Where Have Your Tastes Been Trending?

[princeplanet]

Originally Posted by 1/2 Baked, Not Fried

I’ve also fallen in love with jazz guitar. I’m not sure why it took me so long, but these past couple of years, I can’t seem to get enough. It’s become my favorite jazz instrument, which I don’t see changing anytime soon.

Cool, I'm curious to know which particular guitarists you've been digging. As a guitarist myself, I've often wondered what a non guitarist would ever like about say Grant Green or Kenny Burrell- too simple or "guitaristic" for my own personal taste, but then there's Wes Montgomery or George Benson who play lines that I feel any horn or piano player would like to know about.... Or you talking about modern players like Kurt etc ?

[1/2 Baked, Not Fried]

Originally Posted by princeplanet

Cool, I'm curious to know which particular guitarists you've been digging. As a guitarist myself, I've often wondered what a non guitarist would ever like about say Grant Green or Kenny Burrell- too simple or "guitaristic" for my own personal taste, but then there's Wes Montgomery or George Benson who play lines that I feel any horn or piano player would like to know about.... Or you talking about modern players like Kurt etc ?

Hey prince – ‘will try to answer your question. Bear in mind that by not being a musician, I can’t really explain what I like or don’t like in musical terms. Some stuff I just seem to dig. Other stuff, less so. I’m not always sure why.

One thing I have noticed is that I seem to gravitate to guys with a clean, acoustic sound and/or a warmer tone. Tone and feel definitely seem to prevail over virtuosity, although some of the guys I like are definitely virtuosos (see below).

Anyway, as for older stuff, I dig guys like Barney Kessel, Tal Farlow, and Johnny Smith. And while I know a lot of people think he was overrated, I also really dig Joe Pass. Jim Hall, too, had an incredible tone, particularly back in the ‘70’s. His more recent stuff hasn’t grabbed me as much. Green and Burrell also work all right for me, particularly playing blues and (for Green) funk. Guitar just sounds so right in those settings. (For some reason, though, the organ trio setting isn’t my favorite. I seem to prefer guitar without another chordal instrument, for some reason).

My favorite current guitarist is probably Vic Juris. “Songbook” and “Omega is Not Alpha” are desert island albums. I like Metheny, too, particularly when he plays clean, without a lot of distortion. I’m not a big fan of the guitar-synth stuff, although sometimes it works. Rosenwinkle hasn’t really grabbed me yet, although I probably haven’t given him a fair shot. Russell Malone is good, but sometimes sounds a bit muddy to me. I have the same issue with Wes sometimes – amazing playing and great lines, but the sound doesn’t always hit my ear quite right. Jacob Young and Diego Barber have put out albums in recent years I’ve spun a bunch. I also recently picked up an all-acoustic solo album by Lenny Breau that’s pretty stellar, even if he isn't current. Tonight, I’ve been listening to Mimi Fox, who seems to come at it from a Joe Pass perspective. I like her.

This doesn’t mean I don’t like distortion or effects or other stuff . . . just that it’s more hit-and-miss with me. "Bright Size Life" is a favorite, e.g. Scofield’s old ‘80’s albums with that grungy rock vibe are great. Frisell’s done some cool stuff, too, although he sometimes strikes me as a bit “noodly.”

Anyway, there are a lot more . . but that probably gives you an idea where I’m coming from right now as a listener. 'Maybe not what you wanted to hear, lol, but there it is. Cheers,

[princeplanet]

Originally Posted by 1/2 Baked, Not Fried

Hey prince – ‘will try to answer your question. Bear in mind that by not being a musician, I can’t really explain what I like or don’t like in musical terms. Some stuff I just seem to dig. Other stuff, less so. I’m not always sure why.

One thing I have noticed is that I seem to gravitate to guys with a clean, acoustic sound and/or a warmer tone. Tone and feel definitely seem to prevail over virtuosity, although some of the guys I like are definitely virtuosos (see below).

Anyway, as for older stuff, I dig guys like Barney Kessel, Tal Farlow, and Johnny Smith. And while I know a lot of people think he was overrated, I also really dig Joe Pass. Jim Hall, too, had an incredible tone, particularly back in the ‘70’s. His more recent stuff hasn’t grabbed me as much. Green and Burrell also work all right for me, particularly playing blues and (for Green) funk. Guitar just sounds so right in those settings. (For some reason, though, the organ trio setting isn’t my favorite. I seem to prefer guitar without another chordal instrument, for some reason).

