Recommended live j*** recordings

Posted by: Chief Chirpa on 03 January 2010

Hi, I'm slowly but surely starting to listen to jazz these days.

To give an idea of what I like so far, I've been playing it safe with almost exclusively late 50/60s recordings on Blue Note, Verve, and Columbia, mainly popular choices from the usual suspects: Miles, Trane, Herbie, Ornette, and so on. A favourite is Wayne Shorter's Speak No Evil. However...



I was listening to the above for the first time today, and it sounds great, as you get a real feel for the venue, clinking glasses and all. Afterwards, I realised it's the only live jazz recording I have, and it made me think I should try some other live albums. I guess I'm looking first for recordings from the era I mentioned above, though not exclusively, preferably ones with the same kind of intimate 'live' atmosphere that works so well on the above Ornette album.

So, that's one recommendation from me. I thought I'd start a thread as I'm hoping a few folk can post a few of their favourites for me (and everyone else) to try out. Your suggestions, please.

Thanks in advance,
CC
Posted on: 04 January 2010 by Oldnslow
Oscar Peterson trio ("The Trio") recorded live at the London House in Chicago on Verve (remastered) has always been one of my favorite live jazz recordings. The trio of Peterson, Brown, and Thigpen at their best. Another set of fantastic live Peterson recordings are the 4 volume set on MPS recorded in Villingen, Germany in the 60's, the best of which is the one entitled "The Way I Really Play"--the individual CDs have been reissued in hybrid SACD CDs, but the 4 volume set can be purchased for much less, and the sound quality on the sessions was legendary (unlike the London House recording, although the remastered version is OK on that).
Posted on: 05 January 2010 by alainbil






Posted on: 05 January 2010 by nicnaim
In addition to the Oscar Peterson recordings mentioned above try Live in Russia. Originally a double LP that starts with OP solo on side 1, he is then joined by NO Pederson on bass on side 2 and finally with drums on side 3 and 4. Cracking set.



Also Milcho Leviev Blues For The Fisherman (with Art Pepper) although this is only available on vinyl as far as I am aware, and not that easy to get for that matter, but a real classic.

Not near my collection at present, but I am sure there are plenty more I could come up with if you like either of those.

Regards

Nic
Posted on: 05 January 2010 by Chief Chirpa
quote:
Originally posted by droodzilla:

I'm also amazed Chief sees Ornette Coleman as "playing it safe". Respect Cool


Heh heh.

Thanks to everyone for taking the time to reply. I'm sure my newly acquired Penguin Guide to Jazz Recordings will help with looking into almost every one of the albums posted so far when I've a little more time, and I'm sure I'll be getting a few of them.

I heard some of this yesterday, and it's just the kind of thing I was looking for (thanks Kevin) so I've ordered it...



Thanks again,
CC
Posted on: 05 January 2010 by Lontano
quote:
Originally posted by Chief Chirpa:
I'm sure my newly acquired Penguin Guide to Jazz Recordings will help with looking into almost every one of the albums posted so far when I've a little more time, and I'm sure I'll be getting a few of them.



The Penguin guide is superb. But it is not always right, as at the end of the day it is just an opinion. So make sure you cross reference with other sources to be sure.
Posted on: 05 January 2010 by MilesSmiles
quote:
Originally posted by nicnaim:
In addition to the Oscar Peterson recordings mentioned above try Live in Russia. Originally a double LP that starts with OP solo on side 1, he is then joined by NO Pederson on bass on side 2 and finally with drums on side 3 and 4. Cracking set.



Also Milcho Leviev Blues For The Fisherman (with Art Pepper) although this is only available on vinyl as far as I am aware, and not that easy to get for that matter, but a real classic.

Not near my collection at present, but I am sure there are plenty more I could come up with if you like either of those.

Regards

Nic


Thanks for this one - still missing in my collection. Smile
Posted on: 05 January 2010 by droodzilla
quote:
Originally posted by Lontano:
quote:
Originally posted by Chief Chirpa:
I'm sure my newly acquired Penguin Guide to Jazz Recordings will help with looking into almost every one of the albums posted so far when I've a little more time, and I'm sure I'll be getting a few of them.


The Penguin guide is superb. But it is not always right, as at the end of the day it is just an opinion. So make sure you cross reference with other sources to be sure.

Like you, Adrian? Winker
Posted on: 05 January 2010 by Lontano
quote:
Originally posted by droodzilla:

Like you, Adrian? Winker


Happy to be a reference anytime. You can guarantee a good review if it is ECM or Genesis Smile
Posted on: 05 January 2010 by Chief Chirpa
quote:
Originally posted by droodzilla:

Like you, Adrian? Winker


Good one. I was kind of told what (not) to expect from the Penguin Guide when I was given it as present and have already found out for myself, but thanks, Adrian.

As an example, I looked up The Electrifying Eddie Harris, mentioned in another thread yesterday. A track that was talked about here with some enthusiasm is described in the Guide as "almost bizarre... baroque slush"!
Posted on: 05 January 2010 by Steve Bull
Page two and no mention of Ella?
Posted on: 05 January 2010 by MilesSmiles
quote:
Originally posted by Steve Bull:
Page two and no mention of Ella?


Very good catch. Smile
Posted on: 05 January 2010 by nicnaim
Oliver,

Finding a record that you do not already have in your collection is a bit like getting a googlewhack, I am honoured.

The version of Wave on this disc is a particular favourite. When I heard him play it at the Barbican I was reduced to a blubbering mess. Simply wonderful IMHO. I have two vinyl copies, as my original was worn out. Only found it on CD a few years ago, enjoy.

Regards

Nic

quote:
Originally posted by MilesSmiles:
quote:
Originally posted by nicnaim:
In addition to the Oscar Peterson recordings mentioned above try Live in Russia. Originally a double LP that starts with OP solo on side 1, he is then joined by NO Pederson on bass on side 2 and finally with drums on side 3 and 4. Cracking set.



Also Milcho Leviev Blues For The Fisherman (with Art Pepper) although this is only available on vinyl as far as I am aware, and not that easy to get for that matter, but a real classic.

Not near my collection at present, but I am sure there are plenty more I could come up with if you like either of those.

Regards

Nic


Thanks for this one - still missing in my collection. Smile
Posted on: 05 January 2010 by Oldnslow
The 4 CD MPS set by Oscar Peterson is called "Exclusively for My Friends" and is reissued by Verve
Posted on: 05 January 2010 by Colin Lorenson
Kenny Barron & Charlie Haden - Night and the City

Ahmad Jamal - Live '92

Two of may fave albums from piano masters.

Anyone who suggests "Jazz at the Pawnshop" get's banned (hopefully)
Posted on: 06 January 2010 by MilesSmiles
quote:
Originally posted by Oldnslow:
The 4 CD MPS set by Oscar Peterson is called "Exclusively for My Friends" and is reissued by Verve


It's a fantastic box set, I'm fortunate enough to have the original set.
Posted on: 06 January 2010 by Huwge