SUNDAY DROP - SPIN # 127 FROM THE R'NR WITH RYLO RECORD COLLECTION
If I could have a library style room with books, movies and records, I would make sure to own every single Blue Note album ever pressed. I would cover the walls with concert posters and classic album art. I might even put up a few items of memorabilia, like guitars or drumsticks to add to the look of the room. Most of the time, Blue Note pressings are absolutely flawless and luckily I've never had an issue with them. I've heard lately that some buyers have had issues with the classic series and it's difficult to tell if this is a pressing issue or set-up issue. I often find myself with a busy mind and try not to show it outwards. One of the ways that I relax is by spinning a few jazz records from the '50s and '60s. An album that stands out to me is 'The Rumproller' by the talented and prodigious trumpeter, Lee Morgan. To put his life into perspective, Morgan had released over 30 albums as a band leader, before his death at the age of 33. Sadly, he was shot by his girlfriend at a NYC jazz club called Slug's Saloon. The snowfall had been quite heavy and it resulted in Morgan bleeding out in the back of an ambulance before they could make it to the hospital.
I believe that 'The Rumproller' is a quintessential piece of hard bop jazz that showcases Morgan's exceptional talent as a trumpeter and composer. He has quite a few stand out albums and it's easy to debate which is regarded as his absolute best. I won't sit here and do that, but as the stylus is spinning around this LP, all I can tell you is that this one is a must for any lover of jazz music. I think the cover is important too. Reid Miles designed quite a few album covers for Blue Note records and the distorted effect reminds me of something you'd see in a mirror at Luna Park.
'The Rumproller' was released in 1965, and features a stellar lineup of musicians, including Joe Henderson on tenor saxophone, Ronnie Mathews on piano, Victor Sproles on bass, and Billy Higgins on drums. The title track, 'The Rumproller', is a dynamic and energetic composition that perfectly captures the spirit of the era. It must have been such an amazing time to be alive and getting the opportunity to see these artists play in a vibrant jazz scene. I did see that a few modern jazz and blues artists come to Australia from time to time and play at the Enmore Theatre. One to keep an eye out for in the future, once the kids are older.
Morgan's trumpet playing on this album is characterized by his signature fiery and soulful sound, which has made him one of the most revered trumpeters in jazz history. His improvisational skills are on full display throughout the record, with each solo showcasing his technical prowess and melodic inventiveness.
Furthermore, the interplay between the band members is exceptional, with each musician bringing their unique sound to the music while also seamlessly blending together to create a cohesive and dynamic piece of music. They sound like they had a lot of fun playing together and the clarity can be heard as each instrument leaps through the speakers in the loungin (our kids word for the lounge room).
The rhythm section, led by the propulsive drumming of Billy Higgins, provides a solid foundation for the group to build upon, allowing for moments of collective improvisation and exploration. There are quite a few drummers from this era of jazz that have influenced the modern day style of drumming. Look at the heavy metal and hard rock scene to see the intricate style being taken up - Mike Portnoy, Danny Carey, Sleep Token's drummer (II) and Brooks Wackerman. After letting the record spin all the way through, I can confirm that my favourite piece from the album would be 'DESERT MOONLIGHT'. What has been your favourite piece of music to listen to?
A lot happened on the home front this week. Crazy winds whipping up on Monday, cold weather returned mid-week before a 30 degree Friday appeared when our son had his colour run at school. He got clourful and dirty and absolutely loved it! He had a friends 6th birthday party that night and we got to watch the Mighty Hawks win their elimination final. Then, of course, right on time for the weekend the cold weather returned. During the week we showed the kids the first Harry Potter movie and I think they had a sensory overload mid-way through. They couldn't settle and kept pretending to be magic for a few days. I had been reading the first book to our eldest and wanted to show him the characters on the big screen, in order for him to picture the story going forward. I remember the first time that I saw that movie too. We had a end of school movie day where all of our year were taken to the cinema's in Wollongong to watch it. Such an iconic movie & book series and as I looked at our children, I saw that same wonder and amazement on their little faces as they watched. I've also included an image below of our fun breakfast creations. I remember my parents making shapes and sneaking a few pieces of breakfast in order to make the shapes work. I hope our kids remember these times fondly.
Something tells me September is going to be a very busy month and I will need to find some balance in order to keep spirits high. Sometimes busy schedules can get you down and it's important to remember the good things that are happening in your life. I will get on the treadmill more in the coming days and really make that concerted effort to keep healthy and fit. Lets keep our fingers crossed that those winds don't come back on the nice sunny days and the rain holds off! If I haven't sold you on the genre of Jazz, that's ok. You are completely fine listening to the style of music that makes you calm, happy and I'm not here to change that.
Until our next Spin.....
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