My favorite current guitarist is probably Vic Juris. “Songbook” and “Omega is Not Alpha” are desert island albums. I like Metheny, too, particularly when he plays clean, without a lot of distortion. I’m not a big fan of the guitar-synth stuff, although sometimes it works. Rosenwinkle hasn’t really grabbed me yet, although I probably haven’t given him a fair shot. Russell Malone is good, but sometimes sounds a bit muddy to me. I have the same issue with Wes sometimes – amazing playing and great lines, but the sound doesn’t always hit my ear quite right. Jacob Young and Diego Barber have put out albums in recent years I’ve spun a bunch. I also recently picked up an all-acoustic solo album by Lenny Breau that’s pretty stellar, even if he isn't current. Tonight, I’ve been listening to Mimi Fox, who seems to come at it from a Joe Pass perspective. I like her.

This doesn’t mean I don’t like distortion or effects or other stuff . . . just that it’s more hit-and-miss with me. "Bright Size Life" is a favorite, e.g. Scofield’s old ‘80’s albums with that grungy rock vibe are great. Frisell’s done some cool stuff, too, although he sometimes strikes me as a bit “noodly.”

Anyway, there are a lot more . . but that probably gives you an idea where I’m coming from right now as a listener. 'Maybe not what you wanted to hear, lol, but there it is. Cheers,

Yup, you're a Jazz guitar addict alright! And an unusual one at that, not even being a player, so kudos to you! Vic is cool, as are many of the other moderns you're digging, but really, even they'll tell you that Wes is the man! You know he played with the thumb and not a pick, right? Explains the softer tone, which everyone loves because it's warmer than a pick. As for the others, I've heard them all too, but as much as I'd like to find an unsung hero to champion, I keep coming back to Charlie Christian, Django, Wes and George Benson as the Titans of Jazz guitar, the other 50 or so big names are in the building next door, I reckon. But here's a link if you're looking for some obscure cats: http://jamieholroydguitar.com/5-obsc...-to-know-about The first soloist you hear in the Dillard excerpt is actually a plucked cello! He comes in a little later, enjoy!

FWIW, I listen mainly to the Hard Bop greats, but mainly horn players or pianists. My recent finds have been Tina Brooks and Booker Ervin.

[1/2 Baked, Not Fried]

Thanks, prince - 'will definitely check your link out. I've been wanting to check out some more guitarists. There are a lot of guys out there I still haven't even heard. I also really dig cello. Erik Friedlander's solo cello album from a couple years back really knocked me out . . .

I'll also need to go back and dive into Wes again. I have a couple of his albums -- Full House and Incredible Jazz Guitar and like them both. I'd heard he played with his thumb, which is pretty amazing, really. (I play a little guitar, very hackishly, and can't really imagine how he did that). You're right, it does add warmth, but it also doesn't sound as clean to me as a pick. I dunno. I should definitely go back and revisit that stuff. I know Wes was considered the man.

I do really like George Benson's sound and approach. It's more his choice of material that sometimes puts me off. I'd love to hear him do a purely straight-ahead album album again and just let it rip.

Anyway, thanks for the response and good info!

Oh - and I really love that old acoustic swing/gypsy jazz stuff. Vic did an album with Bireli Lagrene back in the '80's that blows me a away . . .

[Alypius]

Originally Posted by princeplanet

Cool, I'm curious to know which particular guitarists you've been digging. As a guitarist myself, I've often wondered what a non guitarist would ever like about say Grant Green or Kenny Burrell- too simple or "guitaristic" for my own personal taste, but then there's Wes Montgomery or George Benson who play lines that I feel any horn or piano player would like to know about.... Or you talking about modern players like Kurt etc ?

Prince, given that your guitarist, what are your impressions of the three playlists that I posted on "Jazz Guitar" over on the "Playlists for Newcomers" thread. Also if you're so inclined, you might consider posting an alternative playlist--making up for artists or songs I missed. In any case, you can see my reading of jazz guitar from that listing. Here's the link:
http://forums.allaboutjazz.com/showt...t=43449&page=9

[Jazz_Fellow]

I can't get enough of Lee Morgan at the moment, especially his mid-60's recordings on Blue Note. People may point to The Sidewinder as his classic, and I admit it's a good album, but I love Tom Cat and Cornbread. Also starting to listen to some Lou Donaldson, especially when he started moving away from bebop toward soul jazz. The tune "Blues Walk" is now in my top 5 favourite songs.

