2 comments about Monterey International Pop Festival.

1. It was a nice Saturday Morning in June in the year 1967, I was in the backseat of my Parents 57 Ford Fairlaine with my older Sister. We were on the way to visit Aunt Josie & Uncle Ross in Pacific Grove, right next to the Town of Monterey. Getting through Town that Morning was not easy as normally empty roads were jammed with VW Busses and cars full of Day-Glo Freaks with Flowers in their Long Hair. Hitch-Hikers were everywhere and the Sounds of The Doors and the Jefferson Airplane could be heard blasting outta radios from all the other cars around us. My Parents didn't like Dirty Stinkin' Hippies at all, and they had Perry Como, playing for our listening enjoyment!
   
   My Aunt told us that a Big Show was going on all weekend at the Fairgrounds and that some very Strange People were over there and in her Words; "Freakin' Out at the Love-In". I got lucky and got to walk Aunt Josie's, Irish Setter {To get outta there}. We headed towards the Music that could be heard faintly drifting over from the Fairgrounds. That Dog and I sat on a Hill {Fool on a...} for a few hours and though we couldn't see it, we could hear some Groovy Sounds coming from quite a distance where HISTORY was being made for that very Lucky Audience.
   
   This Big Yellow Box Set is the Document that features the Sounds of that June weekend in Monterey 41 Years ago, and it is indeed a Nice Package.
   
   The Who, Canned Heat, Otis Redding, The Byrds, Jefferson Airplane, The Electric Flag and Jimi Hendrix. This Festival was the begining of what is now known as: "The Age of Festivals". From 1967 through the early 1970's, lot's of gatherings would follow Monterey....Woodstock, Isle of Wright, Altamont, Mar Y Sol, Atlanta Pop...ETC.ETC.
   
   
   This Set is far from Complete {Buffalo Springfield and Simon & Garfunkel are just Two of the many Performers that are not part of this Set}. Over the years many, many Bootlegs have appeared featuring More of these Shows, and they are well worth seeking out. The Movie: "Monterey Pop", is excellent as well and it is: "Must-See Viewing".
   
   Even with 4 CD's, this Package is still only a Sampler of that Historic Weekend, Down in Monterey. It is an Essential Listening Experience of Sixties Music, and this would be a 5-Star Rating, if it DID NOT contain that Wretched Tripe: "San Francicso" {"Be Sure To Wear Some Flowers In Your Hair"}. By Scott McKenzie. That Song alone is why a lot of Bay Area Bands didn't want to Perform at this Festival in the first place!
   
   That said, forgetting that one Crappy Song, this is a Great Box Set, this Big Yellow Box contains a lot of HISTORY, and belongs in any Music Collection...FOUR STARS !!!



2. Well i actually came to see if there was an even more complete version, as some of the artists listed on the original Monterey Pop bill (from the booklet in the set) werent in the cd collection, and I wanted to hear those other performers Hugh Masekela, Laura Nyro, Dion Warwick, and others. I am 48 and grew up with this music the first time around. Its dear to my heart.

   Heres why I gave it such a high rating:these are fresh performances, and bits of the performers personalities come through in the on stage commnets, as well as the performance. For example, as a long time Janis Joplin lover, this performance clearly reveals a young voice, fresh and vibrant, probably before the heavy pressures of her fame ( and substances) changed her voice.

   The Hendrix session is also vibrant, full tilt, exciting.

   Without going into every performance, this is a particularly good example of this era's stars, in a non-polished non-studio recording. All of it is good, IMHO.

   The booklet has some very interesting information and is insightful as to what people had in mind for the concert. This concert seems to be unique in that it was the FIRST of the 'flower' concerts...not so much a scene..but a concert in a relaxed and artistic atmoshpere. ON of the earliest to bill both black r and b stars to a white audience.

   From a time when rock musicians were just that, and not 'all around entertainers' and models and media concepts. I would buy this again in a heartbeat. After looking in the used section, ( to hopefull find a photo to confirm the set) however, I realized that the set can be far more than I paid just about two years ago-$39.00 mint, used-now almost ten times that amount if its the same set-(for 400 or even 100 i would have to think again!!!

