This was an engaging exploration, Terry and inspired a night of listening to Candy Dulfer and others. I'm so impressed that you're committed to learning to play saxophone!
My father's sister was a jazz pianist, something of a prodigy given the age at which she showed proficiency, and her husband (while the marriage lasted) a jazz trumpeter. They made quite a pair. She had a lot of hardship in her life, but when she played, she was fully, delightfully alive!
Thanks, Elizabeth! I'm not sure the neighbours are impressed, but still! They must have sounded brilliant together. Your comment about her coming alive is interesting. I say a DJ called Tony Blackburn talking about Gerry, of Gerry and the Pacemakers. Gerry and his wife and Tony were having dinner together on a cruise ship, and then Gerry got on stage to perform. Tony said he just came alive!
I loved this, Terry! So beautifully researched and written. One of the best things you've ever shared here on Substack, in my humble opinion. I am going back to it later tonight with a glass of prosecco and the lights dim and listen to all the tracks again. A fine selection.
"...they’re not exactly certain what the other one will do, and delight in that unknowing." Such a perfect line. Not unlike great sex with a stranger. Just saying.
I’m in a crowded room waiting to get blood drawn otherwise I would listen to every clip posted. Haha. Great article. Will send to hubby as he is a big jazz fan.
Speaking of Herbie. There is one song that he completely co-opted, so that when I hear the original or other covers, I can only really hear his flute. That is Delaney and Bonnie's "Never Ending Song of Love." https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=irfoDNkBaQA
Thanks, Ehud. I actually have that album! Beautiful flute, though I have to say I'm not that enamoured of the song to be honest. I love his version of Hold On, I'm Coming. I have that on an album too, but not the live version. I saw Herbie Mann at Ronnie Scott's circa 1972, with Sonny Sharrock on guitar. It was a great gig, despite Mann being in a foul mood.
Wow, a love story to jazz, Terry - this post has delighted me to the core. I haven't indulged in the listens yet - that's a treat for me to look forward to a little later - but your beautiful observations on this most intriguing of musical genres have made me glow.
These words of yours reminded me rather of a long-standing relationship I have with a fellow writer: "They each give me the impression that they’re not exactly certain what the other one will do, and delight in that unknowing. They bounce off each other, each picking up their cue in turn." Happy sigh.
A call-back to our collab, Terry! Nice! Fun to be reacquainted with that one! Thanks!
A blast from the past indeed, Brad! Happy Days :-)
Interesting insights into a genre that I have never fully appreciated. I really enjoyed this.
Thanks, Jim! So will you listen to some more do you think?
This was an engaging exploration, Terry and inspired a night of listening to Candy Dulfer and others. I'm so impressed that you're committed to learning to play saxophone!
My father's sister was a jazz pianist, something of a prodigy given the age at which she showed proficiency, and her husband (while the marriage lasted) a jazz trumpeter. They made quite a pair. She had a lot of hardship in her life, but when she played, she was fully, delightfully alive!
Thanks, Elizabeth! I'm not sure the neighbours are impressed, but still! They must have sounded brilliant together. Your comment about her coming alive is interesting. I say a DJ called Tony Blackburn talking about Gerry, of Gerry and the Pacemakers. Gerry and his wife and Tony were having dinner together on a cruise ship, and then Gerry got on stage to perform. Tony said he just came alive!
I loved this, Terry! So beautifully researched and written. One of the best things you've ever shared here on Substack, in my humble opinion. I am going back to it later tonight with a glass of prosecco and the lights dim and listen to all the tracks again. A fine selection.
"...they’re not exactly certain what the other one will do, and delight in that unknowing." Such a perfect line. Not unlike great sex with a stranger. Just saying.
Thanks, Sharron. Glad you enjoyed it. Sex with a stranger: 🤣
My days may be numbered, your excellence, but my memory is loooooong.
😂
To my knowledge, Mann is the only jazz musician to have ever appeared shirtless on an album cover.
Really? I have that album! I think it was one called Stone Flute. I'll have to dig it out and check.
I’m in a crowded room waiting to get blood drawn otherwise I would listen to every clip posted. Haha. Great article. Will send to hubby as he is a big jazz fan.
Thanks, Carissa. Did you have a listen? Did Hubby enjoy the article and the songs featured?
Not yet. It’s been a weird time.
Careful what you pursue Terry. If I could do music, there would be no reason to write. Music's the more perfect form
This is very true, Richard! But I love both, so no danger of my giving either of them up 😁
Happy sigh. Songs from my younger days. Thanks.
My pleasure, Beth. 😁
Speaking of Herbie. There is one song that he completely co-opted, so that when I hear the original or other covers, I can only really hear his flute. That is Delaney and Bonnie's "Never Ending Song of Love." https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=irfoDNkBaQA
Another, he owned, but you still can stay in love with the original: "Hold on I'm Coming" by Sam and Dave. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZBuGKg2UbCA
Thanks, Ehud. I actually have that album! Beautiful flute, though I have to say I'm not that enamoured of the song to be honest. I love his version of Hold On, I'm Coming. I have that on an album too, but not the live version. I saw Herbie Mann at Ronnie Scott's circa 1972, with Sonny Sharrock on guitar. It was a great gig, despite Mann being in a foul mood.
This, a later one, became my favorite. This was after I "left" jazz. I didn't know any of the musicians. https://music.youtube.com/playlist?list=OLAK5uy_kNLJhE7T74lZFgzaYpX2Fp9X3vfVXAI1E
He got a ot of credit for giving Sonny Sharrok a platform. Not easy!
btw, Fathead Newman's solo at the end would sound just fine on the alto. :)
Which one? I didn't know he was featured.
This was about the same time: Mississippi Gambler. https://music.youtube.com/watch?v=2fhs8ALOxYc&si=X7bzKVAmNrJFuvj-
That's just it. I've learned that releases in England and Europe are different from the USA. Maybe this will work.
Live at Montreux: https://music.youtube.com/watch?v=aFCLKoSjmsw&si=3SEwGEwpIR35nRVm
Andy Muson on fretless bass. Fathead sax solo.
Wow, a love story to jazz, Terry - this post has delighted me to the core. I haven't indulged in the listens yet - that's a treat for me to look forward to a little later - but your beautiful observations on this most intriguing of musical genres have made me glow.
These words of yours reminded me rather of a long-standing relationship I have with a fellow writer: "They each give me the impression that they’re not exactly certain what the other one will do, and delight in that unknowing. They bounce off each other, each picking up their cue in turn." Happy sigh.
Gonna listen to some jazz now. Thank you. x
Thanks, Rebecca. Did you listen, and did you enjoy it?