Never been a big fan of jazz guitar, but listening to some of Donaldson's recordings has led me to explore songs with an organ trio in it. Which led me to Jimmy Smith. Listening to some Kenny Burrell and Grant Green will be my next step, so who knows where it will lead me to.

[beekman]

Originally Posted by 1/2 Baked, Not Fried

Thanks, prince - 'will definitely check your link out. I've been wanting to check out some more guitarists. There are a lot of guys out there I still haven't even heard. I also really dig cello. Erik Friedlander's solo cello album from a couple years back really knocked me out . . .

I'll also need to go back and dive into Wes again. I have a couple of his albums -- Full House and Incredible Jazz Guitar and like them both. I'd heard he played with his thumb, which is pretty amazing, really. (I play a little guitar, very hackishly, and can't really imagine how he did that). You're right, it does add warmth, but it also doesn't sound as clean to me as a pick. I dunno. I should definitely go back and revisit that stuff. I know Wes was considered the man.

I do really like George Benson's sound and approach. It's more his choice of material that sometimes puts me off. I'd love to hear him do a purely straight-ahead album album again and just let it rip.

Anyway, thanks for the response and good info!

Oh - and I really love that old acoustic swing/gypsy jazz stuff. Vic did an album with Bireli Lagrene back in the '80's that blows me a away . . .

Hey 1/2, I'd recommend you check out some Gabor Szabo. His late '60s solo albums are a bit of a stretch to call jazz, but they are great. You should also track down his stuff w/ Chico Hamilton and Charles Lloyd. Szabo had a fantastic "gypsy" tone.

b

[1/2 Baked, Not Fried]

Originally Posted by beekman

Hey 1/2, I'd recommend you check out some Gabor Szabo. His late '60s solo albums are a bit of a stretch to call jazz, but they are great. You should also track down his stuff w/ Chico Hamilton and Charles Lloyd. Szabo had a fantastic "gypsy" tone.

b

Good rec, beekman. Szabo's one of those guys I'd been meaning to check out for some time, but had never really gotten around to. I'd heard that some of his stuff was pretty commercial, so I think I'd sort of shied away, although I also had it in my head that some of his stuff was highly regarded. Anyway, I just got done listening to samples of several of his late '60's, early '70's stuff, and I think it's right up my alley. I don't mind that some of it strains the definition of jazz, since I dig a lot of international folk-type stuff and other stuff, and like some of those oddball jazz fusions. From what I heard, he sounds like a real hodgepodge - jazz, eastern european folk, mediterranean, maybe even some eastern and latin influences, with a splash of '60's psychedelia. I dig it.

[princeplanet]

Originally Posted by Alypius

Prince, given that your guitarist, what are your impressions of the three playlists that I posted on "Jazz Guitar" over on the "Playlists for Newcomers" thread. Also if you're so inclined, you might consider posting an alternative playlist--making up for artists or songs I missed. In any case, you can see my reading of jazz guitar from that listing. Here's the link:
http://forums.allaboutjazz.com/showt...t=43449&page=9

HARD BOP GUITARISTS

1
Wes Montgomery


2
Grant Green


3
Kenny Burrell


4
Emily Remler


5
Pat Martino


6
Jimmy Raney


7
Randy Napoleon


8
Bobby Broom


9
Mark Whitfield


10
Ivan "Boogaloo Joe" Jones


11
Jack Petersen (guitarist)


12
Melvin Sparks


13
Ronald Muldrow


14
James Chirillo


15
James A. Hall

[Tarquin1986]

@1/2 Baked:Guitarists I can highly recommend are Mikkel Ploug and Ulf Wakenius. Two of the best gigs I've ever attended.

As for my personal trajectory all year I've been going to a lot of avant garde gigs. Berlin is that kind of town. Otherwise I've been obsessively listening to tenor saxophonists and band where the piano is front and centre.

Brad Mehldau trio sparked off the piano fascination and the streaming npr village vanguard gigs allowed it to really build up steam. Through the latter I've heard Jason Moran, Robert Glasper, Sam Yahel, Aaron Goldberg, Craig Taborn, Ethan Iverson and Gerald Clayton. Goldberg is a favourite. Also digging McCoy Tyner.

As for tenors I've been amazed at how so many people can play the same instrument and yet all carve out individual voices: Coltrane, Sam Rivers, Joe Henderson, Harold Land, Mark Turner, Dexter Gordon, Joe Lovano, Joshua Redman, Donny McCaslin. Especially enjoying Henderson and Chris Potter.

