Best Ever Albums

Re: Black History Month Listening Project (Second Annual)

baystateoftheart — Sat, 2 Mar 2019 21:46:55 GMT

Author: baystateoftheart

Posted: 03/03/2019 02:46

Thanks everyone for your participation! 😄

Did the final update of my listening list on the first page. This was my favorite first listen of the past week:

Yasimika by Djeli Moussa Diawara

Re: Black History Month Listening Project (Second Annual)

Fischman — Mon, 25 Feb 2019 21:53:02 GMT

Author: Fischman

Posted: 02/26/2019 02:53

Kool Keith Sweat wrote:

It's a little strange, focusing listening on race. But I understand the intent is celebration. Here's my 4 favorite first listens from black musicians this month.

Asnakech by አስናቀች ወርቁ [Asnaketch Worku]

Ethiopian and Muslim harpist and singer, accompanied a bit by keyboardist Hailu Mergia

Sax/drum

Sax/drum

As part of my research for the SGTM 2017 review

I've just about had it with you.

Every time I get caught up on my listening queue, you throw more at me that I feel compelled to check out.

My listening cup runneth over.

Re: Black History Month Listening Project (Second Annual)

RoundTheBend — Mon, 25 Feb 2019 20:31:11 GMT

Author: RoundTheBend

Posted: 02/26/2019 01:31

Sometimes you have to look it up... hehe. Seriously. That's the beauty of music. But yeah it is about the intentional celebration.

Re: Black History Month Listening Project (Second Annual)

Anonymous — Mon, 25 Feb 2019 18:37:00 GMT

Author: Anonymous

Posted: 02/25/2019 23:37

It's a little strange, focusing listening on race. But I understand the intent is celebration. Here's my 4 favorite first listens from black musicians this month.

Asnakech by አስናቀች ወርቁ [Asnaketch Worku]

Ethiopian and Muslim harpist and singer, accompanied a bit by keyboardist Hailu Mergia

Sax/drum

Sax/drum

As part of my research for the SGTM 2017 review

Re: Black History Month Listening Project (Second Annual)

Fischman — Mon, 25 Feb 2019 18:05:58 GMT

Author: Fischman

Posted: 02/25/2019 23:05

This 2108 release has a fine modern jazz artist continuing to follow her muse in a vein that pays homage to, and updates, the traditional hard bop vein.

Re: Black History Month Listening Project (Second Annual)

Fischman — Mon, 18 Feb 2019 18:34:42 GMT

Author: Fischman

Posted: 02/18/2019 23:34

It's funny how Black History Month is an American thing, yet this year I'm discovering more music from black artists from abroad. Part of that was due to Norman Bates' excellent post on this thread. But I also on my own stumbled on to "the father of South African Jazz," Hugh Masekela.

Wonderful artist full of soulful contemporary (for his time) and accessible jazz stylings.

He even had a crossover #1 hit in the US that is more instrumental pop as opposed to his usually more jazzy output. Some who are old enough may remember Grazing in the Grass.

Link

Re: Black History Month Listening Project (Second Annual)

baystateoftheart — Sun, 17 Feb 2019 23:11:17 GMT

Author: baystateoftheart

Posted: 02/18/2019 04:11

Fischman wrote:

My favorite "discovery" as a result of reading this thread is pretty much a toss up between King Sunny Ade and Francis Bebey. I also kinda' took to Exuma, which is a little surprising since I don't generally take to island music.

Yeah Francis Bebey is awesome. brun027 introduced me a couple months ago via the album below you game.

I'm going to listen to King Sunny Ade soon - thanks Norman 😄

Re: Black History Month Listening Project (Second Annual)

Fischman — Sun, 17 Feb 2019 22:40:33 GMT

Author: Fischman

Posted: 02/18/2019 03:40

baystateoftheart wrote:

Just updated the first post. This was my favorite discovery of this last week:

baystateoftheart wrote:

Exuma by Exuma

Holy shit this was an incredible odyssey of an album! Cosmic, spiritual, wacky, soulful Bahamian folk music. I think it's destined to become a personal favorite. 4.5/5.

What was yours?

Re: Black History Month Listening Project (Second Annual)

baystateoftheart — Sun, 17 Feb 2019 22:12:55 GMT

Author: baystateoftheart

Posted: 02/18/2019 03:12

Just updated the first post. This was my favorite discovery of this last week:

baystateoftheart wrote:

Exuma by Exuma

Holy shit this was an incredible odyssey of an album! Cosmic, spiritual, wacky, soulful Bahamian folk music. I think it's destined to become a personal favorite. 4.5/5.

What was yours?

Re: Black History Month Listening Project (Second Annual)

Fischman — Sun, 10 Feb 2019 22:53:14 GMT

Author: Fischman

Posted: 02/11/2019 03:53

Stover75 wrote:

I played Herbie Hancock's Head Hunters for the first time today. It was interesting. I like some of the unusual instruments he used on there:

Head Hunters by Herbie Hancock

Herbie's not just a Black History, but a fairly long and illustrative history of jazz itself, starting with his hard bop debut, moving through post bop, jazz fusion, soul jazz, electronic jazz, and now even rap jazz. Dude's the greatest jazz chameleon this side of Miles Davis!

Re: Black History Month Listening Project (Second Annual)

RoundTheBend — Sun, 10 Feb 2019 22:12:33 GMT

Author: RoundTheBend

Posted: 02/11/2019 03:12

I think it's rad you do this each year!

I have like 4 projects going on right now, but to not participate would make me sad.

