Dibs Posted August 8, 2006 Posted August 8, 2006 Hiya, I just thought I'd chuck you my 2 cents worth.... I'm not a huge Jazz fan but am very partial to certain artists/styles. I'm also not hugely knowledgeable about it's history etc but maybe my layman talk will be of help. For me, Jazz is split into 2 forms. Weird & normal. The weird stuff is all instrumental with no immediate tune/melody involved with it. I'm not a big fan of this type. The normal Jazz has lovely melodies intrinsic to it's appeal. Billy Holliday(as mentioned above) is a great example. Others I particularly like are Bing Crosby...the soundtrack to 'High Society' with Bing, Frank, Louise Armstrong etc is another good example. It's a bit like the old 'Big Band' style with an injection of vocal cool....though a lot of the Big Band stuff is cool in it's own right. I hope my amateur ramblings are of help.
ajzepp Posted August 8, 2006 Author Posted August 8, 2006 Hiya, I just thought I'd chuck you my 2 cents worth....I'm not a huge Jazz fan but am very partial to certain artists/styles. I'm also not hugely knowledgeable about it's history etc but maybe my layman talk will be of help. For me, Jazz is split into 2 forms. Weird & normal. The weird stuff is all instrumental with no immediate tune/melody involved with it. I'm not a big fan of this type. The normal Jazz has lovely melodies intrinsic to it's appeal. Billy Holliday(as mentioned above) is a great example. Others I particularly like are Bing Crosby...the soundtrack to 'High Society' with Bing, Frank, Louise Armstrong etc is another good example. It's a bit like the old 'Big Band' style with an injection of vocal cool....though a lot of the Big Band stuff is cool in it's own right. I hope my amateur ramblings are of help. 737821[/snapback] thanks, dibs I'm thinking I probably feel the same as you do, I just need to look into it more to see what appeals to me
ExiledInIllinois Posted August 8, 2006 Posted August 8, 2006 I've had "The Nightfly" on my amazon list for a while now.....you know if it's any good? 737818[/snapback] Get errrr done man! If not just for I.G.Y and New Frontier... A must!
ExiledInIllinois Posted August 8, 2006 Posted August 8, 2006 I never knew this... Don't know how I could have missed it... The Nightfly is widely considered to be one of the best engineered albums ever made; it is an early full digital recording. Some audio engineers use it to evaluate the quality of playback equipment.
ajzepp Posted August 8, 2006 Author Posted August 8, 2006 Get errrr done man! If not just for I.G.Y and New Frontier... A must! 737824[/snapback] Okay, it's a done deal then I'm planning to place a pretty big amazon order in the next few weeks, so I'll definitely add him to the list. I want this order to be so ecclectic that it's NUTS.
The Dean Posted August 8, 2006 Posted August 8, 2006 Kind of Blue by Miles Davis is the album that got me into jazz. Simply phenomenal! Giant Steps by Coltrane and Time Out by Brubeck cemented my love for jazz. I love many styles of music but jazz is one of my faves. Nothing better for background music when romancing or entertaining or reading etc. Jazz is 100% American and one of our greatest contributions to the world. Its history is fascinating. Rent the Jazz series DVDs by Ken Burns- it should be required viewing in highschool. Give some of that stuff a listen- I can recommend lots more if you like 737787[/snapback] I agree 100% with the above post, with this caveat: Kind of Blue is a BOLD choice, IMO. A great choice, actually, as it may be like lightening striking (as it did for you). I also think it might be a little too out of reach for many to make sonic-sense of it. BUT, it's so damn good, that even if iit doesn't connect initially, it's not like it will drive you away. You'll respect it now, and really get it down-the-road as you become more accustumed to the genre. Early on in my appreciation of jazz, i was exposed to some John Coltrane...in the form of the album "Om". I really couldn't adjust to hear it properly for a LONG time. I still don't particularly like that album...but I eventually became a huge Train fan. I think, in the long-run, it actually worked to progress my love of this music. Sometimes it is lightening and sometimes it's a slow steady brook. They both cut through the earth, eventually. A-Zeppo, based on what you said, I have one edition to your Stadium Wall Jazz cart: Pick up some Chet Baker....just do it. My Funny Valentine would be a good choice, I thihk. Chet doesn't have the best voice and he's not a flashy trumpet player...but it works. It's claming and exciting at the same time. It's actually can be quite hypnotic, if you let it. You're a young dude in a female-laden industry...you NEED this music. Have a great dinner and some wine/drinks/doobage/whatever...slid this on. I'd say, "trust me on this"...but I'm really old, so who knows? There is more to discuss, but I've recently engaged in all of the above (for the 1st time in a long time...for me anyway) and I sense I'm rambling....but, I don't feel like checking. So, I'll just stop for now.
