All Jazzed Up, Part 1: Guitar

March 21, 2008

Two weeks ago, I mentioned about writing a beginner’s guide to jazz music. I figured that the best way to approach this is to specify an instrument, and then list five of my favorite albums from artists playing this instrument. So, welcome to the first installment of All Jazzed Up. As the title suggests, today I will be discussing jazz guitar albums.

5. Virtuoso by Joe Pass
Frankly, there is nothing very remarkable about solo guitar albums. Too many artists do solo guitar albums and, after listening to a few of them, they tend to sound exactly alike. Joe Pass’s Virtuoso, however, outdoes a lot of them because of improvisation skills worthy of the album’s namesake. Yeah, I think that’s kind of cheap to say that. Joe’s a virtuoso, and you can hear that from how he interpreted the 11 jazz standards (and one original track) selected for this album. Most other guitarists, when they want to show off, they resort to being loud or fast. Joe effortlessly displayed impressive fingerworks while playing mellow tracks. I don’t know how he does that, and that’s why this album belongs in my top 5.

Night and Day (Joe Pass)

 

4. Inner Mounting Flame by Mahavishnu Orchestra
If there’s a jazz album that I would unhesitatingly hand to any rock fan, it’s Inner Mounting Flame by Mahavishnu Orchestra. “But this is an ORCHESTRA!” A two-word rebuttal: John McLaughlin. Look at his guitar. Your objections are overruled. He’s the leader and the selling point of Mahavishnu Orchestra. Quite unlike all other albums I’ve chosen for this list, Inner Mounting Flame is a jazz-rock album, and it rocks as much as a Jimi Hendrix album, right down to the blistering guitar works. It also earns point for being rife with Hindi influences, which makes it a standout work in comparison to everything else.

Meeting Of The Spirits (Mahavishnu Orchestra)

 

3. Smokin’ at the Half Note by Wes Montgomery
Many will debate on who is the best jazz guitarist of all time, but Wes Montgomery is with little doubt the most commercially successful one. His discography, from his early bop outing to his late devolution to the ghastly pop jazz, has always inspired contemporary jazz guitarists. Without him you wouldn’t hear a lot of jazz guitar albums - although that also would’ve also saved us from some disgusting George Benson airport records. Anyway, imagine the kind of music the typical jazz trio of a pianist, a bassist and a drummer plays. Add Wes to the trio, and you’ll have a good idea of what Smokin’ at Half Note sounds like. The song Unit 7 is heralded as the best jazz guitar song ever recorded. I’m not sure about that, but you can hear it here and be the judge.

Unit 7 (Wynton Kelly Trio & Wes Montgomery)

 

2. Idle Moments by Grant Green
I could’ve easily put this album on number one, and the only reason why I put another album on the top is because it’s more beginner-friendly. Idle Moments is to me the finest Jazz guitar album, and what’s unfortunate about it is that it’s very hard to describe. That may not be a bad thing though, because the album is certainly unpredictable. All four songs here are varied and memorable, and they have plenty of impressive guitar solos. The vibraphone also helps in many ways, and it blends remarkably well with Grant’s guitar. I know I’m not doing a good job describing Idle Moments, so let me just tell you how to use this album. Ensure that it’s late. The time I post this entry is ideal. Now find a comfortable sofa. Dim the lights. Play the album. Forget all these lousy electronica stuff patched together on Macbook’s GarageBand - this one is the real chilling out done by genuinely talented musicians.

Jean De Fluer (Grant Green)

1. Midnight Blue by Kenny Burrell
That previous entry may have turned you off from this album. Pay that no mind, though, because Midnight Blue is superb. In fact, both Idle Moments and Midnight Blue are albums that I would’ve brought to a deserted island, especially if I plan to become a nocturnal being while living there. Midnight Blue is different to other jazz albums because, unlike most of them, it has a conga and no piano. I think that’s done to make this album more Latin sounding. It works. Midnight Blue is also commendable because the songs aren’t lengthy (quite opposite to Idle Moments, although its length is never tiresome) and they’re very memorable. And did you read the remark on Unit 7 being the finest jazz guitar song? Well, I disagree. I hand that distinction to Midnight Blue!