5 comments about The Complete Jazz At The Philharmonic On Verve: 1944-1949.

1. I have to thank my father for introducing me to Jazz when I was 5 or 6 years. He got my interest by playing some of the recordings that are contained in this CD box set. Included are the classic volumes that were originally released on labels such as Norgran and Clef. Also included are unreleased concerts, and although the recording quality sometimes suffers, those concerts are still quite enjoyable.

   From the very beginning, Norman Granz always hired the brightest of Jazz stars for his concerts. Some reviewers in past years have complained that, by mixing swing musicians and boppers, sometimes the chemistry suffers. But when one listens, for example, to the 1949 Carnegie Hall concert, even when trombonist Tommy Turk is followed by Charlie "Bird" Parker, or when bebop trumpeter Howard McGhee is sandwiched between the cooking (as illustrated by a stove on an original David Stone Martin album cover included in the box) tenor saxes of Flip Phillips and Illinois Jacquet at the 1947 Carnegie Hall session, nothing seems out of place. In fact, the riffing brings the temperature up a few more degrees.

   Speaking of the 1947 Carnegie Hall set, we heard "Perdido" and "Mordido" on the VSP (Verve Special Products) cutout label in the middle 1960's. Another album in the VSP series had "I Can't Get Started" along with the 1947 versions of "How High the Moon" and "Bellboy Blues". Since we only had a few of the VSP albums, I didn't even know about "Endido" until I had a conversation with another collector in the middle 70's. I had to wait until the release of this box set to finally hear Endido, over 20 years later. I'm certain my experience is not unique, so the release of this box set will help others who have been searching for their favorite JATP set.

   Included in the box is a book with photos, lists of concert dates, and notes about these recordings. At first, I thought this box set was a bit pricey (for 10 CDs), but afterwards I realized the box set is well worth the almost-$200 list price. For those who are more casual fans of Norman Granz' JATP, one might purchase instead the "Best of" CD "sampler" which contains selections from the box, including favorites such as the 1947 "Perdido", 1946 "Philharmonic Blues", the 1946 "Oh, Lady Be Good" with the classic Bird solo, and Ella Fitgerald and the JATP All-Stars on the 1949 "Flying Home", along with other selections. Some of the concerts (such as the 1944 sets with Nat King Cole, Les Paul, J. J. Johnson and Illinois Jacquet) are available for purchase separately. And, like the back cover of the classic albums declared, "produced under the personnel supervision of Norman Granz", so you know you won't be disappointed!




2. Norman Grantz took a whole lot of crap (especially in the later years) for what some have called "a travelling jazz circus". Thank God he had the foresight (or business acumen) to record these. Some of the best, once-in-a-lifetime moments were caught for posterity in these jams. Looking over the years that have been picked for re-issue (not just this set, but all of the JATP re-issues), I was struck by the inclusion of the 1952 tour, taken not form the Carnegie Hall concert, which I have on LP box set ("JATP VOL #8), but in Frankfurt. Looking at the tracks, I can't help but wonder why. The '52 Carnegie Hall concert was INCREDIBLE...especially the Oscar Peterson Trio. Perhaps because there was no way to keep Oscar's trademark 'growl-singing' along with his playing from being right there with the rest of the band, it was excluded from consideration; but there are other magical moments as well: the "Opening Jam, with Oscar, Flip Phillips, Charlie Shavers, a very "on" Lester Young, Roy Eldridge, Barney Kessell, Buddy Rich...and the crowd is as much a player as the players! Man, oh, man. Also there was the Gene Krupa Trio - Gene, Willie Smith, and Hank Jones. Willie Smith may be one of the most underrated saxmen ever. And, this was the first time Rich and Krupa shared the same stage, and "The Drum Battle" is ALL that. For whatever reason, this is not on CD. But, these 40s classics are, and they are worth getting for a glimpse of Jazz History.



