I’m not sure - he just gives me a heavy Dipset vibe, I guess. Whereas Conway and Gunn are much more obviously influenced by Wu-Tang.
I see. I hadn't thought of Dipset as a point of reference in this case, but I can't say it's unreasonable either. _________________ Bob Dylan Charles Mingus
Roland Kirk - I Talk With The Spirits
That’s a really unique record. Roland Kirk decides it’s time for a change: being a multi-instrumentalist is cool, but for now he puts everything aside and focuses on the flute, that’s the only instrument he plays here. This album has a lot going for it, be it the overflowing lyricism, the irresistibly calming yet playfully unpredictable and colourful atmosphere or the balance between weirdness and catchiness. It doesn’t sound like the most sensible combination, but it makes for a fascinating adventure. It’s a sort of “Eric Dolphy meets Bobby Timmons meets Bobby Hutcherson meets João Gilberto” and I didn’t even get to mention the occasional Mingus-esque vocals – and I’m not throwing random names around, lol, it is simply too grand and over the map to narrow it down. The opening track is the clear highlight, though one would be hard-pressed to spot a weak link.
7.5/10. _________________ Bob Dylan Charles Mingus
Otis Redding - The Great Otis Redding Sings Soul Ballads
If you ‘ve been following this diary, there’s a very good chance you might have noticed my relationship to Otis Redding, namely that I absolutely adore him, so you might guess how I’m feeling towards this album as well. Soul music has provided us with many phenomenal singers and I can see why someone would prefer e.g. Sam Cooke’s super-smooth and crystal-clear voice, but for me there’s no one like Otis Redding. His raw and gritty but at the same time oh so very painfully fragile and emotionally devastating style is peerless. Simple and to the point, he speaks directly to the listener’s soul. GOAT debates are meaningless and stuff, but this man has as strong a case as any singer nevertheless. Now, are these songs good, bad or average? I’d say it barely matters, Otis could sing the alphabet and I am positive it would sound perfect. That being said, most – if not all - of them are indeed above average, my favourites being That's How Strong My Love Is, It's Too Late and For Your Precious Love. Overall, I consider this record slightly underrated, it stands comfortably next to his two "big" albums, Pain In My Heart and Otis Blue.
8/10. _________________ Bob Dylan Charles Mingus
Pete La Roca - Basra
I’m quite sure I’ve mentioned this before, but I’m always slightly concerned when I see a drummer being a band leader, as I’m rather conservative in my perception of the role of the drums, I don’t want a show stealing performance – think of Art Blakey or Philly Joe Jones – I want him to be solid and keep it simple, nothing more, nothing less. Thankfully, Pete La Roca – who, by the way, remains criminally overlooked - manages to work everything out and stay away from the spotlight for the most part, setting the scene for a Joe Henderson masterclass. The most impressive thing about Henderson is his diversity. Another album that came out in the very same year as this, Point Of Departure, presented to the listeners his more traditional, sensible, disciplined if you will, side. Here, he takes over the initiative and is ready to expand in different directions (swing, hard bop, post-bop, you name it, there are even shades of free jazz). Credit is due to pianist Steve Kuhn as well, who adds a lot to the cinematic, reminiscent of the ‘50s overall atmosphere. The opening track, Malagueña, is the absolute star, it is so powerful it plays out like a film – probably a film-noir. The self-titled track is another highlight. It’s interesting how Malagueña is closer to Latin Jazz, while in this case it’s a touch of Middle-Eastern/Arabic influence that takes it to the next level.
8/10. _________________ Bob Dylan Charles Mingus
Smokey Robinson And The Miracles - Going To A Go-Go
Smokey Robinson And The Miracles are one of the essential Motown groups, so it’s easy to imagine their main focus was releasing singles – and you can be sure they were quite successful in that department – yet this is their highest rated album and arguably the best place if you are interested in getting to know them a bit better, going beyond the hits if you will.
Of course, one has to start with The Track Of My Tears, a stone-cold classic, one of the greatest songs of all time. The group has a lot of things going for them and they’re nowhere as evidently demonstrated as here. First of all, Smokey Robinson is a great songwriter, in no way inferior to any of his peers – yes, even Sam Cooke, take a look at his catalogue if you don't believe me, you'll be surprised. And his voice is equally impressive. Its power and clarity, while being emotionally expressive and relatable reminds me of someone like Roy Orbison (who is one of my go-to guys when it comes to vocals). The rest of the group contribute their fair share of gorgeous vocals as well - dare I say their harmonies approach The Beach Boys level of beauty? And Smokey Robinson has done a wonderful job on the production, the sound is so rich and glorious that would give The Supremes or The Ronettes a run for their money. On the other hand, if you have associated soul music with Otis Redding’s rough style, this might seem like a different world altogether, but it’s only different means to the same end, pain can be expressed in many ways - after all, you know I love the euphoric gloom of The Smiths, so there’s no way I would complain.