The Dean Posted August 8, 2006 Posted August 8, 2006 Never seen it but Charlie Parker was the Bird. Another very interesting character that is one of the most influential musicians ever. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Charlie_Parker 737812[/snapback] It's essential viewing, as is Round Midnight, IMO. The list so far is rich and good. It have never seen a Wall music thread with more good taste. (I've just doomed this thread.) Donald Fagen's, "Nightfly" was the firs/among the first all digitals. (It's funny, SD/DF went to analog recording for their most recent efforts.) It is oftern used as a reference, as you know. That AND it is flat-out outstanding...as is his most recent: Morph the Cat. Put "Nightfly" in the basket. Time to get a side-job.
ajzepp Posted August 8, 2006 Author Posted August 8, 2006 I agree 100% with the above post, with this caveat: Kind of Blue is a BOLD choice, IMO. A great choice, actually, as it may be like lightening striking (as it did for you). I also think it might be a little too out of reach for many to make sonic-sense of it. BUT, it's so damn good, that even if iit doesn't connect initially, it's not like it will drive you away. You'll respect it now, and really get it down-the-road as you become more accustumed to the genre. Early on in my appreciation of jazz, i was exposed to some John Coltrane...in the form of the album "Om". I really couldn't adjust to hear it properly for a LONG time. I still don't particularly like that album...but I eventually became a huge Train fan. I think, in the long-run, it actually worked to progress my love of this music. Sometimes it is lightening and sometimes it's a slow steady brook. They both cut through the earth, eventually. A-Zeppo, based on what you said, I have one edition to your Stadium Wall Jazz cart: Pick up some Chet Baker....just do it. My Funny Valentine would be a good choice, I thihk. Chet doesn't have the best voice and he's not a flashy trumpet player...but it works. It's claming and exciting at the same time. It's actually can be quite hypnotic, if you let it. You're a young dude in a female-laden industry...you NEED this music. Have a great dinner and some wine/drinks/doobage/whatever...slid this on. I'd say, "trust me on this"...but I'm really old, so who knows? There is more to discuss, but I've recently engaged in all of the above (for the 1st time in a long time...for me anyway) and I sense I'm rambling....but, I don't feel like checking. So, I'll just stop for now. 737833[/snapback] Thanks, Dean! I'm going to add Chet to my amazon list and include him with my next order. And believe me, when it comes to my music questions, you can never "ramble" as far as I'm concerned. I would guess that at least 25-30 people on here have influenced my music collection over the past couple of years....it really means a lot that you guys take the time to help me out when I request it. I love music, and I love expanding my horizons, so I'm always interested in anything and everything you guys have to say
Chef Jim Posted August 8, 2006 Posted August 8, 2006 The first step to enjoying jazz is to develop an incredible addiction to heroin........no wait that's blues.
