Classical Music Forum banner

The Non-Classical 'I'm Currently Listening To...' Topic

2M views 29K replies 787 participants last post by  pianozach 
#1 ·
I thought this forum deserved a 'Currently Listening To...' topic, so here it is!

Now Playing: Octavarium by Dream Theater (24 minutes of sheer genius!)
 
#1,769 ·
I've been listening to a lot of Wes Montgomery lately. There was a new release this year of some demos and live recordings before he cut his debut album. Interesting to hear! Also "The Incredible Jazz Guitar of" and "Smokin' at the Half Note" with Wynton Kelly and Paul Chambers. Lots of Ruben Gonzalez, Stéphane Grappelli, Joe Pass, Kenny Burrell and stuff like that too. While in Scotland, my fiancee actually purchased the Penguin Guide to Jazz for us to look at and there I must say it is enjoyable to flip through and find new recordings and artists to check out. I have a long list that I'm waiting to dig in on. If only I could stop listening to my Jazz Guitar collection to do so.
 
#1,770 ·
Cnote - Wes Montgomery is probably one of the most influential guitarists in jazz history. Much of the sound of jazz guitar can be attributed to him. The only guitarist I can think of that had as much or more influence is Django Reinhardt. Those two names come up again and again when guitarists talk about who influences them and not only jazz guitarists but guitarists in many different genres have been influenced by him. I especially like his Verve and A&M recording years but I do also like the early years too. It's cool to know that Montgomery is still being listened to and discovered by music buffs to this day. It would be sad if his music was lost to obscurity.

Kevin
 
#1,772 ·
I was a latecomer to Wes. I've been listening to Jazz since I was little but I never really listened to Jazz guitar until a few years ago. Wes is what got me into it with the recording "The Incredible Jazz Guitar Of...". From then on, I've been completely sold and increasingly so. I used to be a trumpet guy, but now I listen to mostly guitar jazz, so it seems. This might have something to do with playing trumpet in my youth and now currently playing guitar :D.
 
#1,774 ·
I haven't listened to Wes in quite a while, but I have a bunch of records. I'm a big Pat Martino fan. His 1972 Live album, and 1974's Consciousness are probably my favorites. I really like his fusion album Joyous Lake, too.

Some other great stuff to listen to are the west coast records on the Contemporary label. To my ears these albums were recorded much better than the Blue Notes, and Prestige albums. I guess I'm not much of a Rudy Van Gelder fan. If you like guitar, the Barney Kessel/Ray Brown/Shelly Manne albums are great. Also recommended is Sonny Rollins and the Contemporary Leaders, featuring Kessel. And Sonny's 1962 classic, The Bridge, with Jim Hall. This, imo is one of the great modern jazz records of that era.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Kevin Pearson
#1,776 ·
Beach Boys, Pet Sounds.

Rolling Stone just called this the second greatest album of all time. I'm finally getting around to hearing it. Personally, I think the vocals are great, and it has interesting background effects, but overall, there's something about it that I don't like; maybe it's its underlying tired, world-weary feel.

Vertebrate Organism Working animal Adaptation Poster
 
#1,777 ·
Presently, I am listening to Rush's Clockwork Angels album.

View attachment 6302

This could easily be the rock album of 2012 for me personally, from the first notes this album simply clicked for me. There is not a weak track on the album. The instrumentation is fantastic and the vocals are very good, as are the lyrics.
 
#1,780 ·
Beach Boys, Pet Sounds.

Rolling Stone just called this the second greatest album of all time. I'm finally getting around to hearing it. Personally, I think the vocals are great, and it has interesting background effects, but overall, there's something about it that I don't like; maybe it's its underlying tired, world-weary feel.

View attachment 6297
What i find annoying about this record is that they consistently drop two tones after every single musical phrase. Ever since i've figured this out i can only listen to their Best of albums.
 
Top