#104

Herbie Hancock, Jackie McLean, Cecil Taylor, Andrew HIll, And Grachan MOncur to name a few, all made some great and to varying degrees OUT records in the 60s @ Blue Note.
We take a look at some of my favorites, and a few that I need to hear rather infrequently!
The importance of this music, and its development, reflect changes in the culture, the music, and the times!!
Dig in to the EDGES OF THE BLUE NOTE SOUND!!

[@mikel4797]

As I finish watching this wonderful video I hear of the passing of the legend McCoy Tyner...

[@TheJazzShepherd]

Super 😥

[@georgedoughly6344]

That is awful news. Rest easy McCoy Tyner 😢

[@davidsummer1983]

Bravo another brilliant insightful post. When I have in the past played Avant Garde Jazz to Carlota my partner, she always says......I confess I confess! She relates it to the torture of the Spanish Inquisition .

[@TheJazzShepherd]

LMAO!!!! Thats exactly right ,....its a very for one by one enterprise.... Its like a painting that speaks to you but revolts most!! You have to WANT TO EMBRACE it, we cant make that decision for others... Thnks for watching and the feedback!!

[@zombie9568]

Jazz Shepherd, for me, your best so far. The dichotomy all art faces. Speaking the common tongue of the people and then speaking in tongues, the desire of the unsaid. Abstractions are the inevitable result of the search. European music took 300 years to reach Berg, Schoenberg. Jazz about 40 to go from Armstrong to late Trane. As you said it’s all about integrity. Once Sam Cooke, Otis, James Brown, Marvin and Curis came into the mix, jazz was no longer the mouth of the street. But the young jazz musicians of the 60s in the avant were the pulse of their time: civil rights, radical, spiritual, intellecual ideas. And they perfectly expressed that. All rivers lead to the sea. Keep it coming, deep channel you have there.

[@TheJazzShepherd]

YUP You nailed it and get it.... It moved from being just jazz, and a celebration, into cerebral territory ....spiritual lands , leaving the carnal behind... The one thing that still remains the constant, is it takes EMPATHY on the part of the listener to hear any of this.. With out the social historical constructs, it is random chaos,! BUT with the application of EMPATHY and the UNDERSTANDING it MUST SIT UPON< we grasp threads of this struggle, pain ,and the enduring legacy of their time in this nation! I have never met a closed minded brain washed fool, who live in fear and hate of other groups, that at the same time, appreciated the arts these groups make!!

[@zombie9568]

Can’t fault a word of that, Jazz Shepherd. I feel like a happy fool, having in my younger days overlooked the cooking pot that feeds all, the likes of Horace and Grant Green. I’m obsessed with Green atm. Still love the avant, but not so much when my belly is empty.

[@TheJazzShepherd]

@@zombie9568 LOL well said my man!!!

[@JazzMessenger1218]

Was feeling the advent garde this first day of 2023 after a beautiful evening with my wife and two of the best musicians in Budapest and their wives in the foothills of this great European City. This video set me right. Really dig Andrew Hill and his music. He did release a record of love songs/ballads which is also a beautiful listen (has a cool cover as well). So In Love is its title -- 1959 on the Warwick label. I am sure you have it. Happy New Year Dan -- keep on swingin". Regards Rich Coiro

[@JazzBums]

Enjoyed revisiting this one - Mike

[@covjonesable]

Love the comments on the Cecil Taylor Unit Structures LP. I'm approaching my 60th birthday abnd desperately want to listen to my Avant Garde collection but end up listening to Ben Webster. I think you nailed it for me. Mind you, I still love Andrew Hill and find him as challenging and interesting as when i first heard him.

[@TheJazzShepherd]

Incredible artists these men made. Andrew.Hill is special

[@billmossII]

This is fantastic. Great presentation and documentation. Loved the statement that Coltrane's "Ascension" is not something you would consume everyday.

[@TheJazzShepherd]

Much appreciated! Its a vert spicy dish!!!

[@TheHowingFantods]

Ace film and journey through great records I wasn't aware of - thank you so much. This is a joy.

[@TheHowingFantods]

LOL. Your friend with the cuppa, briefly deliberating in the doorway - genius.

[@TheJazzShepherd]

@@TheHowingFantods my bruther!!! LOL THNX MAN FOR WATCHIN!!

[@jasonthejazzwarlock8260]

Hahaha, love your thoughts on Cecil Taylor. You absolutely nailed it.

