Jazz

[Gaelbert]

Recently I've decided to listen to more jazz, because I keep hearing that jazz guitarists are the most skilled. However, my interest in jazz has traveled beyond just guitar, and into the genre as a whole. Therefore, I'm hoping some playgrounders could recommend some good jazz artists to me. The specific sub category doesn't really matter, but recently I've been listening to a lot of Stardust by John Coltrane.

[Moff Chumley]

Fusion! If you don't own every album by Mahavishnu Orchestra, Weather Report, and Return to Forever, you ain't a jazz fan.

[feghoot]

Duke Ellington (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Duke_ellington) is quite good.

[Thufir]

Duke Ellington, Louis Armstrong, Miles Davis. Erm... yeah, I'm not too knowledgable about jazz.

[EnderChant]

Dave Brubeck (Take Five, Blue Rondo a la Turk, etc.) is very good.

Weather Report, as Moff mentioned above, is great.

Benny Goodman: great swing.

If you're lookin' for fusion (or acid, I don't know the difference) Praful is great (look for Sigh, Says Kabir, Undeworld and 196 Dawn).

[SilentNight]

You, my Scottish friend, have just taken a huge step towards appreciating music of all types. Charles Mingus (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=__OSyznVDOY), druggy though he was, wrote some incredible stuff. Look up Song With Orange (not on youtube).
Chick Corea, who is possibly one of the greatest pianists to ever live, does a lot of electric (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zikTA3dYOKQ&feature=related) and more traditional (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z95pQ7f-iJQ&feature=related) jazz. Incidentally, the second video has him playing with one of the greatest bassists of our time, John Pattitucci.
As far as Coltrane, Impressions (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=me7P9qqBgwI) is good, as is Airegin (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FodLnQNJQ_c).
My personal favorite trombone player Steve Turre (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IIfDyDYqGyE) on Miles' "All Blues". some other good songs by him are Right There and Descarga de Turre.
If you like trio music, The Crimson Jazz Trio (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mTN30AJ9Q-s) is one of the best out there. They did King Crimson songs as jazz but only cut one album before their drummer died.:smallfrown: I actually prefer them to King Crimson. Their entire album is on iTunes as are the rest of the artists.

Let me know if you want some more.

[Dispozition]

The Cowboy Bebop OST...Or if you're after a particular artists, the Seatbelts.

[Ted_Stryker]

Thelonious Monk
Blue Monk (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SmhP1RgbrrY)
In My Solitude (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8EywdPsnJxQ) (a Duke Ellington composition)
Rhythm-a-ning (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8MGx50NfUsI)
Don't Blame Me (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LyoHb2eEgaA)
Epistrophy (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wLfsn5uL2QA)
Caravan (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iQtcPlqW2iA) (written by Juan Tizol when he was part of Ellington's ensemble in the late 1930's)

Here's the Herbie Hancock Quintet performing "So What" live:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PIVh2o9yKcs

Had youtube links to a couple other versions of Caravan and a version of Take Five wherein Joe Morello tears off a killer drum solo, but they are gone now. :smallfrown:

[Amotis]

I'm basically obsessed and a bit scared of Miles Davis. It kinda makes it difficult to play.

Earl Hines, (another vote for the wonderfully tone-ful) Dave Brubeck, Charlie Parker, Sun Ra, Coltrane, Kevin Drumm, The Spontaneous Music Ensemble, Steve Coleman, and the Kilimanjaro Darkjazz Ensemble. Random list. O.o

[Dunesen]

I wish I knew more about jazz, but I have collected numerous "Must Haves" over the past few years in order to get my feet wet. Some have already been mentioned, but here's a few that either are considered classics or I just like myself:

Louis Armstrong: The Complete Hot Five and Sevens Vol. 3. Almost that entire album is off the hook, but especially the rendition of St. James Infirmary.
Dave Brubeck: Time Out
Modern Jazz Quartet: Django. I just love the use of xylophones in "modern" (read 1950's and later) jazz, and this has it in spades
Miles Davis: Complete Birth of the Cool
Thelonious Monk: The Thelonious Monk Orchestra at Town Hall

If I was back at home I could just look through my CDs or iTunes, but right now that's all I can give you.

And if you don't want to buy them all, they could all be found at libraries (at least, in America they can be; I assume Scotland isn't that different with their system).

[13_CBS]

An excellent string quartet that plays jazz-like music is Turtle Island. Give them a listen, they're quite excellent.

[Lord of the Helms]

While we're here, could anyone recommend me some Jazz/Fusion artists in the vein of Gordian Knot (http://www.myspace.com/gordianknot), especially their more soothing work (see the track Grace as the best example of what I'm looking for). No metal influences are needed, just nice, pretty, soothing jazz please :smallsmile:

[Dunesen]

Forgot to mention, Squirrel Nut Zippers is a big band-style jazz group that got popular for 15 minutes a decade ago. Their line-up has had some major changes since then, but I love two of their albums, Hot and Perennial Favorites. I would recommend both.

And Ghost of Stephen Foster is like my favorite song ever. Check out the music video on YouTube or whatever, it's awesome.

[Moff Chumley]

If you like trio music, The Crimson Jazz Trio (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mTN30AJ9Q-s) is one of the best out there. They did King Crimson songs as jazz but only cut one album before their drummer died.:smallfrown: I actually prefer them to King Crimson. Their entire album is on iTunes as are the rest of the artists.

Let me know if you want some more.

