1 comments about Count Basie - The Golden Years.

1. Now that the entire Fantasy catalog has gone to Concord Jazz, this treasury of Basie's last decade has gone out of print and prices have dropped. This set is a very attractive alternative to buying 20-30 Pablo albums. Disc 1 features live performances with a variety of groups; Disc 2 focuses on small-group all-star sessions; Disc 3 collects big band performances, and Disc 4 shows Basie accompanying many of the vocalists who shared the Pablo label at the time. While there is nothing musically novel in this set, the remastering throughout is superb. If you have already collected the early Decca and Columbia sides and the "new testament" band sides on Verve and Roulette, this should be next on your list.

3 comments about Vol. 2: 1935-1940.

1. An almost needed companion to the 1st JSP collection "The Early Years" 1930-1934,these 4 Cd's are remastered by by Ted Kendall, features colourful artwork,linernotes,and the flamboyant leader of a man that was the entertainer Cab Calloway and his groups of great swing and Jazz men.
   This is a recomendation for those that are skeptical on these JSP sets that I find infectious, since this company are known as quality coming out with their arsenal of box sets that are always packed with stellar sounding music that fans appreciate presented as bargains which they are paying homage to historical music, always with taste,good sound and providing an almost needed service to those still into collecting Cd's rather than the downloading of a single.
   I never found a bad JSP set and that includes my Louis Armstrong Hot 5's and 7's, Charlie Parker, Jelly Roll Morton, Eddie Condon,Django, Duke's early sides,Breaking Out Of New Orleans, and now these 2 sets of Cab.
   For the Jazz and Blues Aficionado, JSP is a well known for those of you uncertain, you can be sure you are getting a good deal.



2. This is a revelation of a collection. Spotty American compilations aside, please check this multi-CD pack out. It is great to have so much of Cab's recorded history to enjoy, from the talented musicians in his band to the range of musical styles. Age-related source material aside (leave your "golden ears" at the door), the price is right, too.



3. I read a lot of reviews of Cab's "The Early Years" box set & was shocked that there weren't any reviews for this. I assume much of what could be said about "T.E.Y." could be said about this set, but I believe this set to also be a must to (easily) continue any collection of Cab's repertoire. I bought it in early '04 along with "The Early Years" box set and the two sets together are one of the best investments any fan of swing/jazz could make. I love them both.

5 comments about Early Ellington: Complete Brunswick Recordings.

1. The tracks in this collection have been neglected for many years by MCA/Decca, and it's unfortunate they have gone out-of-print. Nevertheless, even though this set came out in 1994, the sound quality is pretty stunning. It's great to know they got the mastering correct the first time around on these.
   
   As another reviewer has mentioned, there is a bit of surface noise, although not overwhelming. But that surface noise is 100% necessary to maintain the integrity of the original recordings. Unlike the Sony releases, this set has all the crisp highs, the dynamic mid-range, and the thumping, yet clear bass of the original recordings. NONE of the latest remasters from this era of Ellington, whether from Sony/Columbia or RCA/BMG have a dynamic range as good as this. The RCA ones are close, while the Sonys come in last.
   
   In addition to the great remastering here, you also get quite a number of songs Ellington never recorded again, so it's nice to get them in such great sound. Most of these tracks also give you the wonderful trumpet sounds of Bubbler Miley, who was only with Ellington for the first few years.
   
   Get this collection while you still can, as the longer it's out-of-print, the harder it will be to come by.



2. Early Ellington recordings are a minefield, because he was a serial recorder, returning to the same numbers repeatedly, and not just for different labels. This magisterial compilation helps by rounding up everything Ellington recorded for Brunswick and Vocalion between November 1926 and February 1931. That total of 67 tracks includes a wealth of alternate takes (worth having in Duke's case) and several extreme rarities. Sound quality is excellent, particularly given the rarity of much of the source material, and a 54-page booklet provides a complete discography and comprehensive notes by Steven Lasker. This is an essential purchase for any serious jazz collector, but more than that, it's highly enjoyable too.



