Symbolic Jazz Albums

There are a lot of great jazz albums out there. Because of that, it’s kind of hard to nail down what’s a classic and what’s just a solid piece of work. So, we’re going to share some albums with you that have left lasting impressions on jazz lovers over the years. Please note that these albums are in no particular order.

 

John Coltrane
“Blue Train”

Coltrane recorded “Blue Train” in 1957 during his residency at Five Spot Café. At the time, he was a member of the Thelonious Monk Quartet.  He recorded the album with Lee Morgan on trumpet, Curtis Fuller on trombone, Kenny Drew on piano, Paul Chambers on bass, and Philly Joe Jones on drums.  “Blue Train” has appeared on a number of essential jazz album lists. It represents the pinnacle of Coltrane’s hard bop phase, right before he moved on to more globally inspired sounds. “Blue Train” was released on Blue Note Records in 1958.

 

The Dave Brubeck Quartet

“Time Out”

“Time Out” was recorded as an experiment to convey the musical styles that Brubeck discovered during a Department of State sponsored tour of Eurasia. The Quartet was only allowed to create it after they recorded a more conventional album made up of songs of the American South. The album featured Brubeck on piano, Paul Desmond on alto saxophone, Eugene Wright on bass, and Joe Morello on drums. Critics initially panned the album, but despite the negative reviews, “Take Five” became a Top 40 hit single and remains the biggest-selling jazz single of all time.  Released in 1959, “Time Out” also became the first instrumental jazz album to sell over a million copies.

 

Sarah Vaughan with Clifford Brown

“Sarah Vaughan”

Vaughan’s self–titled album has often been called her greatest. Recorded in 1954, it is the only collaboration between Vaughan and jazz trumpeter Clifford Brown, who won the DownBeat magazine critics’ poll for New Star of the Year that same year. In addition to Vaughan and Brown, the album featured Paul Quinichette on tenor saxophone, Herbie Mann on flute, Jimmy Jones on piano, Joe Benjamin on bass, and Roy Haynes on drums.  ”Sarah Vaughan” has been recognized for it’s remarkable ensemble work, gorgeous standards, and an intuitive interplay between Vaughan and her horn players, and was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 1999.

 

These are just a few of the many essential jazz albums in existence. If you are interested in learning more, be sure to check back in the coming weeks when we discuss jazz festivals for the ultimate jazz lover!

5 Music Software Must-Haves

The art of recording has developed alongside advancements in technology.  In fact, tech mixes so well with the art of recording that it is now the only way to make music.  To have an album released nowadays and not be from the digital realm is an oddity.  Thirty years ago, it took rooms of mixing boards, amps, booths, tape recording equipment, and trained professionals who knew how all that equipment worked and all the little tricks to get the sound right.  That is no longer the case.

Successful artists still use much of the “old ways” to make their albums sound perfect, but the advancement of home recording software has leveled the playing field for those who want a richly produced sound without the expense and expertise.

If you are looking for a music software system to create your own home recordings, here is a list to help you find what works and is the best fit.  This list was created after researching what systems are available in today’s market, how long the system has been a force in the industry, and what level of tech is required to get the job done.

 

5 Music Software Must-Haves

 

  1. GarageBand ( Apple)

The best thing about GarageBand is that it is free and doesn’t require a lot of equipment. Simply purchase an iPad, download GarageBand, and you are ready to go.  Apple packs a ton of additions to the stock program, and beats, instruments, and live recording are also part of the package.  It will not get you the same studio quality as some other systems on this list, but for very little money and hassle it will make your music sound great.

  1.   Ableton Live  (Windows, Apple)

Ableton Live has been making a name for itself for years.  Released in 2001, it was one of the only software programs that could change the tempo of the music without affecting pitch.  The ability to have a music software system that can record and mix live performances placed Ableton Live in a league of their own.  The mixing capabilities are still some of the best-designed software on the market today.   

 

  1.   Image-Line FL Studio (Windows)

This software system gained popularity for its ability to create amazing loops.  First known as FruityLoops, FL Studio is used widely in hip-hop and electronic dance music (EDM). FL Studio is also a favorite with producers for its ease of use and editing capabilities.

  1. Logic Pro (Apple)

Logic Pro has been on the scene from the beginning.  Logic Pro is a full-feature music production system that can create professional-grade music.  Apple purchased Logic Pro in 2002. The extra add-ons and features that Logic contains make it easy to control while maintaining a conservative user interface.

  1.   Avid Pro Tools (Windows, Apple)

Pro Tools is the top music production software system used today in the music industry.  Avid, the creator of Pro Tools, is the movie industry standard for video production, so it was only natural for them to own the audio market too.  Pro Tools has a few different levels available depending on where you are starting.  (maybe include a sentence or two about the different levels that are available, i.e. Pro Tools First, Pro Tools, Pro Tools Ultimate.) They also make proprietary hardware for their professional level software system.