[@TheJazzShepherd]

Was it the throw furniture down the stairs music?? Like that comment myself

[@jeffbeamer9882]

I just got Larry Young's UNITY Blue Note remaster and recently got Jackie McLean's DESTINATION ... OUT! While I don't care for all out free jazz I LOVE a dusting of the Avant-garde, hard bop on my jazz records. I am so in love with those two albums. I'm also contemplating getting Hutchinson's STICK UP. So ... we'll see!

[@TheJazzShepherd]

THOSE ARE GREAT FINDS MY FRIEND

[@dextergilford8336]

Herbie Nichols pushed the music out fairly consistently and in his own idiosyncratic way. Thanks AL for recording him.

[@TheJazzShepherd]

Amen to that brutha

[@jasonthejazzwarlock8260]

Sensational vid btw. Great insightful history.

[@TheJazzShepherd]

Thbx brutha!!

[@vuch9208]

I'd like to explore some Avant Garde after watching this video. Another educational video! Your presentation style is warm and holds my attention. "This is music to drop furniture down stairs to" That sentence is descriptive art! CLASSIC!!! Thanks Jazz Shepard!

[@TheJazzShepherd]

Thnx for ur support Vooch!

[@sam66hazmal]

Your videos are a real education on jazz. Thank you.

[@TheJazzShepherd]

Thnx for watchin my friend

[@cedricfeschotte835]

Fantastic! You've shown pretty much ALL of my favorite BN in one great video. These (+ Coltrane on Impulse) are the records that got me into jazz some 25 years ago. Like you, I don't get back to them as much today as you used to, and I've sampled all the other branches of the jazz tree since, but I remain intimately connected to these records. Once you've heard the intro of 'Hat and Beard' by Dolphy, there's no way to remove it from your brain. It's here to stay... right on the edge.

[@TheJazzShepherd]

You like the good stuff brutha!! The heavy lifting!!

[@Robertocamero785]

Great video Dan, the content on your channel is fantastic. Have a few of these Blue Notes. Keep them coming man.

[@TheJazzShepherd]

Thnx my friend I enjoy sharing about this music..n the times that shaped it.

[@jean-paulpeek7823]

You are a brilliant lector, Dan! I really believe that your video’s much be standard material on high schools around the world. I feel the youth is being drift away from jazz. For me jazz is the ultimate fuel for my well-being. I pity people that don’t get it....the most beautiful form of art. I’m 48 and haven’t got a lot of kindred spirits in my social network. Some of my best friends dig Tiësto an Armin van Buuren, for God’s sake. Keep on preachin’ the jazz religion, Dan! Reach for the ignorant and spread the love for jazz. If someone could light the flame of loving this great art form, it must be you. 🙏🏻

[@TheJazzShepherd]

Thnx my friend.. Appreciate the kind words... Blessed to be able to share with u all.

[@jeremyarcher289]

I agree with you that Hubbard is the top gun!

[@TheJazzShepherd]

He spits fire.. Plays in any style..

[@josephadams6555]

Wow. I am new to watching these posts, I love it. It’s rare to find someone talking about something I have loved and collected (a bit tricky in the UK 35 years ago and now) and this period existed me. I remember buying Out to Lunch when I was sixteen, I’m 50 now, and I played and thought this fucked Tom and Jerry on acid, it’s one of my top 10 ten now as is the Unit structures. It doesn’t mean I don’t like Idle Moments or Cornbread. What about Joe Henderson? There’s a guy who played all sorts, love it, art, passion and humanity. Yep my wife can’t stand it 😎😍😎😍🎷

[@aperla207]

Can't tell you how much I love your channel. So much info on great music . Im slowly becoming a fan of Jazz. You recommended Miles Davis, "Kind of Blue" to start me off . Great LP. You also played, Howard McGhee's "Life is a Bowl of Cherries" I can't stop listening to that (Spotify). Thank you

[@TheJazzShepherd]

I will always try to steer people honestly... Not just tell u what the critics think..

[@Brettzcassette]

Another great vid! I find the out stuff super enticing but agree with having to find your personal limit for sure. Love Dolphy and that Anthony (Tony) Williams Lifetime record! After this vid, Black Fire and Evolution are on the wish list!!

[@TheJazzShepherd]

Evolution is amazing... Beyond the realms..