3. The Washingtonians made some forgettable acoustic horn recordings in the mid 1920s. With the advent of electrical sound in 1925, some personnel changes and larger numbers, Edward Ellington's orchestra really came into their own. The set EARLY ELLINGTON is evidence of that musical flowering. The 67 tracks here were (with one exception) all taken from 78 source material. Fifteen are transcriptions of metal parts, the rest being test and commercial pressings.
   
   Track #1, "East St. Louis Toodle-o," was the band's theme song until 1940. Two versions are presented (the earlier has more surface noise). As to the issue of record condition, there is hiss present, but no persistent clicks from scratches, and little lathe. This is to be expected when mastering from pre-used 78s of such venerable age. To have dampened the sound with a mask of filtering would have destroyed the dynamics of the performances, in this reviewer's estimation.
   
   Other Ellington standards, like "The Mooche," "Black & Tan Fantasy" and "Mood Indigo" saw their first exposure to the record buying public with the BRUNSWICK sides on this set. The opening theme of "Six Or Seven Times" would one day become the coda to "Take The 'A' Train." Another interesting couple of tracks are on disc two. "Ain't Misbehavin'" and "Doin' The New Lowdown" feature Bill "Bojangles" Robinson, and these two comprise the first ever record to include tap-dancing. The 78 was also a big seller in 1929. "Sweet Mama," another song waxed at that session but rejected by BRUNSWICK'S Jack Kapp, is finally given it's due here. Also included are tunes that were part of musical revues at the Cotton Club. Galas like "Cotton Club Showboat" and "Hot Chocolates" were orchestrated by Ellington during his band's two year tenure at that famous Harlem nightclub.
   
   A nicely detailed 56-page book chronicles Duke's early history, and provides lots of other data. The compact case that houses the book and three CDs is a plus. Altogether, this superb collection is one that's vital to all Ellington fans, lovers of hot dance music and early jazz bands. Highest recommendation.
   
   TOTAL RUNNING TIMES --
   DISC ONE -- 66:00
   DISC TWO -- 66:30
   DISC THREE -- 69:22



4. Despite all the good anthologies out there on early Ellington, having all the recorded takes of Ellington on this particular label is superlative.
   Artists of stature are listened to, treasured and enjoyed and the joy of comparing songs recorded various times for various labels around the same time is not an excercise but a pleasure to savor such as with Duke.I just wanted to comment that the sound is indeed great here and the whole discussion on no noise or hiss is a perennial one to anyone that is a listener of early Jazz recordings..The same thing goes on and on in regard to Benny Goodman's Carnegie Hall Concert and of course the JSP UK box set or the Columbia box of Louis Armstrong's Hot 5's and 7's...all are fine to my 48 year old ears..But I do disagree with some others and enjoy the Duke's OKEH recorded output on Columbia and that too is a needed purchase as is his Columbia's Duke's men Vol 1 and 2 Collections also on CBS/Columbia.All can be found pretty cheap on EBAY.
   Having this whole era of Duke on different labels with many of the same songs yet different and wonderful remains worthy of purchase.



5. Just a little tip for the less affluent: you can get 10 of the better tracks from this collection, plus another half hour's worth of some good latter day Duke, on "Duke Ellington's Finest Hour" for 12 bucks.
   
   Yes, these are wonderful recordings of the early growth of big band jazz, very good time music in the Fletcher Henderson vein. And add my vote for the Decca remastering school of thought: don't kill the music just to get out the noise. But I just really don't care to listen to so many alternate takes back to back. I ended up burning my own set with all the alternates sequestered to the 3rd CD.

2 comments about The Lionel Hampton Story.

1. Proper boxes in general represent fantastic value, considering both the depth of subject material, decent re-mastered sound, and and the provision of a detailed booklet with background information as well as discographies. The Lionel Hampton set covers the mid 30's with small groups to the early 50's with his big band ensembles and showcases Hamp, not only on the vibes, but also on the piano and drums. Because of the high quality of the other soloists as well, this set is essential for every lover of swing.



