Exploring Music Variety
music
When I was asked to join the music articles team, I was excited. I have always loved music in its many forms. I love that on my way toward half a century, I hear songs that are new to me every day. I always hope others have the same opportunity to hear new music.
My taste in music varies. It tends to lean toward rock, classical, disco and jazz, but I will listen to just about anything once. I often listen to strong vocalists who really know how to work their voices like the instrument they are. As a former musician I take pleasure in instrumental music that gives me an opportunity to create different visuals in my mind. Creating music can be such an intensive, personal process and enjoying the fruits of musicians' labor is an absolute privilege. Here are a few albums that I really enjoy,and I hope you'll check out with me.
Boston – Greatest Hits (1997)
Boston is an American rock band formed in Boston, Massachusetts, in 1975. There are many people who might not be fond of Boston because of their clean, arena rock sound. They have always been a favorite of mine because of Tom Scholz’s writing and production, the band’s spot-on cohesiveness, and Brad Delp’s golden voice. I grew up listening to classic rock, and Boston is one of my dad’s favorites. Before I learned how to use my voice correctly for singing, I knew if anybody was doing it right it was Delp. I am still mesmerized by his effortless tenor and tone.
This Greatest Hits album includes some of their best tracks from 1976-1997. These songs will be instantly recognized, such as “More Than a Feeling,” “Peace of Mind,” “Don’t Look Back,” and the iconic progressive rock track “Foreplay/Long Time.” Along with these tracks, “Rock & Roll Band” has always been a favorite of mine, as it is basically the story of how the band first got signed to their label Epic.
The first two tracks and the last track are previously unreleased tracks, so you can sample their later work. These three tracks also feature former lead singer Fran Cosmo. Brad Delp wasn’t with the band at the time, but Fran Cosmo is pretty darn good. If you’re looking to be transported back to the classic rock era, with plenty of lip-syncing tracks (let’s face it none of us are Brad Delp), give this a listen.
Art Blakey and the Jazz Messengers – Moanin’ (1958)
Art Blakey was an American jazz drummer and bandleader whose impact in the world of jazz is crucial. The Jazz Messengers started as a quintet in 1955. The band went through many iterations and line-ups over its 35 year history. They evolved to become a proving ground for young jazz talent. While there were times veterans would return for a performance here and there, each iteration of The Messengers was composed of new young players. This would help set off the careers of many well-known musicians such as Wynton and Bradford Marsalis, Wayne Shorter, and Jackie McLean.
This album, one of the definitive hard-bop albums of the era, features Blakey on drums, Lee Morgan on trumpet, Benny Golson on tenor saxophone, Jymie Merritt on bass and Bobby Timmons on piano. Originally the album was self-titled, but due to the popularity of the first track “Moanin’,” it became known by that title. And what an opening track it is! “Moanin’” is a bluesy tune written by Timmons. He would play the opening eight bars between songs during performances. Golson encouraged him to add a bridge to make it a full song.
Blakey’s intense drumming is showcased in “Drum Thunder Suite.” Timmons’ key work on “Along Came Betty” and “Come Rain Come Shine” exhibit the soul Timmons put into any and everything he played. Golson and Morgan complement each other so well on each track. They really set the tone of their back and forth in the second track “Are You Real.” Merritt is especially supportive of Blakey’s drums, as every great bass player should be. Merritt has a lovely bass solo in “Come Rain Come Shine” and his accompaniment is top-notch.
Even if you’ve never listened to jazz before, this album is a great introduction to the genre and you won’t be disappointed. You can also check out an awesome performance of this exact lineup of the Jazz Messengers from their Nov 30, 1958, appearance at Brussels, Belgium's Palais des Beaux Arts simply titled Art Blakey & the Jazz Messengers Live in '58.
Sharon Jones & The Dap-Kings – Give the People What They Want (2014)
I remember being in the library before the building was remodeled and just flipping through CDs to check out. I was 20 years old and looking for something new. I happened across a CD called Dap Dippin’ with Sharon Jones and the Dap-Kings. It looked like an older R&B or Soul album, but I love women-fronted groups so I gave it a try. I’ve been a fan of Sharon Jones ever since. She sings with a ferocity many female singers suppress. This was the last album they released before Sharon Jones lost her second battle with cancer. This was also the only album they released that was nominated for a Best R&B Album Grammy in 2015.
Listening to Sharon Jones is like listening to James Brown if he was a woman. She's smaller and nicer, but still just as fiery. This is the kind of album you can play all the way through on a spring afternoon or evening get together outside to keep the vibe upbeat. Only one song from this album was released as a single, “Retreat!” However, the song that shines the most is “Stranger to My Happiness.” In this song, every section of musicians shines so well. The brass section is wonderfully funky, the Dapettes who back up Jones show why they were chosen, and there is a lovely late '60s vibe to the drums that makes the song sound like it could come from 1967 but also 2014. It’s difficult to describe without listening to it, which is why I’m recommending this album.
Their previous albums had Soul and R&B on display, but there were times that you felt immediately transported back to the mid to late '60s. With this album Jones and the Dap Kings managed to keep doing what they do best, while updating the sound without sacrificing integrity.
It’s a shame Jones passed so soon. She didn’t received her first break until she was 40 years old in 1996. If you ask me, 20 years was not a long enough time to be blessed with Jones' talent. If you’re interested in hearing more about her, Miss Sharon Jones! is a great documentary about her life.