Um, I don't see where you're coming from here... I have no qualms about derailing this thread, so...
21st Century Schizoid Man
This is one of the best Prog Rock songs ever recorded. Robert Fripp's guitar and Ian Wallace's sax are simply unmatched in the Jazz version, and Greg's bass is about twice as good as the one in the Jazz Trio.
Three of a Perfect Pair
In both versions, this is one of my favorite songs ever, but the lyrics are one of the best parts of the song. While the trio treatment is nigh-perfect, the complex, interlocking guitars are one of the best parts of the song.
Catfood
I'll give you that one.
Starless
Bassically, this is one of the best Jazz songs I've ever heard. However, the original version is so ridiculously amazing and influential that there's no comparison. KC's version is free of any of the constraints of the jazz trio, and the Mellotron and bass provide an atmosphere of such loss and sorrow that the Trio's wistfulness and melancholy sound shallow by comparison.
Ladies of the Road
I don't like this song in either version. Too 20's.
I Talk to the Wind
I'll give you this one also.
Red
Kurt Cobain is telling you that this is the perfect song in every way, so shut up. :smalltongue:
Matte Kudasai
Feh, tie game here.

[Mephibosheth]

Back on the main topic, I whole-heartedly recommend you check out Toots Thielemans, one of the best jazz harmonica players around. Examples below.

C Jam Blues (http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=JNpKbvoIPE8)
Busette (http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=hvnHD2MUHpk) - probably his most famous song.

I also really like Django Reinhart and the Quintette du Hot Club de France, especially his work with Stephane Grappelli. Awesome acoustic guitar-based jazz with impressive jazz violin.

Hope that helps.

Mephibosheth

[Jorkens]

I also really like Django Reinhart and the Quintette du Hot Club de France, especially his work with Stephane Grappelli. Awesome acoustic guitar-based jazz with impressive jazz violin.

Seconded times a million. The late thirties quintet stuff is just some of the most joyous music ever - the sound of some fantastic musicians really enjoying themselves making great music. Perfect summer evening tunes.

[SilentNight]

First off, sorry about the long response time. Well, I'll be the first to admit that I'm not very qualified to argue this point. For some reason back when you mentioned them on my thread, all I could find was a recording of red with horrible audio and 21st Century Schizoid man. Now that I've heard more of there work I will retract the statement. They are both awesome.

That said, note that these are all based on light listening, haven't had time to really hear the tunes.


Um, I don't see where you're coming from here... I have no qualms about derailing this thread, so...
21st Century Schizoid Man
This is one of the best Prog Rock songs ever recorded. Robert Fripp's guitar and Ian Wallace's sax are simply unmatched in the Jazz version, and Greg's bass is about twice as good as the one in the Jazz Trio.
21st Schizoid Man
I have to disagree with you sadly. The KC is awesome but I'm a sucker for a fast bass walk and the uptempo section in the trio version is simply divine. I'd say that the two versions are at least equals.

Three of a Perfect Pair
In both versions, this is one of my favorite songs ever, but the lyrics are one of the best parts of the song. While the trio treatment is nigh-perfect, the complex, interlocking guitars are one of the best parts of the song. Upon hearing the KC version (again, kind of a light overview) I have to say I like the jazz one better. It's simply so tight, the bass and piano come into and out of focus so well. Whereas the KC version just seems a little convoluted to me.


Catfood
I'll give you that one.
Muchos gracias senor.

Starless
Bassically, this is one of the best Jazz songs I've ever heard. However, the original version is so ridiculously amazing and influential that there's no comparison. KC's version is free of any of the constraints of the jazz trio, and the Mellotron and bass provide an atmosphere of such loss and sorrow that the Trio's wistfulness and melancholy sound shallow by comparison.I didn't buy the full album so I can't speak to the jazz version but I completely agree with you. The original is so freakin' awesome.

Ladies of the Road
I don't like this song in either version. Too 20's.I kind of like the trio version but to each his own.

I Talk to the Wind
I'll give you this one also.
Again, thank you

Red
Kurt Cobain is telling you that this is the perfect song in every way, so shut up. :smalltongue: I found a better recording, both versions are awesome, you shut up.:smalltongue:

Matte Kudasai
Feh, tie game here.
Agreed, in conclusion, I still love the trio, KC is pretty good but my personal favorite prog band is still Rush.

[Moff Chumley]

@SilentNight: I found a piece you would love: Karn Evil 9 Pt.2 (Not Pt. 1, Impression 2, Pt. 2.) ELP proving that their on of the best jazz trios ever when they feel like it.

Also, Return to Forever is going on tour this summer. Anyone seing them (I couldn't get tickets. Too expensive, I'm seing Steely Dan instead. :smallfrown: )

[SilentNight]

@Moff (can I call you Moff?):Well, I found first impression pt.2, which is just amazing. Where did they find their keyboardist? That is sick. Sadly I'm not seeing Return to Forever either but ah well. I look forward to discussing more music with you in the near future.

EDIT: Thread derailed:smallbiggrin:

[Moff Chumley]

I'm thinking take this to PMs? :smallsmile:
I meant Impression two, sorry. And for the record, Keith Emerson started playing in increasingly better known and less local bands since 16 or 17, culminating with the cult Art Rock band The Nice, and then started ELP with Greg Lake.

[SilentNight]

I'm thinking take this to PMs? :smallsmile:
I meant Impression two, sorry. And for the record, Keith Emerson started playing in increasingly better known and less local bands since 16 or 17, culminating with the cult Art Rock band The Nice, and then started ELP with Greg Lake.

Sure, how are you on more "traditional" jazz?