2. I have to tell you Lionel Hampton has yet to be matched in talent, and drive on the "phones." Funny Story, it was Tito Puente the late and legendary " King of the Mambo" was the one who showed Lionel (by carefull persuation) the light of the "phones" and shuned him away from the piano. Unfortunatly not much was known on this subject of the two meeting but I believe they meet in the service or right after Tito was discharged for WW II. I can tell you Lionel, to me, is best know for His BIG version of "Flying Home". A bigger, badder version of the small groups version he did with Benny Goodman, and teddy wilson. Lionels closest match would have to be Red Narrvo form the 1930's, but still Mr. Hampton 's drive and moves on the stage has yet to be matched.

No comments about The Complete Jerome Kern Songbooks.

5 comments about Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man.

1. The version I have is the small box and was listening to it the whole day today.The sound is not bad at all. Actually, It is quite good.
   The music is great capturing Armstrong in a period that was so instrumental in defining Jazz and the roots of New Orleans Music.
   The selections are a good sampler for further in depth listening of releases that are available.It all adds up to a totally enjoyable experience.
   There are various surprises and probably hard to find cuts.
   For those interested in further cd's I heartily recommend The Complete Hot 5's(both JSP and Columbia are fine to my ears.The JSP may sound better with some post live selections not on Columbia's box, while the Columbia book is great and has a few alternate sides if I am not mistaken and is a lavish affair),King Oliver's Complete sessions(The Dutch 2 cd set on Challenge),Louis Big Band recordings(JSP)that completes the 30's, and the 7 selections from the Red Onion Babies found on Milestone/Jazz Heritage King Oliver and Lois Armstrong cd that duplicates most of King Oliver's complete set mentioned above except the Red Onion Baby selections. Also Breaking Out Of New Orleans(JSP) is top ranking as far as sound and selection and overall quality of this genre offering quality from many bands from 1922-1929(It also has 4 selections from the Red Onion Babies found on Louis Armstrong/King Oliver cd).
   The book inside this CD is wonderful as well.



2. I have to disagree completely with the previous reviewer. The JSP set sounds way better than these sets (I own both). Also, you cant compare this set with the JSP set in terms of content. The JSP set only includes recordings with the hot five and sevens. On this set, only 2 of the 4 CD's include that material. The rest is stuff recorded earlier as a sideman or later with RCA. Everything in this set is gold of the highest order. But the remastering is no longer the best it could be.



3. Louis Armstrong is the greatest artist of the 20th century. Don't die without hearing "West End Blues". In fact, don't live one more day without this CD. I know what you're thinking. I looked at the years this box set covers and I thought, "Oh no. 4 CD's of 78s." The truth is the sound is tinny. And the truth is it doesn't matter.



4. "Louis Armstrong: Portrait of the Artitst as a Young Man"

   This is the set of recordings that announced that jazz had matured to the level of an art form. The Hot Fives and Sevens, featuring the always brutally underrated Earl Hines (not to mention Johnny Dodds), is the fiery core of Planet Jazz. Louis' trumpet was never better, and with this small group in Chicago, Prince Armstrong took King Oliver's crown.

   From the first to the last of this four disc set, there is a level of invention and innovation that can only be compared to the bebop revolution of the early 1940s. These superlative remarks aside, the music is a lot of fun to listen to, from the classics like "Potato Head Blues", "Struttin' with Some Barbeque", "Chimes Blues", "Weather Bird", "Sugar Foot Stomp", both takes of "Stardust", "Cornet Chop Suey", "Tight Like This" and the greatest of them all, "West End Blues."

   King Armstrong he would have been called had he stayed in New Orleans. And who knows if he'd have been any more famous than Freddie Keppard today.

   Instead, he's a beloved legend by both jazz hardcores and most if not all Americans (plus millions worldwide). He stands only alongside Bach and Beethoven in the pantheon.




5. The most complete collection of the most important work by the most dominant American musician of the first half of the 20th century.

   Too much hype?

   Trust me, this is a great collection, worthy of that hype. These are the recordings that cemented Armstrong's reputation as the most important instrumentalist of the age.

1 comments about The Complete Decca Studio Master Takes 1935-1939.