I'd like to just say that pretty much any music I love except for classical music is owed to black history. My dad used to sneak away from his Mormon upbringing in Florida and go to tent churches just for the music and the love. I loved hanging out at 7 Elevens in South Central to hear folks gather round for free style rapping. Black culture really is probably as much as 90% of why I love music, even if I'm your typical white dude listening to typical white dude music. So I just wanted to give thanks for this beautiful culture and history and all it represents.

This gem of a fan video and this song still gives me chills nearly every time I see it. Not only is it a banger, but the video celebrates the history of some of the greatest black musicians and the significance they have.

Link

And finally check out this Soul thread which is a fantastic collection of some of the music of Black History:
https://www.besteveralbums.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=20369

This is called Black Man, but more or less is talking about all races in America. I think this hope and education to kill racism in America is key to Black History:

Link

Sly and The Family Stone did a lot in this regard too.

Re: Black History Month Listening Project (Second Annual)

911Turbo — Sun, 10 Feb 2019 18:21:57 GMT

Author: 911Turbo

Posted: 02/10/2019 23:21

This is an album that, i believe is incredible.I listen to it regularly.
Alicia has created a few albums, but this one highlights
her songwriting, musical arrangements and the best of all, her voice.
She is the real deal, and heaven has blessed us, by giving us a singing angel on this earth.
I'm not sure if this meets your criteria, but i hope it does.
Also, i hope you enjoy her as much as I do.

The Element Of Freedom by Alicia Keys

Re: Black History Month Listening Project (Second Annual)

Norman Bates — Sun, 10 Feb 2019 16:32:52 GMT

Author: Norman Bates

Posted: 02/10/2019 21:32

Spécial Recueil Souvenir Du Bembeya Jazz National by Bembeya Jazz National

Pirates Choice by Orchestra Baobab

African Electronic Music 1975-1982 by Francis Bebey

Djelika by Toumani Diabaté

Juju Music by King Sunny Adé

There's more from where that came from if you're bothered.

Re: Black History Month Listening Project (Second Annual)

CharlieBarley — Sun, 10 Feb 2019 15:56:29 GMT

Author: CharlieBarley

Posted: 02/10/2019 20:56

baystateoftheart wrote:

Stover75 wrote:

I played Herbie Hancock's Head Hunters for the first time today. It was interesting. I like some of the unusual instruments he used on there:

Head Hunters by Herbie Hancock

Oh yeah, great album! Those who enjoy it might also like the follow-up (among other Hancock albums):

Thrust by Herbie Hancock

Will definitely check that album out very soon. Thanks man!

Re: Black History Month Listening Project (Second Annual)

baystateoftheart — Sun, 10 Feb 2019 15:53:28 GMT

Author: baystateoftheart

Posted: 02/10/2019 20:53

Stover75 wrote:

I played Herbie Hancock's Head Hunters for the first time today. It was interesting. I like some of the unusual instruments he used on there:

Head Hunters by Herbie Hancock

Oh yeah, great album! Those who enjoy it might also like the follow-up (among other Hancock albums):

Thrust by Herbie Hancock

Re: Black History Month Listening Project (Second Annual)

CharlieBarley — Sun, 10 Feb 2019 15:14:22 GMT

Author: CharlieBarley

Posted: 02/10/2019 20:14

I played Herbie Hancock's Head Hunters for the first time today. It was interesting. I like some of the unusual instruments he used on there:

Head Hunters by Herbie Hancock

Re: Black History Month Listening Project (Second Annual)

Fischman — Sun, 10 Feb 2019 08:45:27 GMT

Author: Fischman

Posted: 02/10/2019 13:45

I keep finding classic jazz artists that have eluded me so far. Yesterday, I introduced myself to Johnny Griffin.

Quality blower. I wonder sometimes why an artist like this can fall into near total obscurity. I guess history can only carry so many names forward at a time.

Re: Black History Month Listening Project (Second Annual)

baystateoftheart — Sat, 9 Feb 2019 23:05:21 GMT

Author: baystateoftheart

Posted: 02/10/2019 04:05

baystateoftheart wrote:

Universal Consciousness by Alice Coltrane

Ok I got around to this and it's an apt title for sure. Feels mind-expanding in the best possible way. Everyone plays so well and so creatively! It is already my favorite free jazz record I've heard, and will be a serious contender for my favorite Alice Coltrane record. 4.5/5.

World Galaxy by Alice Coltrane

This was really great too. Much like Universal Consciousness, there is a lot of transcendent beauty. However, this one has a few passages that veer into cheesiness, and one passage that veers into cacophony, which puts the album a notch lower in my estimation. 4/5.

Fischman, curious to hear your thoughts on them when you get a chance.

Re: Black History Month Listening Project (Second Annual)

baystateoftheart — Thu, 7 Feb 2019 23:19:24 GMT

Author: baystateoftheart

Posted: 02/08/2019 04:19

Universal Consciousness by Alice Coltrane

Ok I got around to this and it's an apt title for sure. Feels mind-expanding in the best possible way. Everyone plays so well and so creatively! It is already my favorite free jazz record I've heard, and will be a serious contender for my favorite Alice Coltrane record. 4.5/5.

Re: Black History Month Listening Project (Second Annual)

Tha1ChiefRocka — Sat, 2 Feb 2019 19:33:41 GMT

Author: Tha1ChiefRocka

Posted: 02/03/2019 00:33

Shameless plug https://www.besteveralbums.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=20962

I have nowhere the amount of time needed to go in depth on each year as I was wanting to do for this project, so for now this diary will be on hiatus; however, I think the dream is to someday create a book that accurately depicts the evolution of rock music (I'm sure there are some good one's out there, but what do they know?). For now, if you want to listen to black music, then I couldn't suggest a better starting point.

There are some country guys in the playlists as well, but don't mind them. Especially Bob Wills and his singer Tommy Duncan. They were OG's.