The only problem with such an absolute killer as an opening track is the seemingly impossible task of a proper follow-up, how long can one sustain a moment of perfection? And it’s an uphill struggle, indeed. There’s nothing wrong with the next three tracks (Going To A Go-GO, Ooo Baby Baby and My Girl Has Gone). Quite the contrary, actually, they are fabulous pop songs of the highest calibre, mini-masterpieces in their own right. Unfortunately, the same can’t be said for the rest of the album. Now, does it ever get really bad or plain unlistenable? No, definitely not, but there’s no particular spark either, it comes dangerously close to what one might call “filler territory”. Still, the first part is so incredibly strong that it leaves a more than pleasant aftertaste.
8/10. _________________ Bob Dylan Charles Mingus
Junior Wells' Chicago Blues Band - Hoodoo Man Blues
So, this is considered one of the greatest blues albums of all time and I guess it makes sense – after all, we are talking about blues, what do I know? People who aren’t that much into the blues should find it appealing, as there’s an energy and a beat to this that it ends up walking in rock and roll, R & B and rock paths. As a result, it doesn’t sound like a product of a bygone era at all, it’s fresh and lively. Of course, there are many slow burning parts so that any fan of the blues in its more traditional form should feel at home as well. This variety is one thing that sets it apart from many similar releases – its consistency would be another one. The harmonica is the most “in your face” spectacular aspect, though the guitar is probably even more interesting. Both Junior Wells and Buddy Guy deliver faultless performances. Also, credit goes to the drummer, Billy Warren, I thought his work was quite original compared to most blues I’ve listened. Even though I can’t deny what a great and important record this one is, I can’t say I really enjoyed it. Hopefully, this won’t discourage anyone, but it’s definitely not my jam.
6/10. _________________ Bob Dylan Charles Mingus
The Paul Butterfield Blues Band - The Paul Butterfield Blues Band
While we’re at it, let’s try some more blues. Not as interesting or diverse as yesterday’s album – that would be Hoodoo Man Blues - , though one could argue it manages to be more entertaining by being more straightforward. These guys bring tons of energy to the table, they can rock (speaking of which, I’d say that, overall, it’s as close to rock music as it is to the blues, if not closer) like there’s no tomorrow and they make quite some noise in the meantime. The guitar is obviously in the spotlight, though it’s more of a team effort, every band member has a chance to shine and they all deliver. And of course one can’t ignore the harmonica, the icing on the cake. Not every song is a success, there are at least a couple of tracks I found skippable. However, this shouldn’t matter that much in this case, the band keeps the vibe alive throughout its entirety. Anyone who is into either blues or rock – you guessed it, not me - should love it.
5.5/10. _________________ Bob Dylan Charles Mingus
The Shangri-Las - Leader Of The Pack
I’m a surprisingly big fan of the ‘60s Girl Group, though I have to say I don’t consider Leader Of The Pack one of the finest example the genre has to offer. The Shangri-Las were a talented group and, even though they may be a bit too tough, edgy and loud compared to their “end to end romantic” peers, it’s easy to tell there was lots of potential there. The first and most important problem is obviously the songs themselves. The tendency to focus on the singles and add some “fillers” is well-known, yet in this case it’s way too hit or miss. For example, the self-titled track or Remember (Walking In The Sand) are undeniably charming – I wouldn’t mind if you were to call them classics. On the other hand, the second half, consisting of live or seemingly live performances, leaves a lot to be desired.
6.5/10.
Thumbnail. Click to enlarge.
Frank Sinatra - September Of My Years
Even though I don’t quite belong to the target group of this album – as you may have already guessed based on its title, it’s about aging – I can’t deny it’s an interesting concept and one that I haven’t encountered that much - especially when it comes to dealing with it at album's length. If I weren’t allergic to Sinatra, there's a decent chance I would have been able to genuinely enjoy it. He’s not as pompous or self-assured as usual and lacks his trademark swag, but I don’t find this fragile and sensitive version of his particularly appealing either.
3.5/10. _________________ Bob Dylan Charles Mingus
RoundTheBendI miss the comfort in being sadProfile Ground Control
This thread puts anything I've ever accomplished in life to shame. hahaha - amazing depth and discovery here! It's been a while and you are still chugging and after 428 posts you are still digging deeper and deeper. Grand.
This thread puts anything I've ever accomplished in life to shame. hahaha - amazing depth and discovery here! It's been a while and you are still chugging and after 428 posts you are still digging deeper and deeper. Grand.
Oh, stop it, you!
Cheers man, appreciate it. Haven't seen you around in a while, I hope everything is fine. _________________ Bob Dylan Charles Mingus
You cannot post new topics in this forum You cannot reply to topics in this forum You cannot edit your posts in this forum You cannot delete your posts in this forum You cannot vote in polls in this forum
RoundTheBend
