View Full Version : What Jazz or Blues are you spinning?
Pages :
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
[
20]
Ascenseur pour l'échafaud
Miles Davis
1958
https://static.qobuz.com/images/covers/oc/yv/po8isu85cyvoc_600.jpg
I've always wanted to hear that (and see the film).
I've always wanted to hear that (and see the film).
I've done both and controversially I'm going to say Kind of Blue is overrated, also Birth of the Cool and Sketches - this is Miles' best album IMO. That's not to take anything away from the aforementioned, they are without doubt some of the best jazz recordings ever made, especially KoB, I just think this is superior - it epitomises the pure essence of jazz and really illustrates the level of his incredible talent.
That's actually not the right cover, there are different versions of the session, I have two, the standard 1958 10 track album (as first pictured) and a 1988 Fontana release of the complete recordings, which is 26 tracks. This cover with purple writing (mine actually says Complete Recordings as well);
https://static.qobuz.com/images/covers/ia/vv/dpawh122fvvia_600.jpg
That's what I'm actually playing. The booklet has great notes about how the session was recorded. I would recommend the full session version if you ever fancy buying it. You might not agree it's better than KoB, but it's essential Miles IMO.
The film's good too :)
Thanks Tim. I will go for the 26 track version: the CD set is about £42, so I'll buy it shortly.
Also think I'll track down a DVD of the film as I enjoy foreign films.
Kind of Blue
Miles Davis
1959
https://static.qobuz.com/images/covers/28/24/5099749522428_600.jpg
Having said all that, I still play this an awful lot, just not quite as often as Ascenseur pour l'échafaud. What I like about it is it's raw purity, whereas KoB is almost too perfect, too polished. There's a certain honesty to Ascenseur pour l'échafaud, it feels more immediate. At the end of the day though, they are both masterpieces from a musical genius.
Dancing in the Dark
The Fred Hersch Trio • Fred Hersch • Drew Gress • Tom Rainey
1993
https://static.qobuz.com/images/covers/ga/mi/k68dhiyqjmiga_600.jpg
I've done both and controversially I'm going to say Kind of Blue is overrated, also Birth of the Cool and Sketches - this is Miles' best album IMO. That's not to take anything away from the aforementioned, they are without doubt some of the best jazz recordings ever made, especially KoB, I just think this is superior - it epitomises the pure essence of jazz and really illustrates the level of his incredible talent.
That's actually not the right cover, there are different versions of the session, I have two, the standard 1958 10 track album (as first pictured) and a 1988 Fontana release of the complete recordings, which is 26 tracks. This cover with purple writing (mine actually says Complete Recordings as well);
https://static.qobuz.com/images/covers/ia/vv/dpawh122fvvia_600.jpg
That's what I'm actually playing. The booklet has great notes about how the session was recorded. I would recommend the full session version if you ever fancy buying it. You might not agree it's better than KoB, but it's essential Miles IMO.
The film's good too :)
I only have a few Miles Davis albums, and this isn’t one of them, so giving it a go on Tidal. Like most casual fans I guess KoB is my “go to” though I do love Birth of the Cool and Sketches of Spain too.
I only have a few Miles Davis albums, and this isn’t one of them, so giving it a go on Tidal. Like most casual fans I guess KoB is my “go to” though I do love Birth of the Cool and Sketches of Spain too.
Apologies if you already know this Alex, but what makes this stand out for me are the circumstances of the recording. It's a film soundtrack for a French film - Davis was invited to do the music after being shown the film at a private screening. He assembled his other musicians at the recording studio with no prior preparation other than Davis giving them a few rudimentary harmonic sequences he'd put together in his hotel room. The session was improvised late at night with no pre-composed themes, while edited loops of the musically relevant film sequences were projected on a screen, so they put the music together on the fly as it were, whilst watching the film.
Everyone knows about those other albums, so much so they are almost mainstream 'go to' jazz albums - I think this is unique and more organic, so more authentic than the well known favourites. YMMV
Lawrence001
12-06-2026, 20:14
Apologies if you already know this Alex, but what makes this stand out for me are the circumstances of the recording. It's a film soundtrack for a French film - Davis was invited to do the music after being shown the film at a private screening. He assembled his other musicians at the recording studio with no prior preparation other than Davis giving them a few rudimentary harmonic sequences he'd put together in his hotel room. The session was improvised late at night with no pre-composed themes, while edited loops of the musically relevant film sequences were projected on a screen, so they put the music together on the fly as it were, whilst watching the film.