The Dean Posted August 8, 2006 Posted August 8, 2006 Thanks, Dean! I'm going to add Chet to my amazon list and include him with my next order. And believe me, when it comes to my music questions, you can never "ramble" as far as I'm concerned. I would guess that at least 25-30 people on here have influenced my music collection over the past couple of years....it really means a lot that you guys take the time to help me out when I request it. I love music, and I love expanding my horizons, so I'm always interested in anything and everything you guys have to say 737837[/snapback] No problem. We learn the best things from others whom taste and intelligence we can assess in our own way...not from the media (and I work in the media). I learm stuff here all the time. That's why I keep returning. The woman who took your hand (or whatever ) and let you to great Classical music gave you a grea gift.
ExiledInIllinois Posted August 8, 2006 Posted August 8, 2006 The first step to enjoying jazz is to develop an incredible addiction to heroin........no wait that's blues. 737844[/snapback] No... It was Jazz too. But, first it was reefer.
The Dean Posted August 8, 2006 Posted August 8, 2006 Thanks, Dean! I'm going to add Chet to my amazon list and include him with my next order. And believe me, when it comes to my music questions, you can never "ramble" as far as I'm concerned. I would guess that at least 25-30 people on here have influenced my music collection over the past couple of years....it really means a lot that you guys take the time to help me out when I request it. I love music, and I love expanding my horizons, so I'm always interested in anything and everything you guys have to say 737837[/snapback] And, one more thing on my stoned-drunk mind. The first Jazz (with a capital "J") album I ever owned was Cannonball Adderley's "Country Preacher". I was a little kid and I heard it at my uncle's house...and had to have it. There are a couple of sermons by the Reverend Jesse Jackson (the "Country Precher") leading into songs, and that might be a little disconcerting to some. It was way before Jesse's national political career. For some reason, Jesse as a charismatic spirtual leader, invoking his flock to take responsibility, have dignity and work hard, is inspirational. A rhyming politician with an agenda, is not. Anyway, this is a joyus album I highly recommend. Certainly not an essential, or first purchase (what the fu#k did I spend on this crap I never listen to) item. But, an overlooked gem you should keep in mind for the future.
The Dean Posted August 8, 2006 Posted August 8, 2006 OK, last thing tonight...promise. I'd be remiss in not mentioning it's the 30th anniversery of one of the great albums of all time. It's not jazz, but it has led many to loving jazz. If it isn't in your collection, it should be...and I mean 1st order/essential to MUSIC: http://www.allaboutjazz.com/php/article.php?id=22665
JLO Posted August 8, 2006 Posted August 8, 2006 Get errrr done man! If not just for I.G.Y and New Frontier... A must! 737824[/snapback] The Nightfly is one of my top five desert island classics. One genre of jazz I like is jazz-funk, grab any of Herbie Hancocks' recordings from the 70's like Headhunters or Thrust, I promise you wont be disappointed. Here's a link to the New Fronteir video on YouTube. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hWd8xU2mFKk
The Poojer Posted August 8, 2006 Posted August 8, 2006 it can't be taught, it can only be felt. find a nice outdoor jazz fest in your area, get a blanket and some cocktails and make a day of it. hanging out, chatting, enjoying the day all the while some music fills the background and at some point envelops you and your foot or hand start tapping, then you may get jazz...then again you still may not I've been on a quest to expand my music collection over the past year, and as I've mentioned quite a few times in here, you guys have really been great in helping me do just that. You guys clearly have amazing taste in music, and I've been the beneficiary of that. That being said, the one genre of music that I just don't seem to be able to develop an appreciation for is Jazz. I do own a few Jazz albums, but honestly the main reason for that is because I use them as reference recordings for my audio system. But I know so many people who just LOVE this style of music, and I want to see if I can enhance my appreciation for it by furthering my understanding. Do any of you guys just love this genre? Can you tell me WHY you love it, in addition to maybe some examples of what you albums/artists you recommend for someone in my position? 737773[/snapback]
MattyT Posted August 8, 2006 Posted August 8, 2006 Take everyone else's advice and get back to me when you're ready to graduate to Ornette Coleman. Seriously, if you watch that Ken Burns piece and still can't muster enough interest, then it probably won't happen any time soon. Enjoy.