[@michaelpdawson]

My favorite things. Out to Lunch is an absolute desert island disc for me. That Cecil Taylor is one of the very few original Blue Note pressings I own. Love seeing this stuff; hope I can add originals of some of these to my collection.

[@TheJazzShepherd]

These are great records no question

[@TheJazzShepherd]

These are greatvrecords

[@georgedoughly6344]

I Really Like Ascension, Out To Lunch, & Evolution by Grachan Moncur III. All Great Albums!

[@TheJazzShepherd]

All fantastic!!!!

[@sjakovics]

Great discussion! Wife and family are a good filter to what's truly acceptable and what isn't for music and many things in general! I really dig my blue note Hutchersons", Williams' and Hills' but around there is where my tolerance holds. Beyond that is like taking too much acid where the chaos is no longer novel and entertaining but downright ingratiating and damaging.

[@TheJazzShepherd]

I am with you 100%%%~~~ I think jazz would have more of an audience , if it werent always free n avant garde evangelists promoting this music with enthusiasm!! More middle of the road jazz cats need to share their love n passion!!! That is at least part of why I am duin this..jazz doesnt need to hurt to be great!! In fact its intent was to heal!!

[@TheJazzShepherd]

Here is the thing.. A guy may like really spicy food.. That doesnt mean he orders triple spice for his family.. Thats the jerk line.. Play that out shit for oneself. Love it..thats great.. But if u make food for a party that nobody eats..ur partu sucked

[@sjakovics]

@@TheJazzShepherd some of the a.g. stuff is so out there and painful to listen to that I often wonder if some of these guys weren't sticking their middle fingers up at the white patronage that feasted on their music in the evenings while treating them like second class citizens during the days.

[@TheJazzShepherd]

I feel it absolutely was.... Black music has always attemped to make it so whites could not steal it or say it.. Make em unconfy. but never seems to werk.. Just have a bunch of white kids runnin round sayin Nigga this n that.

[@jean-paulpeek7823]

Btw how about a episode about Booker Ervin on Prestige? I’ve been listening to his Book’s series non stop lately. And I’m a sucker for Alan Dawson, the fantastic drummer....😁

[@TheJazzShepherd]

Love those Booker book lps... I will put itv on the long n growing list. Thnx as always for watching

[@tonyfreejazz20]

Nice...thanks for the review...never really listened to Larry Young....fantastic stuff :-)

[@TheJazzShepherd]

thats an intense fantastic!!!

[@jacekmalinowski9047]

Great video. Its the favorite part of my blue note collection. Maybe Coleman and cecil taylor not so much for that matter. To extreme. I am 56 years old now. Bobby Hutcherson - dialogue. Tony Williams - spring. Henderson -mode for joe.

[@TheJazzShepherd]

Thnx man for watchin... What a legacy BN gas!

[@Jiv_Ing57819]

That skipping and jumping rhythm after every few bars is amazing on title track out to lunch there, always something new 2 hear on out to lunch ,: 0

[@Jiv_Ing57819]

Not been listening to Dolphy for longer than usual and was quite a lot a month or so ago, but as soon as I hear this am reminded of who he was, his mercurial personality and as soon as I hear it it’s like science fiction, he was nearly science fiction or not quite real, and I heard it and I thought genius, he is the one who is out to lunch on this album, like Bobby Hutcherson said that wild hands clock was him, maybe am hearing even more in this album, which is amazing given it’s been about ten or so years, surely that’s genius if there’s still so much 2 pick up after so much time. It’s like an evolution on some things of monk in some way, which is fantastic cause monk never has to represent a dead end, after monk is none, but is very original though, great work just like monks compositions. And you hear so much of the out to lunch quality in title track, like the very spectres of insanity and the consciousness of that, can seem like a bit like cartoon music at times but is so rich n such a trip ,: -0

[@TheJazzShepherd]

I agree, it does certainly send some interesting images n thoughts to ones mind

[@dcrook232323]

For some reason I'm not sure of, to me, this vid is one of your best. Just a good overall capsule of this particular gene & period in BN. Definitely agree that avant-garde seems to have a period window of enjoyment for folks. For some (a majority?) A-G may appeal when we're younger....more experimental. For others, it's sound may hit home after our 40s or later. For me, I suppose I listened to more A-G in my 20s versus today in my 50s. There may be something to your "edge" comment. Something I noticed in your vid; nearly 100% of the album covers you showed rocked! = beautiful. But I'm a sucker & huge fan for most BN cover art. I've bought a handful of duplicates of the cheaper BN75 releases to simply frame & hang. Thanks for your efforts. PS Rip McCoy Tyner!

