as B.B. King, Santana, Bonnie Raitt, Joan Baez, the Indigo Girls, Jackson Browne, Dave Matthews Band, and Los Lonely Boys. The band has headlined its own tours several times.
The Nakota Nation members grew up on South Dakota's Yankton Indian Reservation, where their father, Greg Zephier became a spokesperson for Native American rights. A musician in his own right during the 1960s and '70s, Zephier provided his children with records from blues musicians such as B.B. King, Buddy Guy, and Freddie King, and taught them to play their respective instruments. The family started touring together, and soon the children were performing on their own”.
Most of the tunes I am posting come from the CD mentioned above because they're great, but, there are others from different albums.
I have learned from comments on YouTube, (if accurate) that the family is no longer together, and that Mato has gone his own way without his former family band-mates; a chronic occurrence in the music biz.
Let's enjoy what we have here regardless of what the future holds. This band is ata cho.
Rest of My Days
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature...&v=LJSY4ey5I_0
Little Time
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature...&v=GXbeqZtvvQs
Remember
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature...&v=-K2d-A0yB60
Waiting For You
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature...&v=zlLsyLf_Vgs
Seven Steps Away
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature...&v=pd0tlATIhaM
Nothing I Can Do
https://youtu.be/v9WEpJuBbfw
Evolution Revolution
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature...&v=NXxNfh_3yOA
You Were The One
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature...&v=Oec7W8KJEi0
Runaway (9/2/15 link repaired)
https://youtu.be/5uX2zDTk7DE?list=PL...H1juczO831Tawc
Eagle Heart (7/17/21 link repaired)
https://youtu.be/ItHyD7Qi0do
And, live, Blues From The Sky
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature...&v=q2CPhYpqITk
Bring Back That Day
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature...&v=nGAmQhpU1vM
The Moon Is Shining
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature...&v=lapQ_uwC_Bg
Things We Do (9/2/15 link repaired)
https://youtu.be/D3wE7tn2ClU
We have recently lost another great, Horace Silver. He was a sax player, later a pianist and a stellar composer. Two of his most famous elegant and swinging compositions follow.
Song For My Father
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature...&v=CWeXOm49kE0
Senor Blues (also by Taj Mahal in this thread) 11/23/18 link repaired
https://youtu.be/83cIgVfItAM
7/16/14
Song For My Father is a beautiful melody. Kind of infectious. There are many artists who have done this tune. Maybe it deserves some more attention, especially to honor Horace Silver... and for our Fathers.
Leon Thomas is a great talent with a somewhat unusual “signature”. His treatment here is smooth and elegant. Wonderful sound.
Leon Thomas
Song For My Father (8/29/14 link repaired)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature...&v=hSYwGEiowHg
*And then, there is Dee Dee Bridgewater's version. She mines it for every emotion possible – smooth, hard-driving and danceable. Backed by a tight band she pulls everything from it, interprets it her way and returns it to us.
Dee Dee Bridgewater
Song For My Father (6/2/19 orig vid deleted - replaced w/another)
https://youtu.be/AapII8zmsdc
12/1/19
*The original Dee Dee Bridgewater post is again available. I will leave the earlier replacement.
https://youtu.be/uERd3svo6Mg
After an extended intro during which he plays two instruments at once (and continues), Stanley Jordan launches into another wonderful version of this song that respects the original.
Stanley Jordan Trio
Song For My Father
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature...&v=p9Ae3R6QP6c
One more that's different.
There is a kind of jazz where the notes are flying, dissonance is common and you can't make out any melody. Not interesting.
At the beginning this started to sound like that. But I listened. Carefully. Many times. There is a melody that recurs throughout. The musicians all use the same theme and riff on it but remain true to that melody. Everything fits together. Then there are the solos. These guys are great especially Horace Silver. Billy Cobham demonstrates why he is one of the all-time great drummers (he's elsewhere on this thread with McCoy Tyner). If you really listen it makes sense and doesn't sound disconnected. Though, if you don't pay attention it may run you over.
Try it.
(The title may refer to frantic behavior. If that guess is correct the music's up-tempo beat is a bit funny. Listen and think about it.)
Horace Silver
Nutville (8/10/23 repaired link)
https://youtu.be/yzxgC5cwhjA
7/23/14
Heard this today for the first time. Not sure...researched and yep!
Another gem from...
Horace Silver
Bonita ('pretty' in Spanish; and it is.) (6/2/19 link repaired)
https://youtu.be/_nLdw5HlkPw
2/21/16
How bout' a catchy jazz tune whose title is the name of a snake? Interested? So, listen - it won't bite.
Lee Morgan (12/5/18 link repaired)
The Sidewinder
https://youtu.be/qJi03NqXfk8
This thread, Reminiscences, focuses on those tunes that made an impression on us; the ones we remember like it was yesterday.
Peter Frampton is not an unknown artist – except to those very young or the indifferent. “Frampton Comes Alive,” once the best selling rock album of all time, is now allegedly fourth, and, still a marvel of melody, lyrics and hard-driving musical emotion.