3. One thing about being old is that you've had a chance to hear the "live concert" when it WAS live. I went to several of JAP's concerts, saw Ella, Lester, and so many in the "Hall of Fame" that SHOULD be. This was music that bridged dixieland (my favorite) and modern (Ugh). This set is unique--it has the timing faults of live real jazz (not off sheet music). One thing is FOR SURE, there is ABSOUTELY NOTHING ELSE LIKE IT. So, don't try to like everything, only the ignorant do, just glory in MOST of it, because if you really care that much recut it. Just GET IT, not as I failed to do the first time out and though I'd lost a chance forever--thank you God for giving me a second chance!



4. Have you ever heard something that so totally convinced you that you were born to late? That was what I felt like upon hearing these incredible sets for the first time. This is truly one of the greatest box sets ever. While Norman Granz is many things to many people, some not so good, the inescapable fact here is the man knew how to assemble talent, and how to get it out to the public.

   This could be parralelled to being a early day Woodstock, only on a travelling road show format, in that the giants were assembled, giving a stage and an audience, and told to let it go.The results can be heard here on every disc. From the uncontrolled jams of Illinis Jacquet, J.J. Johnson, and Charlie Parker, the story songs of Slim Gaillard, to the smokey emotive singing of Lady Day, this set encompasses them all.

   While the size and price may scare off some, this is jazz at it`s wildest and well worth the price,and Norm Granz should be thanked for putting these roadshows together and for fighting to be able to bring these incredible musicians to the public stage, despite having the racial norms of the day putting up roadblocks in almost evey town, North, South , and even on the West Coast. This is a remarkable piece of history, with remarkable music.




5. This voluminous set reissues all the remaining recordings of the Jazz at the Philharmonic concerts produced by Norman Granz during the period 1944 to 1949.

   There are previously issued and previously unissued performances here. Lester Young, Coleman Hawkins, and Illinois Jacquett are heavily featured on tenor sax. Also making many appearances are the lesser known Howard McGhee and Kenny Kersey. Many other 'forties jazz stars are present, including Les Paul, Meade Lux Lewis, Charlie Parker, J. J. Johnson, Buck Clayton, Roy Eldridge and Mel Powell. Sure the JATP became formulaic over time, but those performance captured here are exciting and stimulating. I especially enjoy the unissued sides by Lester Young here, and the many appearances on drums of his lesser-known brother, Lee Young.

   The sound is excellently remastered. A few selections are from very poor source material, but overall the sound is dynamic and vivid. The lengthy booklet is informative and fun. And have you ever seen a box set that came with a minature sidewalk marquee before? Do you think you will again?

3 comments about The Complete Recordings, Vol. 2 (1924-1925).

1. The whole Complete Recording series (Vol. 1 - 5) is a must get for any old-time jazz/blues collector, afficionado, lover. I knew I always liked Bessie, but in reality I'd only heard a few numbers that were often played (St. Louis Blues). Upon hearing her other stuff, she has become one of my all-time favorite musicians ever.
   These sets come with booklets that put perspect on each track. Be aware that the booklets overlap with the same info from one vol to another at the beginning of each one. But each one does offer new/different info towards the end.



2. Rough, rowdy, and precious was our dear
   Bessie. Treat your ears to a woman who
   still blows the competition away.
   
   Featuring nearly 2 hours of Bessie's best,
   this double disc collection contains 37 tracks
   and is a "must" for those who love early 1920s
   blues and jazz. A real treat here, for those
   who also love Armstrong's early cornet work (as
   mentioned in the other review) are seven tracks
   she did with Louis:
   
   St. Louis Blues (Jan. 24, 1925)
   Reckless Blues (Jan. 24, 1925)
   Sobbin' Hearted Blues (Jan. 24, 1925)
   Cold in Hand Blues (Jan. 24, 1925)
   You've Been a Good Ole Wagon (Jan. 24, 1925)
   
   Careless Love Blues (May 27, 1925)
   I Ain't Gonna Play No Second Fiddle (May 27, 1925)



3. Bessie Smith's greatest collaborations with Louis Armstrong--need I say more? Two of the greatest artists of their time working together to create some of the greatest music of the entire century. This is the best of the Complete Bessie Smith volumes to have--this is the artist in her (recording) prime.

1 comments about Collection: Hard Again / I'm Ready / King Bee.