LongLiveRalph Posted August 8, 2006 Posted August 8, 2006 When I was in college, I was a finance major. I always kind of floated through, my prevalent attitude was "C's equal degrees." The first semester of my junior year, I decided to really apply myself and go for a 4.0 GPA, just to prove I could do it. (Important note: I didn't scale back my partying, I just actually went to class and followed the recommended reading schedule in the syllabus. Amazing concept!) Anyways, I was taking a bunch of School of Business classes, marketing, management, finance...So I made sure to schedule one dog class. That class was titled "Jazz: America's Music." I loved the class, it was VERY interesting and really got me into jazz. I did learn a lot, and have since taken up the saxophone. Anyways, I hammered through all my classes, did great on my finals, and got an A in all four of my hard classes.....and an A- in Jazz: America's Music. The 3.94 GPA was a crushing blow when I was shooting for the 4.0. But I decided that I had proven enough that I could really do well when I applied myself...so I went back to not applying myself and settled back into my 2.4 GPA. Thanks for crushing a semester's worth of hard work Jazz!!!!
R. Rich Posted August 8, 2006 Posted August 8, 2006 I agree 100% with the above post, with this caveat: Kind of Blue is a BOLD choice, IMO. A great choice, actually, as it may be like lightening striking (as it did for you). I also think it might be a little too out of reach for many to make sonic-sense of it. BUT, it's so damn good, that even if iit doesn't connect initially, it's not like it will drive you away. You'll respect it now, and really get it down-the-road as you become more accustumed to the genre. Early on in my appreciation of jazz, i was exposed to some John Coltrane...in the form of the album "Om". I really couldn't adjust to hear it properly for a LONG time. I still don't particularly like that album...but I eventually became a huge Train fan. I think, in the long-run, it actually worked to progress my love of this music. Sometimes it is lightening and sometimes it's a slow steady brook. They both cut through the earth, eventually. A-Zeppo, based on what you said, I have one edition to your Stadium Wall Jazz cart: Pick up some Chet Baker....just do it. My Funny Valentine would be a good choice, I thihk. Chet doesn't have the best voice and he's not a flashy trumpet player...but it works. It's claming and exciting at the same time. It's actually can be quite hypnotic, if you let it. You're a young dude in a female-laden industry...you NEED this music. Have a great dinner and some wine/drinks/doobage/whatever...slid this on. I'd say, "trust me on this"...but I'm really old, so who knows? There is more to discuss, but I've recently engaged in all of the above (for the 1st time in a long time...for me anyway) and I sense I'm rambling....but, I don't feel like checking. So, I'll just stop for now. 737833[/snapback] Nice post. Kind of Blue is a classic, to be sure. Coletrane and Bird also have many classics as well. Here's my addition to the list: anything by the guy who had a strong influence on Miles Davis and is considered one of the all time greats of jazz. A guy who I fully intend to see in concert the end of this year when he makes his way to DC. His name is Ahmad Jamal.
R. Rich Posted August 8, 2006 Posted August 8, 2006 It's essential viewing, as is Round Midnight, IMO. The list so far is rich and good. It have never seen a Wall music thread with more good taste. (I've just doomed this thread.) Donald Fagen's, "Nightfly" was the firs/among the first all digitals. (It's funny, SD/DF went to analog recording for their most recent efforts.) It is oftern used as a reference, as you know. That AND it is flat-out outstanding...as is his most recent: Morph the Cat. Put "Nightfly" in the basket. Time to get a side-job. 737836[/snapback] If you like both Bird and 'Round Midnight, you should check out the documentary Clint Eastwood (Bird's director) did on Thelonious Monk called "Straight, No Chaser" which is the title of one of Monk's most famous songs.
Pine Barrens Mafia Posted August 8, 2006 Posted August 8, 2006 Try Dave Brubek and Vince Guaraldi. Easily my two favorite jazz pianists. Brubeck especially.
Recommended Posts