If you haven't heard these in a while, or are unfamiliar, (re) try them for a clean rockin' sound; one that isn’t artificial like much of what passes for music now, but, instead, relies on instruments that actually sound like themselves. The music is a glorious and enduring celebration of rock, and therefore, appropriate for inclusion here.
The great, Peter Frampton.
Do You Feel Like We Do
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature...&v=V9Yq5m9eLIQ
Lines On My Face (A lovely melody, lyrics and emotional for those who can relate)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature...&v=6MGXNb27QeA
While My Guitar Gently Weeps
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature...&v=KasR2lVvr2M
Show Me The Way
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature...&v=gIRqMTg1GVc
Baby, I Love Your Way
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature...&v=0gjWcnJLIZ0
I'm In You
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature...&v=qmniaq6P7Os
Music from all over the world – what could be better?
Jamaica and Mali.
Good stuff.
Gregory Isaacs
Loving Pauper
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wM_m1EJRGjI
My Only Lover
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vs9wkNcdfoA
Number One
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yQlfJXhDPNQ
Cool Down The Pace
https://youtu.be/M_7MCRrYwxw
1/22/17
I have musical preferences, but, unlike many, they don't restrict my curiosity about other music that I don't know well or have never heard. This thread is evidence of that.
Gregory Isaacs is one of many popular reggae artists. Monty Alexander is also Jamaican, born in Kingston, but known more as a jazz musician. Here he plays his versions of great tunes known to all who are familiar with reggae.
Monty Alexander
No Woman No Cry
https://youtu.be/FaFdK_hXBnU
Monty Alexander w/Delfeayo Marsalis
No More Trouble
https://youtu.be/M94OJSf5Io8
7/26/17
Monty Alexander
Could You Be Loved
https://youtu.be/4NY10mTDee4
1/27/17
Monty Alexander
Running Away
https://youtu.be/By4TfZlpny0
9/16/17
Another version of the song above. It has some different instruments, musicians and the arrangement is a bit different. It's great.
Monty Alexander
Running Away
https://youtu.be/3C8wDpD0alw
9/16/17
The musicians in this selection are the same as in the appearance above. This very talented ensemble is something to see and hear. The drummer/percussionist Karl Wright (w/o a suit) is in some MA concert videos and his skill is remarkable.
This is from a Montreux, 2016 gig.
Monty Alexander
https://youtu.be/JHrQrWTticM
3/3/17
Monty Alexander
The Heathen
https://youtu.be/pGLMInpWVmY
Vieux Farka Touré
Ai du
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iqIP...230883D4644CC8
Slow Jam
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xTYdBgwlXTQ
Ay Bakoy
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tUUOaEfTGLo
Fafa
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IgIZElJdNiI
This song appears a few times in this thread, because, well, the melody and lyrics are irresistible. Now, there is a melancholy reason for posting a different and unique version of it again.
None of the usual, trite platitudes now; just an expression of appreciation for a musician who provided, for a long time, some enjoyable sounds.
Thanks, Mr. King.
The Thrill Is (sadly) Gone (1/19/20 link repaired)
https://youtu.be/SgXSomPE_FY
Some information about his background.
http://www.msn.com/en-us/music/news/...-89/ar-BBjOalF
5/25/15
Seems like there should be additional homages to BB King here - and tributes to other passed blues performers, too. Try this.
Luther Allison (this version is GREAT)
The Thrill Is Gone
https://youtu.be/U5f5khSrefQ
3/28/15 (Moved from post 225).
This is a great song from a blues singer as good as the best of any of them, and appears in the concert below.
Luther Allison
She Was Born That Way (the concert version of this song appears at 37:46 below. The lyrics celebrate what an unselfish women can contribute to a man whether he appreciates it or not. The concert version is sung with the emotion the lyrics demand.)
https://youtu.be/WXof3HNVLLE
5/25/15
Allison did a concert some years ago in Europe (one of many because he lived there for a time) that is one of the best blues appearances I have ever heard (and seen.) Usually, there are songs you like and some you like less in any concert or CD. For me, this is one of the most perfect blues appearances ever and the first complete concert performance I have posted here. The drummer, Yvette Preyer, is fantastic.
Luther Allison - Festival de Jazz de San Sebastian July 1994
https://youtu.be/M3Qhg4PU8BQ
3/11/17
I once read a comment by a sound guy who Allison wanted to take with him to Europe for an extended gig. The guy didn't go but said Allison was his favorite of all the blues musicians he knew. Others who saw him live in the early years, frequently in front of small crowds, said he always played and sang full out. From all I've read he was not only one of the best but a gentleman, too.
I had chances to see Luther Allison live and never did. I didn't know enough about him then to know he was a GIANT in the blues world. I now consider him one of the top five male blues artists ever. I will always regret my mistake. These posts show what we've all lost.
Luther Allison (7/3/17 link repaired)
Living In The House Of The Blues
https://youtu.be/GjMQvQhmthY
3/11/17
If you are in the right mood and like the blues this will tear you up!
Luther Allison
Cherry Red Wine (7/3/17 corrected title)
https://youtu.be/2vFqHF8dAWE
3/11/17
Luther Allison
Let's Try Again (this is an incredible arrangement and performance by Allison)
https://youtu.be/UzbMeuHVN_w
For anything that benefits from beautiful sounds, here is the superb...