Earlier phases included punk, then Steve Vai and Joe Satriani, then Bird and Miles, and last year very modern big band stuff and Chopin and Debussy.

[Vaughan]

I've been buying a ton of music lately. Genre wise I've bought some Jazz - mainly Vandermark 5 in the form of two box sets (Alchemia and Resonance) and a new trio box set with Vandermark. In all that's 29 discs of Vandermark in only three sets. I've also fallen in love with Art Ensemble of Chicago, with various discs (number 1 being their incredible A Jackson in the House).

However, two other genres have really taken over. The first is Electrocoustic, and the second Denmark - as in the country.

Electrocoustic is music that combines acoustic instruments with electronic sounds. I'm interested in the formative years, though if something new is intriguing I'll go for that. I've bought lots of this, including Harp and electronics, trumpet and electronics, Opera singers with Electronics etc. This is an extension of my interest in Musique concrete, which continues. I recently bought a career retrospective of Francois Bayle - 15 CD's of his work.

One artist I've just fallen in love with is Alvin Curran. The guy has made Jazz (with Steve Lacy and MEV), classical piano (the wonderful four and half hour Inner Cities set), and MC material. He's just brilliant, and really excites me. Bought two more by him just this evening.....

But then there's Denmark. I stumbled upon a record label, Decapo. You know when you find a label, and everything on it is just mind-blowing? Well, Decapo is one. I've bought 30 or so of their discs, and everyone is like finding a long lost friend. They release "new" music from Denmark, and as far as I know, only Denmark. It's mostly classical in various guises, although there is some electronic music in there.

I don't know what this means in the big picture. Discovering early electronic music, and Musique Concrete, was such a revelation, I'm still finding it difficult to comprehend how I ever missed all this stuff. It's primal, home made, raw and unpretentious. The artists slaved for years on pieces that now, admittedly, you could do over a weekend with a laptop. But their heart and soul is there in tape splices and loops. Just gorgeously creative and inspiring.

Ligeti is in there somewhere too. And a box set of music written for Merce Cunningham (10 discs), the Once Festival (ten discs), and more.

Oh - and a four disc set of field recordings from exorcisms and other spiritual phenomena such as possessions, speaking in tongues, and such.........

It's never dull around here.

[HutchFan]

Originally Posted by Vaughan

But then there's Denmark. I stumbled upon a record label, Decapo. You know when you find a label, and everything on it is just mind-blowing? Well, Decapo is one. I've bought 30 or so of their discs, and everyone is like finding a long lost friend. They release "new" music from Denmark, and as far as I know, only Denmark. It's mostly classical in various guises, although there is some electronic music in there.

Vaughan,

I went on a Danish music kick a few years ago. Have you gotten 'round to Rued Langgaard yet? His "Music of the Spheres" is fantastic.


Langgaard: Music Of The Spheres/Four Tone Pictures
Danish Nat'l RSO, conducted by Rozhdestvensky

Langgaard is often seen as a forerunner to Ligeti.



Another Danish composer worth exploring (and more contemporary): Per Nørgård. I'd strongly recommend his works on the Chandos label. I especially like this CD:


Nørgård: Symphony No. 3; Concerto in due tempi
Danish National Radio Symphony, conducted by Leif Segerstam

[Vaughan]

What do you think they're putting in the water over there in Denmark? I mean blimey, it's like everything they touch turns to gold!

I actually have not heard Rued Langgaard. Interesting, because Amazon keeps poking me to buy some of his in its recommendations section.

I am enjoying Nørgård though.

I'll post a list of what I've bought soon - to give you an idea of what I've grabbed. The discs are (relatively) cheap - I've been paying $7 each, which is very reasonable.

[Tenor Titan]

I can't get enough Old Testament Basie at the moment

[1/2 Baked, Not Fried]

Originally Posted by Tarquin1986

@1/2 Baked:Guitarists I can highly recommend are Mikkel Ploug and Ulf Wakenius. Two of the best gigs I've ever attended.

Thanks for the rec's, Tarquin. I'm familiar with Wakenius through NHOP's last album, the "Unforgettable NHOP Trio Live," which was a personal favorite a couple years back. I would like to check out more of his stuff. He sounds great on that album. I'd never heard of Mikkel Ploug, although I'll be sure to give him a listen.