Everyone knows about those other albums, so much so they are almost mainstream 'go to' jazz albums - I think this is unique and more organic, so more authentic than the well known favourites. YMMVI didn't know this I'm going to listen to it properly and I might appreciate it more.
https://i.ibb.co/twrzHf00/JZ080407-04.jpg (https://imgbb.com/)
Donald Byrd - trumpet
Pepper Adams - baritone saxophone
Duke Pearson - piano
Laymon Jackson - bass
Philly Joe Jones - drums
https://i.ibb.co/twrzHf00/JZ080407-04.jpg (https://imgbb.com/)
Donald Byrd - trumpet
Pepper Adams - baritone saxophone
Duke Pearson - piano
Laymon Jackson - bass
Philly Joe Jones - drums
Good one Martin, and a nice car to boot. :)
Good one Martin, and a nice car to boot. :)
Those jazz men knew what was cool. I mean, it's just an effortlessly cool album cover.
I agree - maybe we should start a new thread to show what are your favourite covers. I think the Jazz and Blues section would be a good place to start.
Neil Cowley Trio - Built on Bach (2026)
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20260615/08300c278d79b6a20da12c73915aa4bd.jpg
Not sure if this should go in the Jazz or Classical thread - but as it’s not really Bach covers, more Bach inspired, I’ve settled here with jazz.
Usual excellent musicianship and very nicely recorded, a cheery 30 minutes.
Pigmy Pony
15-06-2026, 21:36
I agree - maybe we should start a new thread to show what are your favourite covers. I think the Jazz and Blues section would be a good place to start.
I think the words 'Blue Note' automatically makes the album cover look cool.
3,4,5 The Verve Small Group Sessions
Benny Carter
1954
https://static.qobuz.com/images/covers/oa/yh/zd01v5bviyhoa_600.jpg
I absolutely adore this album.
Urbane Jazz
Roy Eldridge • Benny Carter
1957
https://static.qobuz.com/images/covers/rb/sa/yhwbm6vjssarb_600.jpg
Urbane Jazz
Roy Eldridge • Benny Carter
1957
https://static.qobuz.com/images/covers/rb/sa/yhwbm6vjssarb_600.jpg
Another good one there, with a stylish cover sleeve. :)
Where Rivers Meet
Your Brother's Keeper • Gary Bartz
2026
https://static.qobuz.com/images/covers/gz/f0/cf66eiaw0f0gz_600.jpg
I'm liking this - Gary Bartz used to play with Miles Davis in the 70s.
https://i.ibb.co/DHx7Gfh9/donaldbyrd.webp (https://ibb.co/hJPKXFbB)
https://i.ibb.co/nsHVvkTF/OIP-3.webp (https://imgbb.com/)
The Ben Webster/Harry Edison Sessions
Billie Holiday
1957
https://static.qobuz.com/images/covers/la/4r/t8z063lej4rla_600.jpg
https://i.ibb.co/DHx7Gfh9/donaldbyrd.webp (https://ibb.co/hJPKXFbB)
Another good one, with a great cover sleeve.
https://i.ibb.co/nsHVvkTF/OIP-3.webp (https://imgbb.com/)
I always had mixed feelings about Weather Report, despite seeing them play live on a few occasions. Jaco Pastorius seemed to dominate the act both when playing live or on their records.
As their records go, that one is not too bad (in my opinion of course).
The Ben Webster/Harry Edison Sessions
Billie Holiday
1957
https://static.qobuz.com/images/covers/la/4r/t8z063lej4rla_600.jpg
I don't know that one Tim, but anything by Billie Holiday is fine by me. :)
Can't go wrong with a bit of Billie, especially on a Sunday . . . about 10 years ago I started making a point of always listening to jazz on Sundays, trying to learn something new and play a classic album I didn't know.
As my knowledge and library has grown, so have the number of days I play jazz.
Sunday is my jazz day also.
Sunday is my jazz day also.
