"Moanin,'" not to be confused with the Bobby Timmons tune of the same title, from "Blues and Roots" (1959). This could fit on "M Squad" easily.
Speaking of "Moanin' (the Timmons standard), I think the full-bodied rendition by Blakey and the Jazz Messengers would make for some fine "crime jazz." It could be heard when noted private eye Peter Gunn--played by overall acting stiff Craig Stevens--makes his way through some "happening" festival or nightlife environment; maybe for use in a montage.
Here is Joe Chambers' "Juba Dance," from the Bobby Hutcherson album "Components."
This is a good one. Another composition from this album, either "Tranquility" or "Little B's Poem"--I forget which--sounds as though was directly lifted by Tim Buckley for one of the tracks on his Happy Sad album--I also forget which. I'll fill in these blanks later...
Well, from 1963 there is an obscure album of orchestral jazz composed and conducted by John Neel featuring the sultry sax solos of Plas Johnson. Very noirish in the Harlem Nocturne vein. Neel and Johnson share equal billing, and while Johnson is well known (Pink Panther, etc) John Neel is not, and I couldn't find any record of anything else he's done remotely like this, but Blue Martini is a nice album--only on lp.
Well, from 1963 there is an obscure album of orchestral jazz composed and conducted by John Neel featuring the sultry sax solos of Plas Johnson. Very noirish in the Harlem Nocturne vein. Neel and Johnson share equal billing, and while Johnson is well known (Pink Panther, etc) John Neel is not, and I couldn't find any record of anything else he's done remotely like this, but Blue Martini is a nice album--only on lp.
I'm already several tracks into this gorgeous album and I'm picturing Philip Marlowe and Jake Gittes working a case together. (The entire LP is up on YouTube.) This is the best Crime Jazzy sound I've heard in a long time.
I see on Discogs that John Neel released a single (a promo is pictured) called Lily's Theme from "The Life and Times of Judge Roy Bean" in 1973. No sign of it on YouTube.
Well, from 1963 there is an obscure album of orchestral jazz composed and conducted by John Neel featuring the sultry sax solos of Plas Johnson. Very noirish in the Harlem Nocturne vein. Neel and Johnson share equal billing, and while Johnson is well known (Pink Panther, etc) John Neel is not, and I couldn't find any record of anything else he's done remotely like this, but Blue Martini is a nice album--only on lp.
Thank you hepping me to this album - I had never heard of it before!
Well, from 1963 there is an obscure album of orchestral jazz composed and conducted by John Neel featuring the sultry sax solos of Plas Johnson. Very noirish in the Harlem Nocturne vein. Neel and Johnson share equal billing, and while Johnson is well known (Pink Panther, etc) John Neel is not, and I couldn't find any record of anything else he's done remotely like this, but Blue Martini is a nice album--only on lp.
Thank you hepping me to this album - I had never heard of it before!
I've had this album for many years. I once asked Plas Johnson about this album. He old me this is Mr. Neel's only recording. He was troubled individual and took his own life at a young age. Sorry for the bad news.
I've had this album for many years. I once asked Plas Johnson about this album. He old me this is Mr. Neel's only recording. He was troubled individual and took his own life at a young age. Sorry for the bad news.
This is very sad. Thank you for sharing.
Did you happen to ask Plas Johnson about the albums he did with Les Baxter - Jungle Jazz, African Jazz, and Teen Drums?
I've had this album for many years. I once asked Plas Johnson about this album. He old me this is Mr. Neel's only recording. He was troubled individual and took his own life at a young age. Sorry for the bad news.
This is very sad. Thank you for sharing.
Did you happen to ask Plas Johnson about the albums he did with Les Baxter - Jungle Jazz, African Jazz, and Teen Drums?
No, I never had the chance. When I saw him I would be at would be in a recording studio and there wasn't time for the questions I wanted to ask him. He recorded some albums under the alias Johnny Beecher. "Sax Fifth Avenue" is a title that comes to mind. He's featured in "The Wrecking Crew" film which I think you will enjoy if you haven't already seen it.
I've had this album for many years. I once asked Plas Johnson about this album. He old me this is Mr. Neel's only recording. He was troubled individual and took his own life at a young age. Sorry for the bad news.
This is very sad. Thank you for sharing.
Did you happen to ask Plas Johnson about the albums he did with Les Baxter - Jungle Jazz, African Jazz, and Teen Drums?
No, I never had the chance. When I saw him I would be at would be in a recording studio and there wasn't time for the questions I wanted to ask him. He recorded some albums under the alias Johnny Beecher. "Sax Fifth Avenue" is a title that comes to mind. He's featured in "The Wrecking Crew" film which I think you will enjoy if you haven't already seen it.
Yes, I saw it and enjoyed it, despite Carol Kaye's complaints about the finished product.
Many versions of Earle Hagen's classic tune "Harlem Nocturne" qualify, especially the sax versions. I particularly like the one on the Lounge Lizards debut album with John Lurie on sax. The Viscounts had a hit with it. Also: Illinois Jacquet, Johnny Otis, Willis Jackson, and King Curtis. For a good guitar take, try Danny Gatton.
Q's arrangement of Benny Golson's "Along Came Betty" has something of a gumshoe sound. You can hear it in the background while the gumshoe is having a drink with the femme fatale who hired him:
John Coltrane plays Naima. Not a soundtrack but could well be one. Ideal as source music as Harry Palmer cooks a meal for Jean Courtney (though I love the John Barry original)