[@TheJazzShepherd]

They have truly timeless album covers... Beautiful n still modern

[@TheJazzShepherd]

Yes McCoy is agreat loss

[@thibs2442]

I feel like Andrew Hill skirts the avant garde perfectly for me. I particularly love Black Fire and Point of Departure. Another favorite in that same regard is Eric Dolphy's Outward Bound on Prestige/New Jazz. Maybe eventually I'll be able to dig some of Jackie's later BNs like I do his early stuff but I am also past the point in my life for Unit Structures haha.

[@TheJazzShepherd]

Unit is a tough listen

[@happygilmorestyle]

Awesome video man keep up the sweet work like always that is YOU !!! Thanks for mentioning Jackie McLean and Andrew Hill and Wayne Shorter along with Dolphy. I feel like Wayne Shorter takes the cake for weirdest creepy looking album covers between "Speak No Evil" and "Juju" I know they are meant to be horror like but in 2020's standards they have pedophilia/rapist/sex offender type of a vibe. lol I think Shorter is a genius and 'Night Dreamer' is probably my fave solo effort from him but I love his legendary work with Miles Davis and Art Blakey's Jazz Messengers the most since they give the music the real contrast in sounds.

[@TheJazzShepherd]

Shorter has had quite a career

[@bksherm]

Stop touching your records you're giving me the hives! Love your channel.

[@TheJazzShepherd]

lol what is it that makes you( N OTHERS) think they are so fragile?? I have rnb hip hop funk lps that i have played in clubs for 20 years.... beat to hell, spilt drinks... sugary drunk hands all over em.....they ALL STILL PLAY FINE.... NO ONE HAS EVER COME UP 2 ME AND SAID MAN THESE RECORDS SOUND LIKE SHIT.... MY JAZZ RECORDS GET FAR BETTER TREATMENT THAN THOSE m jACKSON, N Billy Ocean..... you cant hear a fingerprint...n a lil alcohol once in a while cleans em up anyway????

[@bksherm]

You must have the driest fingers in the history of humanity then. I’ve never heard a quiet used jazz record. I appreciate your insight regardless. Your collection is ridiculous. I’m mad with envy.

[@tonybutterworth3619]

Hey Dan, I’m still catching up, but another great episode. I like your comment about music to throw furniture down the stairs, made me LOL. I have all these records and I’m glad I do, BUT I can say for absolute certainty that KOB and Prairie Dog, and Moanin, Song for my Father etc are going on the deck a whole lot more than Cecil Taylor. The European Avant Garde of Evan Parker and Brotzman and Barry Guy for ME is unlistenable.

[@TheJazzShepherd]

I agree with you 100% on what gets played frequently, and after some thought, that is a good an indicator as to how much we truly like some thing!! That was my process as well, just played that stuff less and less, until I had to say ok, my brain prefers softer more melodic jazz. Of which their is still infinite to choose from

[@jeremyarcher289]

The Dead Head in me is eager to check out some of these records! I drums and space 😊

[@TheJazzShepherd]

Fav Dead era?? 80s with Brent for me.. Cassidy!! Althea on with out. Net

[@jeremyarcher289]

The Jazz Shepherd Oh yes 👍! Also Help>Slip>Franklins from without a net!

[@TheJazzShepherd]

Brents voice added soo much

[@jeremyarcher289]

The Jazz Shepherd I might have to request a “Dead Night” in the Jazz Lounge 😊! Really having a good time discovering a lot of great new music with your guidance! Thanks Brother!

[@TheJazzShepherd]

Love the Dead.. Glad ur finding some cool music

[@jondingwall5941]

Great video Dan and yet you really surprised by omitting Eddie Gale's astounding 'Ghetto Music' which contains all the militant blackness one needs

[@TheJazzShepherd]

YEAH GOOD CALL

[@frasermacdonald6256]

you know your Jazz man, respect. quick question, are all of your LPs originals or are some represses?