:thumbsup:
Gate of Dreams
Claus Ogermann Orchestra
1977
https://static.qobuz.com/images/covers/63/12/0075992731263_600.jpg
Lalo Schifrin (The title is too long for me to type out!)
https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/5/5b/The_Dissection_and_Reconstruction_of_Music_from_th e_Past_as_Performed_by_the_Inmates_of_Lalo_Schifri n%27s_Demented_Ensemble_as_a_Tribute_to_the_Memory _of_the_Marquis_De_Sade_%28cover_art%29.jpg
Not quite sure where to post this, it's minimalist but could be posted under classical, jazz, or in this case world music:
Africa Express presents 'Terry Riley's' In C Mali'
https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/513qgjeCOeL._AC_SY300_SX300_QL70_ML2_.jpg
CD
It's 27C here - too hot to do anything outside, so staying indoors drinking a bottle of Becks lager and playing this:
Toumani Diabate with Ballake Sissoko - 'New Ancient Strings'
https://i.ebayimg.com/images/g/oeQAAOSwY31l8tNU/s-l960.webp
Pigmy Pony
22-07-2026, 08:47
https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51QnYidcfgL._AC_SX425_.jpg
Pigmy Pony
22-07-2026, 09:23
https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/61-hy6Wrx6L._AC_SX679_.jpg
https://static.qobuz.com/images/covers/81/52/0060254715281_600.jpg
https://static.qobuz.com/images/covers/81/52/0060254715281_600.jpg
Interesting choice: a jazz trumpeter new to me. I know of Paul Chambers and Philly Joe Jones, but not Kenny Doreham.
(BTW, have you moved from the south coast to Wales Tim? Trust the move went well.)
https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51QnYidcfgL._AC_SX425_.jpg
That is a fairly recent (2007) release, compared with the Stanley Clarke titles I am familiar with - is it worth tracking down a copy?
The only Stanley Clarke records I have now are:
Stanley Clarke
https://uk.rarevinyl.com/cdn/shop/products/stanley-clarke-stanley-clarke-uk-vinyl-lp-album-record-epc32042-313951.jpg?v=1781693799&width=550
and School Days
https://i.ebayimg.com/images/g/sE0AAeSwF0RpNQ8j/s-l1600.webp
I used to have a copy of 'Rocks, Pebbles and Sand', but didn't really get on with it.
Pigmy Pony
24-07-2026, 08:40
That is a fairly recent (2007) release, compared with the Stanley Clarke titles I am familiar with - is it worth tracking down a copy?
The only Stanley Clarke records I have now are:
Stanley Clarke
https://uk.rarevinyl.com/cdn/shop/products/stanley-clarke-stanley-clarke-uk-vinyl-lp-album-record-epc32042-313951.jpg?v=1781693799&width=550
and School Days
https://i.ebayimg.com/images/g/sE0AAeSwF0RpNQ8j/s-l1600.webp
I used to have a copy of 'Rocks, Pebbles and Sand', but didn't really get on with it.
"The Toys of Men" is ok, a wide variety of styles, but nowhere near his best imo - I much prefer "Up", though it is very much an in-your-face recording. It contains an excellent remake of the School Days title track. Better still I think is "Journey to Love" (1975) preceding "School Days" (which will always be my favourite).
I've never heard nor owned that one you listed there (Stanley Clarke). I should seek that one out.
Meanwhile, I'm giving this a go, I bought this for a good price in Bulgaria a few years ago, but couldn't get on with it. Ten years on, and so far not so good.
https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/71XCLrU586L._AC_SX679_.jpg
https://i.ibb.co/yB702W2t/R.jpg (https://ibb.co/0Vvq5h5T)
Not listened to that in ages. It was great, really great. Like being there.
Wakefield Turntables
26-07-2026, 15:04
Ascenseur pour l'échafaud
Miles Davis
1958
https://static.qobuz.com/images/covers/oc/yv/po8isu85cyvoc_600.jpg
One of my favourites. I have 2 copies. :doh:
Not listened to that in ages. It was great, really great. Like being there.
Yes, it's a superb recording. Just wish you could filter out all the inter-song patter; but then you would loose the atmosphere and sense of 'being there'.
Yes, it's a superb recording. Just wish you could filter out all the inter-song patter; but then you would loose the atmosphere and sense of 'being there'.
Yes that's all part of it. There's always the studio albums if you just want the performance and nothing else. But the arrangements are better on the Sands recording.
rmcin626
27-07-2026, 14:14
https://i.ibb.co/QvdXjYCg/IMG-0175.jpg
https://i.ibb.co/QvdXjYCg/IMG-0175.jpg
One of my favourites that.
rmcin626
27-07-2026, 14:36
One of my favourites that.
Missed out when the Kevin Grey remaster was released last year, it sounds fantastic Martin.
Missed out when the Kevin Grey remaster was released last year, it sounds fantastic Martin.
It is a fantastic recording especially when you consider how long ago it was made. But Frank was a perfectionist.