1. It appears that with all these bargain boxes of Jazz cd's coming out the typical consumer sees price value and takes a chance..there are better sounding labels out there and my experience with Definitive Records,LoneHill Jazz,JSP and Proper Records have been positive and never felt beat by any of them.
   In the case of Definitive Records and this 4 cd set, exhausting the master takes of Satchmo's Decca sides for the time period of 1935-1939 (as well as the the additional 2 cd set covering the 1940-1949 Decca period issued as a separate release but same style of packaging), the sound and overall presentation is crystal.
   Informative liner and band notes are included.This label is really made for the Jazz aficionado and primarily the collector seeking hard to find quality releases...The label makes no bones and quite simply states that in it's honest approach .
   There are 6 cd's if you also include the 1940-1949 collection available as a 2 cd set...Wonderfully, also high resolution 24 bit.
   The music captures Armstrong at the tender age of 35-45 when he returned to the American studio after foreign travels and his great big band recordings of the early 1930's.History was still to be made.

5 comments about The Complete Cole Porter Songbooks.

1. The set is exactly as it is billed: a compendium of Cole Porter covers by VERVE jazz artists. Want Frank's cover of Under My Skin? Don't like Ella's live performance in the VERVE set? Then burn your own CD. In doing so, the VERVE set will be an invaluable resource.



2. First off, this is a 'Verve' jazz box set of Cole Porter tunes. Verve. The jazz label. Which means the box probably has jazz tunes on it. Right? Jazz renditions of Porter tunes. Now use that brain folks, God didn't put it there to keep the wind from making a whistling sound through your head... if you want original Porter tunes done pre-1940 in that scratchy 78 revolutions sound stay far away from this compilation (try the excellent 'You're The Top: Cole Porter In The 1930s' box instead). Classic Verve jazz fanatics know what they will find on this set, beautiful renditions of Cole Porter standards by 'jazz' (there's that jazz word again) greats. Renditions. Not tinny Artie Shaw recordings (don't get me wrong, I love Artie Shaw too) off of wax cylinders. Look at the listings, Louie Armstrong, Ella Fitzgerald, Billie Holiday, Clifford Brown, Roland Kirk... no Frank or Dean or Tony BECAUSE they didn't record for Verve. It's a 'Verve' box set. And what you get is an extraordinary collection of jazz performances of Porter tunes.



3. If you are looking for the quintessential Cole Porter collection, keep looking. If you're looking for some classical renditions of Cole Porter favorites keep looking. What this is, in my opinion, is a collection of songs that were obviously easy to get royalty wise. A bunch of scat singing on the vocals by Ella Louie and Mel, and a bunch of challenges to the musical scales by improvisation-happy saxophonists. No Frank, Dean, Perry, Tony. In this collection you get Cole Porter lyrics but not enough Cole Porter music. Cole must be spinning in his grave so fast he could reach the center of the earth in a New York minute if he was interred vertically.



4. No lover of American song should be without these terrific Verve box sets. I agree that the Verve catalog is more jazz-oriented than some others. Listeners who prefer more straight-up renditions of the American song standards might prefer the "Capitol Sings" series. But don't throw out the baby with the bathwater!

   The Verve sets aren't just for the jazz afficionado. Goodness gracious, there are performances by Fred Astaire, Louis Armstrong and Ella Fitzgerald on these disks -- I love all of them, but I would hardly call them avant garde.

   True, the instrumental disks (one in each 3CD set) bop a little harder. That's why Verve wisely also sells these songbooks as separate CDs, too. Buyers who prefer the vocal versions can save a little money by buying a la carte. The vocal CDs do mix in some Shirley Horn and Betty Carter, and other "progressive" artists, to good effect. Those less-familiar versions only serve to refresh the timeless wonder of of the talents of Cole Porter, Irving Berlin, and our other great songwriters.




5. While I can appreciate the opinions of the other reviewers I just had to write and disagree. Maybe I'm just not as much of a purist as the others, but it seems to me that music should be reinvented from time to time. It's what keeps it alive and vital.

   The performances and performers on this CD are top-rate. It was in fact this collection of such talent that introduced me to Porter in the first place and I'm grateful to it's makers. Since first listening to it a few years ago I've developed more of a taste for thirties style musical numbers, but some of these tracks are still my favorite takes on his music.