Patricia Barber
Winter
https://youtu.be/LRnNOKDnCH0
Easy To Love (8/10/23 link repaired)
https://youtu.be/-qMnN9oNbOE
Invitation
https://youtu.be/f1yabvbJaog
You Don't Know Me
https://youtu.be/95E3tKTnfQI
Nardis
https://youtu.be/Zi3i-HqDNFI
The Thrill Is Gone (also see a version of this song here by Dakota Staton)
https://youtu.be/018lzEWLSVU
The arrangement and the band's talent provide a unique sound.
Don't miss this.
Use Me
https://youtu.be/ci27xPmQ4-w
3/10/17
My endless search for great music of all kinds unearthed this...another great singer in the style of Ms. Barber. Nice... and so smooth.
Oh, and New York scenes, too...yeaah!
Rene Marie
Sound Of Red
https://youtu.be/oJ64fMe0Xh4
3/10/17
Lisa Ferraro with (the very great) Houston Person and echoes of Nancy Wilson.
Teach Me Tonight
https://youtu.be/A_TWKeMmApw
3/10/17
You don't have to understand Spanish to feel beautiful music.
Luz Casal and Concha Buika
Sombras (shades or shadow)
https://youtu.be/li7GSExto0A
7/30/17
Some of this singer's musical choices are beautiful, mostly Spanish songs: her voice has a timbre, style and power that can elicit deep emotions in those who listen attentively to her music as shown in the preceding post. This selection is a bit different from most others but has the same intensity she brings to everything she does. The arrangement is stunning. The title provides some background.
Concha Buika
Y Quien Soy Yo + Nostalgias (and who am I, + nostalgia)
https://youtu.be/ESiFCsBMoho
7/30/17
Here is a simple arrangement of a beautiful song, intense and moving. She is a treasure in any language.
Concha Buika Y Javier Limon
Oro Santo
https://youtu.be/icd1c3FpnC4
Incidentally, she also has a playful, funny, and non-serious side and performs at jazz festivals, too. If you're interested, she did a show in Denmark that displayed her loose, humorous side. It's on YT. She's special no matter the event.
3/23/17
The wonderful Luz Casal singing "A Love Story" with a love story running alongside.
Historia de un Amor
https://youtu.be/P6ZKW3xzK7I
3/23/17
This song is, once again, another example of beautiful, romantic latin music. It deserves more exposure, so here is an interesting group (for more than one reason) that, as their name implies, sings in French and Spanish - sometimes in the same song as here.
French Latino
Historia de un Amor
https://youtu.be/s9PcpkMqtp8
Josef Erich "Joe" Zawinul was an Austrian jazz keyboardist and composer. He played with the Cannonball Adderley Quintet and wrote Mercy, Mercy, Mercy, which appears in post 225.
A prominent musician he later co-founded “Weather Report” and the Zawinul Syndicate. Here are some examples of his unique, provocative and exciting music.
Joe Zawinul
Zansa
https://youtu.be/QKZcGAq5kKs
Erdapfee Blues (read the comments to learn the meaning of the lyrics)
https://youtu.be/W-C2KE03ksM
And, with John McLaughlin
In A Silent Way (an intriguing and lovely tune)
https://youtu.be/UhHhLCl2_mI
Indiscretions
https://youtu.be/OIkhJmsZZ68
1/25/17
I like watching Paco Sery and Manolo Badrena. This selection is essentially Zanza above but is different enough to enjoy on its own. It's great music and great fun.
Zawinul Syndicate
https://youtu.be/pfyZJ42Htv0
2/29/16
Paco Sery, the drummer for the Zawinul Syndicate, is a fantastic talent. His post-Syndicate work is interesting.
Paco Sery Group
I Say Monkey (dedicated to the moderator)
https://youtu.be/092ng6iR1RA
I Say Monkey (the live version is a bit different than the studio)
https://youtu.be/Kaycblv1xVw
Nasty Girl
https://youtu.be/Y7AZ_bMarIQ
Raga
https://youtu.be/PtNuD6oppAM
Many years ago there was a program on local television in a major market that focussed on many types of emerging musical performers. On one special night the host, Rudy Oricek, had a new performer of “soul/rhythm and blues music.”
Al Green was asked a few questions before performing. He happened to say he had a cold and was not feeling well.
When he started singing I paid close attention because it was clear he had developed a style that contained everything that made his music a deeply emotional experience. During his performance his shirt became drenched with perspiration, probably more so because he was ill. At one point he dropped to his knees and that image increased the power of his dramatic performance.
Green went on to use his instantly identifiable style successfully. It was copied by many others including some who also used his backup band; it became known as the Memphis Sound and is represented by a few others in this thread.
As an example of soft soul, with poignant melodies and arrangements, sensitive lyrics of love and love lost, driving rhythm and pleading emotion you can't get any better than...
The great...
Al Green
7/17/21
Al Green's Greatest Hits
https://youtu.be/csZV3w_nscg
For The Good Times
https://youtu.be/Y2IpoTKnDPw