 

While there are many programs to choose from, this list represents the systems that have displayed longevity, a strong fan base, and the ability to consistently get the job done.  Pro Tools as our number one pick offers a level of depth and focus that has made it a mainstay in the music industry, but any of these Top 5 Music Software Systems will deliver.  

 

Post Written by Michael Brigger

Standards All Jazz Fans Should Know

If you’re a jazz fan, it is likely you already know what a jazz standard is. If so, good for you! But don’t go anywhere just yet – we have some information you might find interesting later on in this post. If you don’t know what a jazz standard is, this next paragraph is for you, so keep on reading.

A jazz standard is a song that is regularly performed or recorded by jazz artists. Because these songs are played a lot, they are easily recognized by many jazz fans or music lovers in general. Those are pretty much the basics; a jazz standard is simply a popular song that tends to frequently reappear in the repertoires of a wide range of musicians.

The one thing that even jazz fans might not know is that a standard doesn’t have to be written by a jazz composer. A number of jazz standards were originally written for Broadway or Hollywood musicals, or they were Tin Pan Alley songs. In Europe, some standards were even purported to be folk or ethnic songs.

Now that we have determined what a jazz standard is, here are some examples of popular standards all jazz fans should know. Whether you’re new to jazz or a long-time fan, we’re pretty sure you will know some of these songs.

Jazz Standards By Decade

Since there are so many songs out there, we’re going to list a few jazz standards by decade to make things a little easier.

Jazz Standards from the 1920s or The “Jazz Age”

Here are a few popular standards that originated during the 20s.

Jazz Standards from the 1930s

Here are some jazz standards that were written in the 30s.

Jazz Standards from the 1940s

These songs were created during the 40s.

Jazz Standards from the 1950s

These songs came out of the Rock ‘n’ Roll era.

Jazz Standards from the 1960s

Here are a few popular tunes from the 60s.

Jazz Standards from the 1970s and 1980s

These last two decades delivered a handful of hits.

Of course, this is just as small taste of the jazz standards that are out there. So tell us: what are your favorites?

Post by Devon F.

Gibson Guitar: An American Legend

Visit the Metropolitan Museum of Art recently? If not, you are missing out on one of the best exhibits to date; the museums Gibson Guitar collection “Play It Loud“.

Why does the Met have a huge display dedicated to Gibson instruments? Well, few guitars have more notoriety and fame than Gibson guitars.  Turn on the radio and odds are you are listening to a Gibson guitar. For over a hundred years Gibson has been on the forefront of guitar design, innovation, and manufacturing.  Jazz, Blues and Rock artist all use Gibson Guitars.  A legend by any measure, Gibson has helped to create the American sound. The Gibson Les Paul, a solid body electric guitar that was first introduced in 1952, is arguably the best guitar ever made and is a huge collector’s item.  A noted 1959 Les Paul model sold for $2 million in 2014. The Gibson brand has transcended all styles of music and continues to be a dominate force in the music industry today.

Gibson started a long time ago.  Originally founded in 1902, Orville Gibson started the Gibson Mandolin-Guitar Company in Kalamazoo, Michigan. Orville Gibson is credited with the invention of the archtop guitar by constructing the same type of carved, arched tops previously only used on classical violins. This design modification created a sound and tone that changed the feel of the music. Gibson also patented a single-piece mandolin design in the early 1900’s that was more durable than other mandolins and could be manufactured in volume. The F-5 model became the most popular and most imitated American mandolin. By the 1930s, the company was also making flattop acoustic guitars, as well as one of the first commercially available hollow-body electric guitars.  Gibson became one of the top guitar manufactures in the world because of these innovations.

Gibson guitars have influenced the music industry for generations. Its classic jazz tone can be heard in the music of jazz greats like Johnny Smith, Tal Farlow, Wes Montgomery, and Pat Metheny. Many country music artists use the Gibson for the soulful feel and “real” sound the guitar creates.  Lady Antebellum, Brad Paisley, Darius Rucker and Sugarland all use Gibson guitars.  The body shape of Gibson guitars is recognized around the world as an icon for rock and roll music. Bob Marley, Jimmy Page, Elvis Presley, and B.B King were also known for playing Gibson guitars. The sound of a Gibson is what makes it so special.

From jazz to rock the Gibson sound is everywhere. The Gibson brand has been a mainstay in the music industry for over 100 years and they are not slowing down. Now located Nashville, Tennessee, Gibson still builds and manufactures their guitars in the United States. The use of high-quality woods and expert craftsmanship is what sets Gibson apart. They recently unveiled their new 2019 guitar and bass lineup. Featuring a number of new models and variations, it reflects a back to basics approach to the company’s catalog of instruments.