"I pay more to hear my band than anybody."
Bill Evans next, with huge props to Williams Hughes for the transcription.
Booker T & the MGs lay down the Christmas groove.
A little different take from Mandy Patinkin. I didn't "get" him years ago, but I've really come to appreciate his voice over the years.
How about some Aaron Neville?
The Kinks were a bunch of smartass punks long before anyone had heard of the Beasties or Green Day.
When I was 16 I was obsessed with Keith Emerson.
Then I found out who he listened to. There's an incredible/horrible story about Emerson and Smith meeting I can't find on line; I'll keep looking.
Ah, the '80's.
Some Handel, of course. Bo-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o...
It's the 50th anniversary of A Charlie Brown Christmas, which would never have been as great as it is without the music of Vince Guaraldi.
Have an un-reformy Christmas, everyone. Back soon with more scatterplots...
Lovely, Duke, thank you!,
ReplyDeleteJersey,
ReplyDeleteFirst, thank you for a wonderful selection of artists.
I'm old enough to have seen the Duke live (in Cincinnati at the Taft Auditorium). I was dragged there by a good friend, excellent trombone player and member of our little 'jazz combo', probably much more than a member. He (and Duke) taught me that music transcended race. I once owned the Duke's 'Nutcracker' album (on vinyl). It, or course, wore out, but Ellington is an American Music great.
And, of course, Evans was such a genius. Nothing he recorded was less than awesome. How sad that he died so young. But, it was, of course, his choice and, no doubt, he had his reasons. It is selfish of me to wish that he had lived in pain simply for my benefit.
Booker T,Jimmy Smith and, particularly, Neville remind me (white kid) of my sudden introduction to R&B in Cleveland when I went to college. The little blues bar down the street, with it's wonderful local Hammond B-3 artist (several times a week, cutting into my activity as an astronomy major). Wow! That guy was GOOD. And, seeing Dizzy, live, in a sparsely populated club near E. 55th St. with a small group.... What a master He was. I'm sorry to hear that the meeting between Jimmy and Booker didn't go well. Musicians need to listen and learn (and respect talent, even if it plays in a different style, or from a different culture) Most do.
I loved your 'Kinks' selection! (probably more because of the message you and I both admire rather than the music, although no one could doubt the musical competency of the performers). Emerson, etc. were not on my radar (being older than you), but there is no doubt about either the keyboard virtuosity on display or the homage to the path set by the Duke.
I see what you mean about Patinkin. A vocalist, for sure, as he clearly studies how to use his voice as an instrument. And, a bit on invention, for sure.
Handel.. I was raised on it. But thanks for reminding us about the great 'Charlie Brown' soundtrack. If only most of us remembered the message.
When you want good Christmas jazz, turn to the Jersey Jazzman http://thewei.com/kimi/when-you-want-good-christmas-jazz-turn-to-the-jersey-jazzman/
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