The evolution of musical taste

Thanks to my erstwhile roommate's ravings, I started listening to jazz a couple of years ago. And before we parted ways I decided to get a hold of some of his (I think 250+ CD) jazz collection. (RIAA lawyers can go boil their heads.)

Turns out it was one of the best forward-looking decisions I've ever made. These past couple of days I've been discovering a new musical gem in Aaron's jazz collection almost everyday.

Here are a couple of those revelations:


"1+1", Herbie Hancock & Wayne Shorter

I've been fortunate enough to watch these two amazing artistes perform in concert (though not together), but boy, if I'd digested their music beforehand, I'd have known then just how lucky I was. Shorter's soaring sax in particular, is a treat to the ears. Here's hoping to their health (for obviously selfish reasons!)


"An Evening With Herbie Hancock & Chick Corea In Concert"

This mindblowing piano extravaganza will leave you spellbound, especially due to the fact that there are only two acoustic pianos, and no other supporting instruments. Of course, when you have two masters such as Hancock and Corea, why would you need anything else to embellish the already gorgeous sound?


"Somethin' Else", Cannonball Adderley

It was interesting to hear the different sound of Adderley's alto sax, but then after giving it a few spins I hear a familiar trumpet weave in and out of the mix. "That sounds like a Miles Davis solo", I think, and turns out he does feature prominently on this album! I think this is the beginning of a beautiful friendship with hard bop :-)