What are you listening to? June 2019

Status
Not open for further replies.
Johnny Mathis - Open Fire, Two Guitars (1959)

0001249802.jpg


Just what it says, this remarkable record showcases Mathis accompanied only by Tony Mottola and Al Caiola. Not many singers could pull this off, but Mathis takes a dozen classic songs and makes them his own.

Released in the Soviet Union under the same title with this alternative cover art:

2723
 

Attachments

  • rdza6nvyn6e21.jpg
    rdza6nvyn6e21.jpg
    118.5 KB · Views: 0
John Coltrane - Transition (recorded 1965, released 1970)

When I first encountered post-ALS Coltrane, I wasn't ready for it. I had a hard time finding much to like about it. It sounded like a musician playing in the Free Jazz playground, running around crashing into trees and other children. It sounded senseless. I didn't like it.

Now I listen to it and it may not be the best Jazz music out there, but I'll be damned if it doesn't make sense to me. The long seemingly rambling songs full of squonks and runs and runs and runs seem perfectly logical within the structure of the other instruments. This is not Free Jazz. I don't know what it is. Maybe it's that Spiritual Jazz I haven't quite been able to classify as such. Maybe it's simply mid-60s Coltrane transition-ing (swidt?) from ALS to his next step.

Maybe it's simply good music. I like it. It's not my favorite Coltrane, but it's good Coltrane. Most people probably won't agree, and I perfectly get why.
 
Last edited:
Matthew Stevens / Walter Smith III Quintet - In Common (2018)

The Jazzmann said:
The part composed, part improvised statements of “In Common” speak succinctly and elegantly. The music is full of excellent ideas and some frequently wonderful playing.
...
Stevens has also played a crucial role in groups led by trumpeter Christian Scott and by bassist/vocalist Esperanza Spalding, at various times acting as something of a ‘musical right hand man’ for both these artists. Others with whom he has been associated include pianist Jacky Terrasson, bassist Linda Oh, and drummers Terri Lyne Carrington and Harvey Mason.

A day or two ago, I was in the mood for vibes. But not just any vibes. I wanted the vibes to be a part of a specific type of music that I couldn't really specify. As I browsed my shelves and spotted albums with vibes, I kept shaking my head, "no, that won't scratch the ear-itch I have." Throughout the day, the vibe-urge returned, but I couldn't settle on what I wanted to hear.

Listening to this, I realize this would have scratched my itch. Now I want to hear another vibes album that will scratch that itch. Joel Ross, the vibe player here, recently released his first album as a leader ... but I don't have it. :(

The hunt continues! The itch must be slayed!
 
Last edited:
Stefon Harris - Sonic Creed (2018)

:4.5: on AllAboutJazz.com.

I really like this and it is very good, but only a few of the songs scratch the aural itch of the moment. Although, I have to admit, hearing clarinet and bass clarinet alongside the vibes fills my ears nicely.

I think I'm looking for the sound created with vibes meets guitar. And if a little bass clarinet were added, who could complain?
 
oooh. Been a while since I spun that one. Tomorrow morning!
I like it a lot. :thumbsup:

My theory is, people listened to this bitd after hearing Imogen Heap's Speak for Yourself (2005), and drew comparisons that did not continue to hold true for them with the passage of time. SFY is quite good, and this one is, also.
 
Status
Not open for further replies.
Back
Top