Midnight Blue (Kenny Burrell)

Disagree with me? Think I have unjustifiably overlooked some artists? Have other albums to recommend? Hit my comment box!
 


Posted by nightdreamer at 11:59 pm | permalink

Previous Comments

Good job, Nightdreamer!

I have listened to Joe Pass’ many collaborations, I particularly like those he did with Oscar Peterson and his duets with John Pisano. I have some in my vinyl collection I
told you about. He plays fingerstyle (without a pic or plectrum) but although he has mastered the quick bursts his arpeggios do not evolve to a climax which to me sounds like it’s without direction. The lack of depth in some of his songs is characteristic of a cokehead and marijuana junkie, which maybe has affected
his virtuosity, after spending several years in rehab. He’s outstanding though when he’s clean and sober. He’s the “unpolished Martin Taylor” of old.

Ah, John McLaughlin, we hated the guy back in High School. One group had him as their “hero”. They played Weather Report, Mahavishnu, and Chick Corea’s Return To
Forever. We were into Led Zep, Foghat, BTO, Allman Bros and Jeff Beck. We didn’t consider his music as jazz fusion. It was more experimental rock which at the time clashed with what we knew jazz to be. Of course, he’s different because he’s English and and his association with Jan Hammer and
Narada Michael Walden, both later moving to jazz-rock proponent and John’s compatriot Jeff Beck, isn’t anywhere near American jazz fusion we are familiar with.

But when guys like Al Di Meola, Pat Metheny, Lee Ritenour, and John Tropea came out, we stopped playing and started listening, the dividing lines became clearer - this was
real fusion. We got this rude awakening after watching Eumir Deodato at the Big Dome where he introduced John Tropea as his new
axeman. That time, McLaughlin was then playing trio with DiMeola and Metheny where we find him very much improved and contained in a specific movement unlike his
Mahavishnu days. His Indian music influence helped him develop arpeggios that are uniquely his, helping him survive the talent
onslaught from Di Meola and Metheny.

Wes Montgomery deserves to be in that list, but should be holding top spot.

I like Grant Green and Kenny Burrel, too. Though I may disagree with Midnight Blue as the best jazz guitar album.

I think you overlooked Stan Getz, Al Di Meola, Charlie Christian, Django Reinhardt and 7-stringer Lenny Breau. Or my own second-
stringers (pun here) Chet Atkins, Larry Coryell, Herb Ellis, Pat Metheny, and Allan Holdsworth.

My own 5 Greatest Jazz Guitar

Albums of all time:

5. Five o’clock Bells - Lenny Breau
4. Moonlight in Vermont - Stan Getz
3. Bright Size Life - Pat Metheny
2. Genius of the Electric Guitar - Charlie Christian
1. Incredible Jazz Guitar - Wes Montgomery

Posted by Tongue's Wrath at March 23, 2008, 2:39 am

Btw, it’s a nice refreshing look!

Posted by Tongue's Wrath at March 23, 2008, 2:42 am

Hey Tongue’s, thanks for dropping by.

Your sentiment about John McLaughlin was identical to my piano teacher’s. Are you a San Bedan alumnus?

I like Led Zep and Allman Bros. a lot, but besides them, I’m not very familiar with 70’s rock. Something I hope to remedy soon.

A-ha, Charlie Christian! I expected his name to come up here at one point. What can I say, I have that Genius of Electric Guitar album (cost me a fortune, though), Bright Size Life and Incredible Jazz Guitar. I’ve been trying to find an album of Django Reinhardt too, but I only got Larry Corryell’s tribute to him. And Herb Ellis, well, his album that I have isn’t very good. Anyway, I considered Bright Size Life, Genius of Electric Guitar and Incredible Jazz Guitar, but ultimately I found that I liked those I’ve chosen for this list better. Still, they’re incredible albums too and I’d recommend them to anyone.