   I will agree that this collection will appeal to you more if you like jazz. If you do though, you can't go wrong with the material that these fine artists have worked with.

5 comments about Magic Voices.

1. The Singers Unlimited Magic Voices 7 CD box set is an absolutely fabulous collection of their unique vocal artistry. Over the years I was able to purchase some but not all of their albums and CD's. So this marvelous set that includes all of their albums is a privilege to have. Especially enjoyable is their A Capella work, but the albums with Oscar Peterson, Art Van Damme, Patrick Williams and Rob McConnell are great as well. There is a good variety of nice tunes all with vocal arrangements by Gene Puerling that have amazing harmonic and rhythmic structures. The set includes all of the 14 albums that they produced in the ten years that they were actively working together. I never tire of listening to their magical voices. The Singers Unlimited have lost one of their members (Len Dresslar) so there will be no more or their fantastic music. This set is a great compilation of their work and is most highly recommended.



2. Magic VoicesIncredible performances of absolutely awesome arrangements of some of the greatest pop/jazz music. The recordings, complete with overdubbing, is some of the finest I've ever heard. I really enjoy this collection!



3. It seems incredible that more than twenty five years have passed since the Singers Unlimited released their last album but us music lovers are so lucky that, during the short few years they recorded, fifteen records were released - and more lucky for us fourteen are included in this fabulous box set. Only the Christmas album is missing.
   
   Everything that can be said has been said by the previous reviewers so I will just comment that, if you love vocal harmony, this is for you. I would also add my sadness at the death last year of Len Dresslar - what a pity his obituarys referred largely to his voice as that of the Jolly Green Giant.
   
   Lastly, if you also like the Four Freshmen they are still going strong and the present group is better than ever. They also have issued a box set of the Capital years which one shouldn't be without. If you are interseted, visit their website: [...]
   
   Peter Smith
   Torquay
   UK



4. Admittedly, Singers Unlimited is Gene Puerlings's nadir, and the performances and sound on this box are excellent - just what you would expect from the state-of-the-art in jazz-oriented ensemble singing.
   
   The reason I'm docking this set a star, is not to fault the set, just to alert the customer that there are other options. When this box came out, the three a cappella albums had not been available as a set by themselves. Also, the essential Christmas recording is not here. And finally, frankly, some of the chintz and cheese on some of the jazzier arrangements have aged just like a polyester pantsuit.
   
   If you're just getting into Singers Unlimited, hold off here, unless you think it will go out of print and prices will go skyhigh. Some (SOME!) of you will never come to the conclusion that you NEED 14 albums in one box, and have other things to do with a hundred-dollar bill. Instead, I'd direct you towards the Christmas album, and, say, "A Cappella III". Or, the A Cappella Collection. Score a few of the better-sounding German or Dutch vinyl LP's. Then, if you're still drooling for more, you will not consider re-buying some of it in a box such a hard bullet to bite.



5. ....and that's all I have to say!
   Apart from Thanks to the late, great Alan Dell on BBC Radio Two for introducing us to this magical music, that gave us so much pleasure at home.
   
   I note that Len Dressler commented on an earlier review. If he sees this one, then I hope he will accept my humble and sincere thanks for making such beautiful music and for so enriching our lives; you gave us so much joy.
   
   Five stars just isn't enough!!

3 comments about Dizzy's Diamonds: The Best Of Verve Years.

1. I have a LOT of jazz CDs, and for some reason it never occurred to me to log onto Amazon and rate "Dizzy's Diamonds", I think because I just assumed that scores of people would have rated it and rated it five stars.
   
   This is such an incredible, beautiful set of 3 CDs, with 40 of the finest jazz performances in history, many of them live. It is beyond superb, and even five Amazon stars doesn't do it justice, and I'm serious about that.



2. The recordings in this box set are from the late 50's and early 60's. Disc 1 is Big Band, Disc 2 is Small Groups, and Disc 3 is Afro-Cuban music. People looking for the bop era might be disappointed, but I loved it.



3. It's nice to have this box set and while I had alot of these songs on other albums, the recordings are all different. They are a little bit too structured for my preference in comparing them to other Diz albums, but it's still well worth having particularly if you're as big a Diz fan as I.