#modern jazz

[spockeye-fierce]

Ornette Coleman

Photo by Juan Carlos Hernandez

[caviarsonoro]

Markus Stockhausen and Florian Weber: Mondtraum ( Alba 2016)

In "Mondtraum", a piece featured on the album Alba (2016), Markus Stockhausen and Florian Weber transport us to a sonic space where improvisation and subtlety engage in perfect harmony. This work, part of an exceptional collaboration between virtuoso trumpeter Stockhausen and pianist Weber, offers a deep, intimate, and ethereal interpretation that challenges the boundaries between contemporary jazz and chamber music.

From the very first bars, Stockhausen unveils his unmistakable trumpet sound, with a pure and crystalline tone that seems to float in a state of suspension. His performance, infused with delicate lyricism, carries an almost meditative quality that invites the listener into an introspective emotional landscape. Stockhausen masters silence and space, pausing each note with precision, resonating with emotional strength. His trumpet does not simply sing but breathes, creating an organic connection with the listener.

Meanwhile, Florian Weber contributes a pianistic accompaniment that acts as a delicate counterbalance. His chords and melodic lines are subtle, fluid, and atmospheric, weaving a rich and enveloping harmonic texture. Weber demonstrates masterful control of rhythm and dynamics, making the piano function both as a rhythmic foundation and a narrative vehicle. The dialogue between the two musicians is an exercise in active listening and mutual surrender, where each intervention respects and elevates the other.

The structure of "Mondtraum" seems to draw inspiration from free improvisation while maintaining a clear sense of purpose and direction. Despite its apparent simplicity, the composition exudes an emotional complexity that evokes dreamlike imagery, like a nighttime stroll under the moonlight, where time stands still and thoughts flow without restrictions.

The title, Mondtraum (translated as "moon dream"), perfectly reflects the character of the piece: ethereal, dreamy, and delicate. The music unfolds as an introspective journey, where every note and silence contributes to creating an immersive and contemplative atmosphere.

Within the context of the album Alba, this piece stands out as a pivotal moment of quiet and reflection, showcasing Stockhausen and Weber's ability to create a musical experience that transcends genres and boundaries. It is a work that, while subtle and minimalist, possesses a palpable emotional intensity, transforming the ephemeral into something eternal.

[ontheothersideofthehill]

Bill Evans within his apartment in Plainsfield, New Jersey, NY, 1980 (photography by Lynn Goldsmith)

1975

[menandwomanofhistory]

Stanley Crouch

[nightbynightfly]

An Album a Day 2024: Day 126

May 5, 2024

Nubya Garcia - SOURCE (2020)

Jazz

[eemcintyre]

Amy Winehouse, Samara Joy and Laufey are the trinity of modern jazz and also the ladies who listen to them are so so smart and tasteful and hot and sexy and cool

[newyorkthegoldenage]

Nat King Cole and Billy Eckstein at the Royal Roost, 1948. The Royal Roost was a jazz club that became one of the most legendary venues for modern jazz. Its heyday only lasted eleven months but in that time they presented all of the great names of the bebop era. It was located, not on 51st (Swing) Street, but at 1580 Broadway between 47th and 48th Streets.

Photo: Herman Leonard via the Fahey Klein Gallery

[goddogcomplex]

Jazz?

Jazz recommendations for anyone and everyone.

So, you wanna start listening to jazz? But you want to listen to interesting artists who you may or may not have heard before? Fusion jazz, you say? Experimental sound, you probe? well, well, have I got a little something extra special for you.

Hello, goobers! Let's talk about some of my favourite jazz albums and artists! YAY

Also, I'll be linking all the albums/artists down below--to either their spotify or youtube(sometimes i cant find it on spotify)

Shabaka and the Ancestors: Alrighty, so these guys are amazing. Like, seriously avant-garde type music, and honestly just so smooth on your ears(like much of jazz). Start off with the album 'Wisdom of Elders', it's borderline spiritual it's that yummy.

Shibusashirazu: A Japanese jazz orchestra, these guys have one of the most interesting sounds I have heard in a while. Chitei records described them as a 'multimedia jazz orchestra'. They draw on a lot of contemporary Japanese culture, and I really think they're worth a listen. One of my favourite albums is Shibuboshi, but I couldn't for the life of me find it on spotify.(i'll link the youtube). Unfortunately, finding their stuff isn't easy and a little confusing, so honestly just listen to whatever you can find, there's a lot of live performances on youtube. I will link their 2006 album's spotify link though, so you can find it easier.

John Coltrane: You simply can't go wrong with John Coltrane. One of the most influential jazz musicians of his time, he has a TON of music available easily, all of it very good. Start out with 'A Love Supreme' if you like, but tbh you could start anywhere and not go wrong. If you like him, his wife Alicia Coltrane also has some absolutely excellent stuff. I recommend her 'Journey in Satchidanada'.

Miles Davis: Another classic, everything is an absolute banger. 'Kind of Blue' was probably one of his greatest hits, and definitely worth a listen. 'Relaxin' With the Miles Davis Quintet' is one that really hits hard, and if you can try listening to the live performances. If you want to know more about Davis, there is a website dedicated to him which is really well made, really nice.