[@TheJazzShepherd]

I def have both....but very few are modern represses, as this new craze happened long after i built the bulk of my collection

[@jefflackie4819]

Any chance we could get your perspective on the AACM bands Air and the Art Ensemble and maybe the early Braxton bands? I'm a drummer who was and still is totally taken by the playing of Steve McCall, Don Moye, Jerome Cooper, Phillip Wilson, Charles Bobo Shaw. I think the exposure you could provide might be of value to some folks who might not otherwise go there.

[@TheJazzShepherd]

Sadly not an era or genre i have much interest or knowledge of.... listened to Avant n free when i first came over from rock.... but i have moved away from most of that stuff. Blue Notes edges for me are about the same as my edges..... Out doesnt excite me much anymore, in spite of therre being many great players!!!

[@my2sons8975]

Wouldn't you consider some of those albums more Acid jazz or fusion?

[@TheJazzShepherd]

NO Not at all!! Acid jazz was a Eurpoean UK movement in the late 80s and 90s that does borrow from some of these groups...Acid jazz was not even a term until the 90s! No question tho that movement, borrows from BNs sound...But more the Boogaloo stuff than the Avant Garde! Acid jazz was dancable!!

[@louissilvani1389]

You should do a course on black American music in college I don’t think the faculty would make the connection.

[@TheJazzShepherd]

thnx my friend

[@nahallud1071]

Hey what Eric codlpht song was that?

[@TheJazzShepherd]

Dolphy

[@nathanverni9143]

“I don’t need to add any artificial edge to my life” 😅

[@TheJazzShepherd]

Did I say that??? Sounds like me!!!!

[@nathanverni9143]

Haha, yup. Very true! Great vid as always - would love to see more on Jackie McLean!

[@TheJazzShepherd]

@@nathanverni9143 he is on my list for sure

[@the-vinyl-dreamscape5084]

I’m sure you turn a lot of people on with your videos. And that a good thing. But I must disagree with you you on more than a few points here. You very dismissive of some brilliant music. It’s not Jazz? The avant-garde was drug safe? It lacks sexuality? It was an attempt to sell to white audiences? The avant-garde was just about dissidence? Music to make your parents mad? I’m sorry but your understanding of Free Jazz or avant-garde Jazz is limited. You may not enjoy more difficult pieces but don’t belittle the music. I find most bop or hard bop a beginning. A beginning that naturally and inevitably to a more intellectual and spiritual experience. If you think that “avant-garde” jazz doesn’t have swing and sexuality you have some much more to discover. I write this so other will not shy about from the incredible music that came together when musicians began to play in unorthodox ways. Best of luck to you. I mean no offense.

[@TheJazzShepherd]

Nothing limited about my understanding of free jazz... i came to jazz thru that stuff... Nuthin intellectual about that music, you give it waaay too much credit. It is NOT sexual, in any way..jazz is always sexual. Free jazz and avant garde is what drives people away fro good jazz nusic.... Oddly I love most of the records i talked about here... except tht cecil taylor. People shy away from unorthodox with out me telling em too,,.... Guess we just disagree !!

[@the-vinyl-dreamscape5084]

The Jazz Shepherd Thank you for your response. But some of your statements are truly way off base. “Jazz is always about sexuality”? Are you joking? This is such an odd statement. The depth of human emotion within Jazz music goes far beyond your description. Surely you don’t actually think this. All music, including Experimental music, avant-garde jazz or free jazz seeks to delve into deeper areas of the human experience. Peeling away the commercial layers to discover the essence of music. And expresses every range of human emotions possible. If you do not enjoy free jazz music, that’s cool. It’s certainly not for everyone. It’s complexity isn’t for those seeking an easy listening experience on a Sunday morning. (Although, I love Roscoe Mitchell’s Sound with my coffee). Alice Coltrane or Sun Ra are also exciting and fun ways to begin an exploration of some highly highly rewarding music. Don’t get stuck in this Blue Note trap. Jazz is much bigger then one label, one style or one emotion.

[@haroldm4600]

@@the-vinyl-dreamscape5084 Agree strongly with your view. It’s unfortunate that those with limited perspective and an audience (and the arrogance to believe their view is the correct one) discourage others from exploring and appreciating a wider range of creativity and expression.

[@risingstarvilla]

When does Avant Garde, become non - music, I HAVE AN ORIGINAL 1ST PRESS of John Coltrane Ascension, for me it's about as musical as a Dog Farting, I hate the fucking record, so much talent and he produces this crap!

[@TheJazzShepherd]

it certainly goes too far at points..... i think thre is a place for this....like when a tornado runs thru town