Jazztodon artist of the week: David Murray! From @aaj: Few musicians in jazz history have proven more vigorously productive than tenor saxophonist David Murray. During the past 35 years, David has careened forward in a cool, collected, rocket-fueled streak. He has released over 150 albums under his own name. He has perfected an instantly recognizable approach to improvisation that even in its freest flights acknowledges the gravity of a tradition he honors more than most.
So, what do we think of the new Grammy category "Alternative Jazz," awarded for the first time this year? The nominees were "Love In Exile" by Arooj Aftab, Vijay Iyer, Shahzad Ismaily; "Quality Over Opinion" by Louis Cole; "SuperBlue: The Iridescent Spree" by Kurt Elling, Charlie Hunter, SuperBlue; "Live At The Piano" by Cory Henry; and (the winner) "The Omnichord Real Book" by Meshell Ndegeocello.
@allenmichie I'm perplexed by it for the reasons mentioned in this thread, which generally boil down to "which jazz is what now?" But my second reaction is that there must be some validity to it, because the exclusion of my personal favorites that might be "alternative" (much as I love Meshell & respect these others) makes me annoyed right away, and if it didn't matter I wouldn't care? IOW, the fact that I immediately feel invested in what was nominated makes me feel like there's something to it
@allenmichie but the best "alternative and largely jazzlike music" I saw in 2023 was definitely Shakti and they won a Grammy in another category altogether 😂
semantics are hard
anyway I want Shabaka Hutchings to win a Grammy and that might be the category for it, maybe that's really my point?
Jazztodon artist of the week: Miles Davis! I don't even know how to begin about Miles. How about YOU saying something? What would you recommend that newcomers to jazz know about Miles, and where should they start listening?
@allenmichie Fine album by Joe Cocker... my family had it when I was a kid. His post-Mad Dog work rarely gets the love it deserves. (BTW: Thanks for following.)
Jazztodon artist of the week: Sonny Rollins!
"I'm not supposed to be playing, the music is supposed to be playing me. I'm just supposed to be standing there with the horn, moving my fingers. The music is supposed to be coming through me; that's when it's really happening."
What are some of your many favorite Sonny Rollins tracks or moments?
Jazztodon artist of the week: Louis Armstrong! What would jazz sound like today, even if jazz existed at all, without Louis Armstrong? He invented (or was a strong early influence on) the jazz solo, swing, scat singing, and free personal expression in popular singing. What are some of your favorite Armstrong records or performances? (Thoughts on Wynton's new cover album of the Hot 5 and Hot 7 recordings?)
I swear, I think "First Circle" by the Pat Metheny Group is one of the most beautiful pieces of music ever written. (And I'm including Mozart, Beethoven, and all those cats.) Every time I hear it, in the studio or whatever live version, I always hear something new and uplifting in it.
I always liked this album (and the live one, “The Main Event,” is even better). The grooves are great, the melodies are catchy, and the solos have fire. There two make a natural pair. It just so happens that they phrase almost exactly alike—a certain fast falling off from the final note of a phrase—so they sound like one player playing a trumpet and flugelhorn at the same time.