1. Back in the late 70's Johnnie Winters pulled Muddy Waters out of semi-retirement to record three great CD's on the Blue Sky label. When back in the studio Muddy noted that it made him feel so good that it made him 'Hard Again', hence the title for the first and best CD of the series. All are recordings using a live to tape method, which suites the blues and in particular Muddy extremely well. The backing band is excellent, sound quality is outstanding and Muddy is top of form. Each CD has a slightly different feel and each in the set gets a little weaker then the previous. This is relatively speaking given that Hard Again is easily one Muddy's best albums and one of the top ten blues CD's ever made - seriously good stuff. If you can only afford one, buy Hard Again, otherwise just by the set and enjoy.

2 comments about The Original Jazz Masters Series, Vol. 4.

1. Part of this set and some of Vol. 2 of the collection stay in the player nearly all the time. You buy this and you have found musicians that are true masters.



2. This compilation represents all that is good in music. From the heart of Armstrong to the soul of Ellington, this collection is pure to the genre of Jazz.

No comments about The Best of the Vetco Years.

No comments about The Collection.

5 comments about Verve Story 1944-1994.

1. For his tireless, effective, and classy promotion of first-rate musicians, Norma Granz must surely be one of the great cultural influences of our century, even if no one but jazz types know of him. More admirable (because courageous and selfless)is that he absolutely forbade racial segregation in his audiences and for his musicians. Granz was famous for making sure that ALL his musicians received first-class treatment, without distinction.

   And what first-class music his people made! From the "Jazz at the Philharmonic" series to his long tenure with Verve (which he founded), Granz brought together the very, very best jazz musicians, under the best conditions, and let them play what moved them.

   This collection is a fine, fine introduction to what Granz accomplished--and extraordinarily fun to hear.

   If you're looking for a great intro to jazz, you could do worse than to start here. (For pedagogical purposes, Ken Burns' five-CD set, "The Story of America's Music," is more comprehensive, and it has much to commend it. Listening to that set, though, requires an interest in being educated, as much as an interest in listening to jazz--some of the discs are jarringly uneven in tone, mood, style, and sound quality.)




2. What is jazz? Dixieland? Big-band? Kenny G? (Perish the thought!
   Forgive me for such heresy!)

   I write this review about halfway
   through the stunning Ken Burns "Jazz" chronicle on PBS
   (January 2001) - I felt compelled to get this set out for my
   late-night listening, and am glad I did!

   This 4-CD set contains
   almost 5 hours of great jazz performances by the giants - Louis
   Armstrong, Charlie Parker, Dizzy Gillespie, Stan Getz,
   Ella Fitzgerald, Oscar Peterson... well, you can read the
   list.

   Sound quality is awesome, especially considering that some of
   these recordings are over 50 years old. Verve obviously wanted this
   to be a quality product, to commemmorate their golden anniversary.
   And the performances - if you have NOT heard them before, you will be
   alternately slack-jawed with amazement and grinnin' like a possum
   eatin' a sweet potato!

   Jazz aficionados will probably already have
   most of this material - none of it is new or unissued, all of it is
   classic jazz. If you're like me - you've had some exposure to jazz
   and want to add some good stuff to your collection - you can't go
   wrong with this set. If you get picked to be on Survivor Island, you
   just might want to take it with you... I would!




3. the best compilation of jazz music ever! this is a must for all music lover and you'll know after you've listened



4. I scored this at a used "rock&roll shop for 20 bucks. Little did they no the value. This is totally awesome. The best part is the "assortedness" of it. I was leary of sound quality, but it is very good. The version of Dizzy's "Manteca" is almost worth the price. The only person missing is Kenton, but as we know, he wasn't a verve man. BUy it, its worth it.



5. I spotted this album in a friend's jazz collection. It has become a favorite of mine. Its perfect to give as a gift. Great listening, and a wonderful intro to Jazz.

2 comments about Queen of Country Blues 1929-1937.