Stan Getz isn’t a guitarist! Maybe you meant Joao Gilberto or Charlie Byrd?

I admit, though, that I know a lot more about jazz piano than jazz guitar, and when the time comes for me to list down 5 favorite jazz piano albums of all time, I’ll be at some quandary. Which is why I’m making the piano list my last. What I hope to write by next week is my top five jazz vocals albums.

Posted by nightdreamer at March 23, 2008, 8:05 am

I guess I’ll have to agree with Tongue’s Wrath about McLaughlin. I wouldn’t have included any of his albums were I to make a list of my top five jazz guitar albums. In its place, I’ll probably put Pat Metheny’s “As Falls Wichita, So Falls Wichita Falls” album. Sorry to be biased, I’m a huge Metheny fan, I’m a pianist, and the collabaration of Metheny with Lyle Mays is certainly a huge factor. Maybe I’d also have replaced one of the other four albums (although the only other one I’ve listened to is Midnight Blue, so I can’t say which one cos I haven’t listened to the other 3) with Bright Size Life. SEE? I told you how much a Metheny fan I am. From high school to college, to yuppie days…Metheny rocks (pun here)!!!
Oh, and before I forget, you other readers of this blog might want to try listening to Paco de Lucia for a change. I think he’s the best flamenco guitarist ever.

Posted by Spirit Wind at March 26, 2008, 10:09 am

Gosh, you’re right ND, what I really meant was Joao Gilberto, his bossa nova guitar playing, untypical of Brazilian guitarists, was flavored with the root monotonic chords a la One-Note Samba complemented Stan Getz’ tenor sax. Though Moonlight at Vermont isn’t a “pure” jazz guitar album, it still makes my list. Their music was tight and smooth. The partnership ended, rumors have it, when Joao caught Stan screwing his wife Astrud, heheh.

Spirit Wind,
am a big Paco de Lucia junkie myself, still consider him as the best flamenco gitmaster next only to Andres Segovia (when he plays flamenco). The others I listen to are the father-and-son pluckers Carlos and Ramon Montoya. Add the upcoming Alvaro Pierri who played here at the Philamlife theater Dec. 8. Blogger/Journalist Ellen Tordesillas offered me free tickets to that concert which also featured breakthrough Russian Pianist Ilya Rashkovsky’s second Manila tour and stupid me, I passed up!

Yes, Metheny! I once had this live album where he played “Sunny” - my favorite cut - which was stolen in one of our mobile rental parties at Manila Pen’s ballroom. I told management it was a rare collector’s item worth $5000 they had the guards inspect all the guests bags! I actually got it as a gift from a friend, heheh. But I later found out it was really rare, not worth $5000 though. Never saw it again, I now suspect it was the waiters.

I was looking for Sunny on the web but the closest i could come up with is this one by Jake Reichbart:

http://it.truveo.com/Sunny-jazz-guitar-solo/id/2547681245

Look at Metheny on his unique 42-string custom here:

http://it.truveo.com/Pat-Metheny-Acoustic-Guitar-Solo/id/390259707

Posted by Tongue's Wrath at March 29, 2008, 5:27 pm

So there Lady Christian Audigier T Shirts really is no reason why you should have to spend a ton of money on brand name Women Gucci Clothing Cheap clothes for women. You can identical pieces for hundreds of dollars less simply by shopping at the right stores and planning Women Gucci Jeans Cheap ahead. If you continue to do this for a couple of years, you will be able to fill your closets with outfits that would have normally Juicy Couture Tracksuit cost you more than you could afford. You will feel like you always have something new and fancy toMen Calvin Klein Cheap wear.

Posted by Boss Suits Cheap at June 27, 2011, 9:56 am

There is noticeably a bundle to learn about this. I assume you made sure nice points in features also.

Posted by cheap gucci at July 19, 2011, 5:45 pm

I agree with you ,your saying is very good!

Posted by Louis Vuitton Clothing at July 30, 2011, 9:00 am

Life stories of some men make one ugg boots cheap succumb to their ingenuity.