Snarky Puppy: Snarky Puppy have made waves in the jazz corner of the world, with very unique sounds. They aren't exactly jazz, they aren't exactly fusion--but they have some seriously good music. Give their album 'Culcha Vulcha' a listen.

Yussef Kamaal: Some more edible modern fusion jazz, the album 'Black Focus' is just great. Ten tracks, all available on spotify, all bangers. It's been described as 'a seamless weave of spiritual jazz funk'. A lot of the band's influences are garage pop, hip-hop, post Joe Harriott jazz--and to me, that was all pretty alluring. The song 'Mansur's Message' was one of my personal favourites, but to be honest there isn't one skip in the entire album.

Sonny Sharrock: Another wonderful artist, I specifically wanted to mention his album 'Black Woman'. Sharrock's known for his lyricism, and honestly if you're listening to any of the albums here, it should be this.

Billy Cobham: Another icon, I wrote his name here SOLELY for the album 'Spectrum' which I have been just obsessed with. He also has a great ton of other stuff which is great, give him a listen.

Alrighty, this is all I would recommend for now--this is hours and hours of listening material. Have fun, shark babies, I hope you become that obnoxious girl who makes everyone jealous from how much you feel the music. I have more recommendations, so pls ask if you want. My next recommendations list will probably be rock, or a closer look at one of the bands I listen to obsessively, but we'll see.

BYEBYE HAVE FUN

LINKS

'Wisdom of Elders' by Shabaka and the Ancestors:

'Shibusashirazu' on Spotify:

Shibusashirazu Live at Shangri-La on Youtube:

'A Love Supreme' by John Coltrane on Spotify:

'Journey in Satchidanada' by Alicia Coltrane on Spotify:

'Relaxin With the Miles Davis Quintet' on Spotify:

'Culcha Vulcha' by Snarky Puppy:

'Black Focus' by Yussef Kamaal:

'Black Woman' by Sonny Sharrock:

'Spectrum' by Billy Cobham:

That's all the links! Have fun!

[queenrizzardnthelizardscissored]

i love how distinctive Louis Cole is as a drummer like u listen to any song where he's there and it's so clear. it's fuckin awesome. special shout out to grid generation by Cory Wong . I don't really like Cory Wong that much but that one track is so fucking good, in large part i think due to the drums

[worlds-biggest-poser]

I FORGOT TO POST A SONG OF THE DAY YESTERDAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! SORRY GAY PEOPLE!!

Here’s two to make up for it!!

[spockeye-fierce]

Barney Kessel would have turned 101 today !!💙

(October 17, 1923 – May 6, 2004) was an American jazz guitarist born in Muskogee, Oklahoma. Noted in particular for his knowledge of chords and inversions and chord-based melodies, he was a member of many prominent jazz groups as well as a "first call" guitarist for studio, film, and television recording sessions. Kessel was a member of the group of session musicians informally known as the Wrecking Crew.

Django Reinhardt & Barney Kessel 1953 photographed by © Jean-Pierre Leloir

[caviarsonoro]

GoGo Penguin - Hopopono (Official Video) [Gondwana Records]

"Hopopono" is a track that encapsulates the essence of GoGo Penguin's distinctive sound—a British trio that has redefined the boundaries of contemporary jazz by blending it with electronic and minimalist influences. This track, taken from their album v2.0, presents itself as a hypnotic and emotionally resonant sonic experience, brimming with dynamism and precision.

At the core of the piece lies the impeccable interaction between the three members of the trio. Chris Illingworth, on piano, develops cyclical melodic patterns that balance simplicity with depth. His performance is precise and evocative, acting as the backbone of the piece. Nick Blacka, on double bass, provides a rich and pulsing rhythmic foundation, often taking on a melodic role of its own, creating a fascinating dialogue with the piano. Meanwhile, Rob Turner, on drums, delivers an almost electronic approach, with rhythms reminiscent of glitch and breakbeat, giving the track a uniquely contemporary energy.

"Hopopono" stands out for its progressive structure. As it unfolds, the track grows in intensity without ever losing its meditative character. The minimalist elements of repetition and gradual variation evoke the music of composers like Steve Reich, while the rhythmic energy and precision recall electronic artists such as Aphex Twin. This balance between the organic and the digital is one of the trio's greatest achievements and is brilliantly showcased in this piece.

The atmosphere of "Hopopono" is both introspective and vibrant. The combination of textures creates a sense of constant motion, like a river flowing uninterruptedly, inviting the listener to immerse themselves in its layers. It is a track that is not only heard but experienced, connecting with emotions and challenging the expectations of traditional jazz.

[soon-fm]

Song of the day: red. - SALVALAI

Released: 2020

Artist Genre(s): jazz fusion, funk, modern jazz, instrumental

Origin: Japan

Monthly listeners: 22k

[menandwomanofhistory]

Tony Bennett

[hezigler]

Miles Davis - Boplicity - (original 1949 recording)

Illustrated with artwork by Miles Davis that has been animated.

This is like the Bebop national anthem. Feel your way through the changes as you listen carefully to the rythm. This tune is like a primer and exercise in Modern Jazz phrasing.

[eemcintyre]

A love letter to my favorite genre(s), jazz/swing