Monday, April 30, 2012

Music Monday: International Jazz Day

Happy International Jazz Day. Seriously. The UN says so. In honor of this auspicious occasion, I decided to post something for the first time in ages.

First of all, the International Jazz Day site has videos of some concerts featuring Herbie Hancock. Herbie doesn't come out until about 22:00 in the first video, but it is worth a listen.

Now for two songs from Duke Ellington, and one each from Miles Davis and Herbie Hancock. Actually, for some of these, I am linking to multiple versions because each version is remarkable.

Duke Ellington: Take the A Train
With his Big Band Live at Newport Jazz Festival. This version really swings.
With a trio. This is a very smooth, cool (and longer) version of the tune.

Duke Ellington: Caravan
Art Blakey & The Jazz Messengers do a nice version of this classic.
Wes Montgomery's version swings, baby.
Oscar Peterson's piano work is incredible.

Miles Davis: So What
Live in Stockholm in 1960
Herbie Hancock, et al do the song justice in their tribute to Miles.

Herbie Hancock: Maiden Voyage
The studio version from the album of the same name is lovely. Freddie Hubbard's trumpet solo absolutely gives me chills every time.