Posted by Cooqi Clothing at August 1, 2011, 6:03 pm

Layering is your intention? Take a look at Fleece lightweight Cheap north face jackets. Either you are planning to have an autumn hike, or need a layering piece for your days on the ski hill; this north face outlet will be suiting you the best. It is especially good if you are heading to a gym when the weather is cool and dry.

Posted by Cheap north face jackets at August 27, 2011, 11:01 am

Nike Air Max 2011 for Sports and Trend Though originally intended for sports enthusiasts, the Nike air max 2011 shoe has aged nicely and reached the consideration from the youth. continue to follow Nike Air Max with a large air cushioning unit at the heel Nike Air Max to give a great foot comfort and visual impact. Nike Air Max 2011 do not only use new technology, but retain the traditional body design of air max 95 Shoes, High-tech design with the perfect blend of originality make Nike Air Max+ 2011 lead the fashion forefront.

Posted by Nike air max 2011 at August 27, 2011, 11:02 am

888LY4:Nike Sko Norge

Posted by Nike Shox Norge at September 17, 2011, 2:20 pm

I really, really enjoyed this. The humor works brilliantly, and the animation is much better than I had imagined. The way you have “blended” (hehe) it all together makes this look like a solid, whole product, as good as any Pixar short. Probably better. But then again: That’s my opinion.
moncler on sale
Moncler jackets
moncler jacket mens
moncler jacket womens
cheap moncler jacket
moncler accessories
Moncler polo shirt
Moncler vests
Moncler vest mens
Moncler vest womens
moncler hoodies
Moncler mens
moncler womens
Moncler kids
Moncler shoes

Posted by North Face coats at October 14, 2011, 1:33 pm

Timberland acknowledges that ”the environmental impacts of Timberlands For Men the impacts of our owned and operated facilities,” and provides Cheap Timberlands to reduce the carbon emissions in its value chain. Shoes Timberland I find it a bit strange that the company has Timberlands For Cheap for this part of its reduction mission. As we all know, you can’t manage Timberland Sale.The new portal is not just Timberland For Kids with information in the best way possible, but also about creating a more effective dialogue with stakeholders.

Posted by sfcds at November 10, 2011, 5:09 pm

An extraordinary monograph created by Christian Louboutin Ankle Boots, renowned for his beautifully crafted handmade christian louboutin peep toe pumps, in particular Christian Louboutin Slingbacks his elegantly sexy stilettos. This stunning volume, with a fanciful Christian Louboutin Flats and intricate pop-up, an elaborate foldout cover, and dramatic still-life photography, evokes the artistry and theatricality of Christian Louboutin Wedges designs. Celebrated for his vertiginously high stilettos with their signature lacquer-red soles, Christian Louboutin Men has achieved cult status with celebrities as well as fashionistas. His Christian Louboutin Sandals eclectic and exotic designs, often incorporating feathers, beads, and sequins, are a Christian Louboutin Boots constant and dramatic presence on the red carpet and in nightclubs and restaurants the world over. Christian Louboutin Mary Jane Pumps’s first book, this monograph highlights the extraordinary range of his couture, from his iconic and glamorous creations to his fetishistic pieces, including his collaborations with David Lynch, meant Christian Louboutin Evening more for Christian Louboutin Pumps the bedroom than the street.

Posted by Christian Louboutin at November 11, 2011, 12:06 pm

As everyone know,there are some brands of shoes that are very popular among people all over the world.Such as Cheap Supra Shoes,Nike shox shoes,Nike Retro Air Jordans,Cheap air max and Air Jordans

Cool Grey.All these shoes are very wonderful and will make your feet comfortable.These shoes are all sold on our website.Cheap Nike Shox Shoes Sale,Nike Air Max For Sale and Air Jordans For Sale on our

website are all charmful.Just come to our store to own the Cheap Air Jordans and other great shoes.

Posted by Cheap Supra Shoes at November 25, 2011, 5:21 pm