Bossa Nova

I love the Bossa Nova. Had it on all afternoon. Stan Getz' saxophone reminds me of the smoke lazily rising from a cigar, wafting through the warm and dimmly lit room.

Corcovado, Menina Flor, Girl from Ipanema, One Note Samba.

Lately my favorite is Samba Triste. The combination of rhythm, melody, and mood here is absolutely brilliant. Incredibly romantic.

I'm Comin' Virginia

I had this song on my mind for four days straight! It's a great song, and I'm blessed to have four versions of it-

Bix Beiderbecke,

This version was recorded in 1927. Bix played along with Frank Trumbauer on C-melody saxophone. This is the most syncopated arrangement, the rhythm is not supported by piano, bass, or drums, just a guitar. Frank Trumbauer stretches his notes and gets your emotions in blue mode. Bix solos over the chorus with a mournful, lonely sound.

Sydney Bechet,

In this version, recorded in 1941, Bechet plays at a medium tempo in a quintet that included Charlie Shavers on trumpet and Willie "the Lion" Smith on piano. This has a nice swing to it, and Sydney plays in his typically strong, high vibrato style.

Ethel Waters,

In this version, recorded in 1926, Ethel sings a fairly straight version backed by Will Marion Cook's Singing Orchestra. You get to hear the lyrics of the song, Ethel sings slow and soulful.

and the Artie Shaw Orchestra.

This was recorded in 1938, live from the Hotel Lincoln in New York City. You can hear the din of the patrons over the music. The Artie Shaw version is upbeat and very uplifting, the syncopation is just amazing. Artie's clairnet solo is exuberant, and Buddy Rich gives a strong and solid beat on the drums. The band is so tight, swinging like mad. This one makes you snap your fingers.

Bebop Afternoon

Today I enjoyed listening to a compilation CD of Charlie Parker. This one included the songs he recorded in 1947, most were accompanied by his band that played together at the Royal Roost: Miles Davis on trumpet, Duke Jordan on piano, Tommy Potter on bass, and Max Roach on drums. Bud Powell played piano on the first recording date, and the sound was amazing, but I guess the two of them couldn't get along.

Parker plays with consistent virtuosity and endless creativity, Davis provides a pleasing foil in his trumpet solos.

The last part of the CD contains a six-song recording session that included the quintet plus J.J Johnson on trombone. The combination of the three hornmen is just outstanding. My favorite song is called "Quasimodo", a medium-tempo song with a great swing, and an unusually long chorus.

The CD finishes with "Bird Catches the Worm". I don't know if it's true, but I read somewhere that it holds the record for the fastest tempo. It moves at a blistering pace, Max Roach holds the time heroically, and deals up a nice solo as well.

This morning I'm listening to a Bix Beiderbecke collection.

It includes his tenure with the Paul Whiteman Orchestra

and with the Jean Goldkette Orchestra.

My favorite song among these is Slow River. I really enjoy the lush arrangements with such balanced sound, and Bix soars over the ensemble when he solos. The vocals and lyrics are generally sappy, and must be endured. But there are a few songs with a very young Bing Crosby singing.

First Post

I thought I would start a blog to share something I enjoy listening to, jazz music. I would like to share my interests in the music and hear what you're interested in, too.

I don't know about you, but I seem to have an ear for the older stuff; older meaning mid-50s and back. I love listening to Dixieland, Swing, Bebop, Hard Bop, Cool, and Latin (well, the latin is a bit younger). I tend to get off the bus when it comes to the Avant-Garde, and certainly Fusion.

What are your favorites?