1. Memphis Minnie's tempestous life is reflected in ther songs. This five CD collection contains songs that tell of troublews with lovers, a bout with Meningitis, and electrical deficiencies. "KYou gotta have a socket" tells of the need of a place to plug in an iron. Menyof her songs are rife with double entrendre. Its avazing how they discribed sexual activity. Her voice is as strong as Bessie Smith's, and much easier to understand. The two guitar accompaniment, Most with Kansas Joe McCoy, is supurb. Nobody does it like her. Well worth the price.



2. I've been visiting this box-set often since picking it up a few months ago. Previous to this, I only had one Memphis Minnie disc, so the vast majority of this box was new to me. Memphis Minnie is truly one of the giants of pre-war blues, yet she seems to be somewhat forgotten. Her name doesn't often seem to roll off the tongues of even many of the people who have gotten beyond just Robert Johnson. Hopefully this low priced yet high quality collection will help fix that situation.

   I think I have ten of these great JSP boxes so far, and this is one of the very best.

   In the majority of current blues, lyrics are little more than an after thought. Just something to play a supporting role to the trite guitar wankery. The pre-war era was when blues lyrics actually had something to say, and Minnie's lyrics are an excellent window into not only herself, but also into the flipside of life (of that era) and blues... life and blues from the female perspective. Minnie would seem to be as rough and tumble as any of her male counterparts.

   Guitaristically, the first major glimpse we get into her playing comes on Mister Tango Blues. Throughout this box it strikes me that Minnie may well have been a more influential guitarist than many of the more famous males of her time. She does things you can still hear people doing today. A compliment to Minnie, but yet another comment on the stale state of most blues today.

   One of the things that makes this entire box such a joy is that Minnie's music is comprised of many different styles. Whereas someone like Blind Lemon Jefferson only really did a handful of different things and everything he did fell into those categories, Minnie does everything from low-down blues to more mournful songs illustrating the female perspective, to jaunty, goofily fun tunes, jugband stuff, etc...

   If you're only interested in hearing her do When The Levee Breaks, this isn't the set for you, as it's not here. I e-mailed JSP before this box was released and they told me that it would be included on a Kansas Joe box instead. Considering how many Minnie and Joe tracks are on here, I'm not sure why that wasn't included also, but it's a small gripe considering the great price of these JSP boxes and that it it won't bother me to pick up the Joe box for Levee and all the other tracks they did together that were not included here.

   This whole box is like a musical treasure chest. Beyond "Thank you Minnie and JSP!!!" I can't think of anything more to say.

5 comments about Ray Charles: The Complete Country & Western Recordings 1959-1986.

1. Very Attractive Package (which i like), but if you really want the truth, aside from all the laurels Mr. Charles deserves, the first two disks of this set are nothing short of terrific. So, if you like boxed sets, handsome ones at that, buy this. If you are in it just for the music, buy the first two disks separately. The other disks in this set are almost not worth listening to, especially the duets (which as a general category i detest).
   
   Ah, what the hell, if you're a Ray Charles fan, buy the box set and use the other three disks for coasters!!!



2. I had some of this material when we still bought records. It is an absolutely great deal. Ray Charles is one of my favourite Country Singers. As far as I can see everything is here excepting the cut with Conway Twitty, from the friends album, 'Rainy Night in Georgia.' A pity, one of my favourites. I guess someone refused to sign. Go figure.



3. Ray Charles: The Complete Country & Western Recordings 1959-1986
   This is a must have collection from Ray Charles. Though he's long passed away the music is so alive that you have the feeling he is just there with you in your living room. This is really a masterpiece of a genius production. Ray Charles has always been my idol but this collection has proved it. I knew some of the tracks on vinyl back then but thanks to Amazon I now have the full and complete collection on CD. God knows how many years I've been craving for this very collection from Ray Charles. I am really overwhelmed. I am really over the top about my latest find.



4. This is rates as an historical collection of a cross over genre in any Ray Charles collection, whilst low on contemporary base notes it still holds its own in relation to a collection that covers an extensive period of time. It is a collection that you can play to a variety of generations of music lovers as it tells the stories that interests all. I believe time will prove this is a set you will never regret having.



5. Album just great I play it every day,and enjoy it tremendesly. I would recommend it to any one who likes Ray &country.