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September 9, 2006 - 2:35pm
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Jazzfan's Jazz Caps
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Thanks Jazzfan - looking forward to checking these out!
Jazzfan: Great list but where's Ornette?
I missed you, Jazzfan. Glad to see you back, and thanks for the reviews. Good luck with the tuition thing - it's a fine investment, and after a few years you can return to your old habits with some pride in the achievement of the young ones.
That jazzfan post is from September... he hasn't been around here much. I see him over at Head-Fi a bit.
Hi Guys,
Well it only took a little over two months for someone to respond to my "Jazz Caps" post. I guess good things do come to those who wait. That lack of responsiveness is part of the reason that I've had somewhat of a lower profile these past few months, that plus I've been quite a bit busier at work and have had to cut back my internet time to a bare minimum. I know, work sucks but what other choice do I have.
A third reason is that I'd rather discuss music than equipment (for the most part) and that seems to put me in the minority around here. Please prove me wrong.
One thing I have noticed is that Stereophile's music coverage has gone to the dogs of late. All the more reason to pick things up here on the forum.
Hey Jazzfan,
Just wanted you to know I sampled each and every one of your "Jazz Caps" and purchased a few because of your post. Although most of your taste seems to lean toward selections that are a bit "too free" for me, I repeatedly enjoy the Tomaz Stanko recommendation.
I hope you can find some time to post your "Best Jazz of 2006" as I always look forward to your input.
RG
As you know, RGBRAN's "too free for me" applies to me as well. I did go for the Stanko, however and when I've heard it, I'll get back to you. Music is more fun to discuss than gear.
I gave a thought to the Kenny Garrett as well, but after reading the Amazon reviews, which didn't all agree with yours, I was scared off.
Thanks again Clay and RG,
I just want to stress once again just how good the Randy Sandke "Subway Ballet" disc is. The music is completely accessible, I fully guarantee it and you will have a blast with the CD.
As for the Kenny Garrett, it's not as wild as all that but it does get a bit hairy at times but nothing too bad. And as I've said Mulgrew Miller is just phenomenal, his piano playing is worth the price of admission.
And if you remember my last highlighted pick of the 12 caps, it was the Alexander Von Schlippenbach Quintet - Monk's Casino set. Now this one goes from straight ahead to pretty wild but throughout the three discs it manages to stay fresh, exciting and highly entertaining and that's really what's important.
Finally I'll get a "Best Jazz of 2006" thread going sometime in the next couple of weeks.
Ralph
So I put out a hint that the Casino Set might be a nice Christmas gift. We'll see if Santa understood. Incidentally, Jazzfan, do you have the 45rpm Analog Productions/Riverside reissue of "Monks Music" ? Absolutely great! Five of Monk's best tunes plus "Abide with Me" (by another guy named Monk) featuring Monk's piano supported byColeman Hawkins, Coltrane, Gigi Gryce, Ray Copeland, Art Blakey, and Wilber Ware. Even if you favor the free stuff, you've got to admit that 1957 was a great year for making music in the straight ahead style.
Clay,
I don't have that version of "Monk's Music" but I most certainly have a copy of that rather essential recording. One should own the record just for the cover alone. I'm sure Jeff has a copy where one of the tires is flat!
Besides Monk's music was the perfect combination of outside and inside jazz all rolled into one glorious and often quite nutty self contained little universe. Everybody digs Monk!!
So, Jazzfan, my copy of Lontano arrived today and I'm listening to it as I type. As with much of what you recommend, it is a keeper and one that will get a fair amount of play here - particularly when the prevailing mood is introspective. A bit hard to put together coherent sentences - the music draws one in pretty solidly.
I'll admit to some initial skepticism, as I've been suspicious of guys who hang mics in the bell of their horns ever since Don Ellis started doing that back in the dark ages. In this case, I think it's forgiveable.
Regards your comment on the bass being underrecorded, I don't hear it that way either on solo or ensemble sections. The piano, I think, is particularly well recorded and Wasilewski's technique - particularly his handling of the dynamics - is compelling. It would be interesting to hear from some of the pianists in the group like Jim Tavegia as to their impressions.
Thanks for tipping me to a solid quartet and some good music that I hadn't heard. That was a nice little gift at Christmas.
Now you've done it. I have to go buy myself a Christmas present as I must fully support the "scientific" part of our hobby. Ya, right! Sound like a sorry excuse to go buy myself some more music. Just like the DR. said, "take two of these and call me in the morning"! Very good advice.
Maybe the new Diana Krall would make a good second selection.
Merry Christmas. Something is coming in the mail...have you been good? Another free drink coaster?