1 comments about Black and White Box of Jazz.

1. OK, with apologies to Monty Python, this collection contains a LOT of Lionel Hampton -- he appears on almost half the selections, which is a good thing if you're a fan of his or of the vibes. For me, while I appreciate his artistry and musicianship, I place the vibraphone just slightly above the circus organ on my list of favorite jazz instruments. A little goes a long way. My other nit is one of packaging. The titles and artists might give you the impression that these were the classic sides (i.e. Art Blakey on "Moanin'") but almost all of these songs were recorded between 1977 and 1993, and mostly at club dates. Still, with those reservations aside, there is a lot of great music here for a great price and some real gems, such as Diz and James Moody on the soul/funk number "Slew Foot." 4 stars (5 if you love Lionel Hampton).

1 comments about C'est Magnifique.

1. This box set is not easy to find ... buy it NOW!

   C'Est Magnifique covers many years of Peggy's incredible career. From the 60's with "There's Always Something There To Remind Me" back to the late 40's with "Cannonball Express" (this is a very rare track and one of my favorite Peggy recordings ... it really JUMPS!). Then you have all the Peggy Hits: "Fever", "Manana" (which she wrote), "Big Spender" and "I'm A Woman".

   Some other highlights include: "Bewitched" (yes the classic TV show theme has lyrics!). Then there's "I'm Gonna Go Fishin'" with lyrics by Peggy and music by Duke Ellington ... this coming June Peggy will be inducted into the Songwriter's Hall of Fame with a special mention for this song! Finally there are many Love-Lee ballads ... "As Time Goes By" and "Days of Wine and Roses" are truly beautiful (produced and arranged by Quincy Jones).

   ***** A good start for your Peggy CD collection!

   Sincere-Lee,

   Robert Strom

   THE PEGGY LEE FAN CLUB 744 COLLIER DRIVE SAN LEANDRO, CA 94577

2 comments about Smooth Jazz.

1. This generous collection shows just how far back the idiom of Smooth Jazz goes. Tracks represented here go back to 1965 and up
   to 1996. The collection is varied as few artists are represented more than once. All tracks come from the vast SONY/COLUMBIA jazz catalogue of distinguished players. They are sequenced for maximum enjoyment. This set is timeless and most enjoyable for a cocktail party, relaxtion, or as background during dinner. This is not meerly sweet music nicely recorded but it is a gathering of musicians, some of whom are at there peek.
   Add a star if you don't mind not knowing all the performers on each selection. Some well annotated program notes would have been welcome, but this is truly a geat value!



2. 3 CDs of the best smooth jazz around-it's a must-have for all smooth jazz fans!This box set is great for romantic evenings or for when you want to relax in the morning.If you love smooth jazz,then be sure to get this box set-it's worth every penny!

No comments about Dance Hall Days.

No comments about Complementary Tracks.

No comments about Vocalists of Jazz & Entertainment.

No comments about Masters of Jazz, Vols. 1-5.

No comments about I Write the Songs.

No comments about New Orleans Traditional Jazz Legends [6 CD Set].

4 comments about Big Band Spectacular, Vols. 1-2.

1. What is it the young people say today? "Been there, done that." Well, this is my era. Saw the man. Heard the man. These are his songs, but this CD? Glenn Miller would be embarrassed! Be sure to listen to the samples....they lack the passion, the verve, the cohesiveness, and the very soul of Glenn Miller and his orchestra!!



2. I first heard Glenn when I was 10. I was visiting a relative and they played some round tube that was like a record. When I went home my Dad showed me the cd he had of him.I am now 22 years old and LOVE, LOVE, LOVE my Glenn Miller. His music is great to listen to if you want a real pick me upper or if your cleaning house. This cd has made me the fan I am today.



3. What a bust! PLEASE: Do NOT buy this CD before listening to the previews--the songs on this CD cannot possibly be the original hits remastered, as the cover implies :(

   If anyone knows of a quality set of re-mastered Glenn Miller and Benny Goodman originals, I would certainly enjoy to hear about it. Thank you!!




4. This album has all the classics that you would expect hear on the radio if you were to fall back into the 1940's. Upbeat and surprisingly familiar, it provides a wonderful background for a dinner party or just working around the house. A great buy!