Pigmy Pony
28-07-2026, 10:55
https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/71hCtmhkQdL._AC_SX679_.jpg
That looks interesting, Steve - saved for my evening sesh. :)
Pigmy Pony
28-07-2026, 13:26
That looks interesting, Steve - saved for my evening sesh. :)
It's ok Alex, as is vol.2. Impressive list of performers on it. There's a track towards the end by French rapper MC Solaar, which I liked enough to get an album of his, though I don't understand a word he's saying :doh:
More hip hop than jazz I think, and I much prefer the album I played earlier, "Hand on the Torch" by Us3, which is in a similar vein. That one is definitely worth checking out, if you don't already know about it.
Pigmy Pony
29-07-2026, 13:25
https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51OnBORta7L._AC_SX425_.jpg
Pigmy Pony
29-07-2026, 14:10
https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/81l9G9oZ+HL._AC_SX679_.jpg
https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/81l9G9oZ+HL._AC_SX679_.jpg
Another good one there Steve.
Lars Erstrand -'At Gallery Astley Vol. 1
https://i.discogs.com/Ccn7VttrEz635VbNkpkqVikxKQ49U3H1Tt4YS-FIyD8/rs:fit/g:sm/q:90/h:600/w:600/czM6Ly9kaXNjb2dz/LWRhdGFiYXNlLWlt/YWdlcy9SLTI3OTQy/MzMzLTE2OTE3NTQ5/NzAtMTE3My5qcGVn.jpeg
Easy-going rendition of some jazz classics by this Swedish sextet. Perfect for late-night listening.
(Another 25p charity shop acquisition.)
https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/1024x768q70/924/niTbub.jpg
Marco.
Pigmy Pony
15-08-2026, 14:49
Very much at the funk end of jazz/funk, but enough jazz to be posted here.
https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/81oe7U-vq5L._AC_SX679_.jpg
https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/1024x768q70/924/niTbub.jpg
Marco.
Nice collection of bluesmen there.
Very much at the funk end of jazz/funk, but enough jazz to be posted here.
https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/81oe7U-vq5L._AC_SX679_.jpg
Music now has so many divisions and genres that I too have difficulty in their filing and cataloguing. In the good old days it was simple: Classical; Blues (and R&B) ( but not what is now called "R&B ); Jazz; Folk, Pop and Rock, and 'World' (which is a bit non-sensical as all music is world music (but you know what I mean). But now there are dozens of sub genres. :doh:
Pigmy Pony
16-08-2026, 12:20
Following on from 1995's "Tales", closing with a rather splendid instrumental cover of "Come Together", I thought I'd give this one a play, "Laid Black" (2018). Not as good I'd say, a bit patchy.
https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/81wMkhxunCL._AC_SX679_.jpg
He's had something of a career, producing and performing on albums for numerous artists, including Miles Davis, David Sandborn, Herbie Hancock, George Benson, Aretha Franklin, Bryan Ferry, Chaka Khan, Was (Not Was), and many others.
I might have to seek out more of his earlier stuff.
It's on the Blue Note label so can't be too bad. :eyebrows:
Pigmy Pony
16-08-2026, 14:20
So it is, I hadn't noticed :doh: I agree Barry, it's not bad, but I think the earlier one I played was much better.
https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/1024x768q70/924/shyipM.jpg
Marco.
Next up...
https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/1024x768q70/923/x43eCP.jpg
Marco.
rmcin626
21-08-2026, 12:18
Next up...
https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/1024x768q70/923/x43eCP.jpg
Marco.
Never heard of Jimmy Yancey to be honest, any good?
Yeah, if you like stripped-back 'down and dirty' old skool blues:)
Marco.
https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/1024x768q70/924/shyipM.jpg
Marco.
Nice one Marco. I have of course heard of Blind Boy Fuller and of Sony Terry, and have a few of their albums. I have not heard of Bull City Red; so will try to check him out. :)
Yeah, if you like stripped-back 'down and dirty' old skool blues:)
Marco.
Ah yes - Jimmy Yancey, another good one. :)
Cheers, guys... Something a little more mainstream now:
https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/1024x768q70/922/DsECAX.jpg
Marco.
https://i.ibb.co/VYh05R1k/208051-1499344755.jpg (https://ibb.co/HTML36S9)
It is. Will have some more of that:
https://i.ibb.co/N6RJ64Xq/OIP-6.webp (https://imgbb.com/)
Nice one. Here's my next line up...
https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/1024x768q70/923/GRbrSS.jpg
Marco.
Some good stuff on that BB King. I really like his version of 'Don't Get Around Much Anymore.'
Powered by vBulletin® Version 4.2.3 Copyright © 2026 vBulletin Solutions, Inc. All rights reserved.