Aces Back to Back (Audio CD & DVD)

Editorial Reviews
Album Description
In his all too short life, Bobby Darin accomplished more than most artists could ever dream. He was a teen idol, a Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductee, an Academy Award-nominated actor, a Grammy Award-winner, a folk rock stylist and a Vegas showman -- and that only scratches the surface. The consummate American performer, his artistry is far beyond what mere words could describe. Aces Back To Back, the long awaited Bobby Darin collection on HYENA Records, paints the entire picture. Produced by Joel Dorn, in conjunction with Darin's manager Steve Blauner and Darin's official archivist Jimmy Scalia, the CD/DVD set is the most comprehensive collection of Bobby Darin rarities ever released, drawing from long lost concert performances, previously unreleased radio broadcasts, out of print studio sessions and vintage film and television footage. High points include performances from his 1970s television variety show on which Darin delivers definitive renditions of his biggest hits including "Mack The Knife," "Beyond The Sea" and "Dream." Also included, for first time ever commercial release, are the fabled "Milk Recordings" that are among the only known Darin jazz vocal performances. The folk rock gems from his retreat to Big Sur are yet another invaluable addition highlighted by "Jive" and "Long Time Movin'." The DVD component includes performances from the aforementioned '70s television show, but the feature is the never before seen black and white documentary film that Bobby Darin was directing about his own life. Narrated by George Burns, the poignant footage captures Darin in the studio, with his family, performing around the world and finally from his comeback performance at the Coconut Grove. Aces Back To Back encompasses the brilliance of one of the 20th century's greatest artists like no retrospective that's come before!

Tracks:

This Could Be The Start Of Something Big
Can't Take My Eyes Off Of You
Song Sung Blue
All I Have To Do Is Dream
A Quarter To Nine
Alone Again Naturally
Beyond The Sea
I'll Be Your Baby Tonight
If I Were A Carpenter
Simple Song Of Freedom
Up A Lazy River
Jive
Rainin'
Long Time Movin'
Dream Lover
Blue Skies
Moon River
All The Way
Mack The Knife
The Curtain Falls

Tracks:

This Could Be The Start of Something Big
Can't Take My Eyes Off Of You
Song Sung Blue
All I Have To Do Is Dream
A Quarter To Nine
Alone Again Naturally
Beyond The Sea
Mack The Knife
Weeping Willow
One of Those Songs
You're Nobody 'Til Somebody Loves You

Album Description

In his all too short life, Bobby Darin accomplished more than most artists could ever dream. He was a teen idol, a Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductee, an Academy Award-nominated actor, a Grammy Award-winner, a folk rock stylist and a Vegas showman -- and that only scratches the surface. The consummate American performer, his artistry is far beyond what mere words could describe. Aces Back To Back, the long awaited Bobby Darin collection on HYENA Records, paints the entire picture. Produced by Joel Dorn, in conjunction with Darin's manager Steve Blauner and Darin's official archivist Jimmy Scalia, the CD/DVD set is the most comprehensive collection of Bobby Darin rarities ever released, drawing from long lost concert performances, previously unreleased radio broadcasts, out of print studio sessions and vintage film and television footage. High points include performances from his 1970s television variety show on which Darin delivers definitive renditions of his biggest hits including "Mack The Knife," "Beyond The Sea" and "Dream." Also included, for first time ever commercial release, are the fabled "Milk Recordings" that are among the only known Darin jazz vocal performances. The folk rock gems from his retreat to Big Sur are yet another invaluable addition highlighted by "Jive" and "Long Time Movin'." The DVD component includes performances from the aforementioned '70s television show, but the feature is the never before seen black and white documentary film that Bobby Darin was directing about his own life. Narrated by George Burns, the poignant footage captures Darin in the studio, with his family, performing around the world and finally from his comeback performance at the Coconut Grove. Aces Back To Back encompasses the brilliance of one of the 20th century's greatest artists like no retrospective that's come before!

Customer Reviews:

A golden nugget shining brightly !!!.......2007-07-09

Bobby Darin remains a titan in the entertainment industry. Despite the passing of time since his death, many people the world over enjoy his artistry on CDs. This CD/DVD set captures some of Darin's finest moments and gives us a rare chance to look behind the scenes at the man who was Bobby Darin.

The CD track set begins with "This Could Be The Start Of Something Big." This live track is an auspicious way to start the set--the first track truly IS the beginning of a BIG, wonderful CD/DVD set. Bobby sings with all his heart; and his warm, masculine voice is nothing short of a finely tuned instrument. Awesome! "This Could Be The Start Of Something Big" swings well; and the musical arrangement sports a Vegas flavor with great use of the horns, drums and percussion. Great! "Can't Take My Eyes Off You" gives us more of that Vegas feel while Bobby swings brightly without singing a superfluous note. Wow! The female backup chorus bolsters "Can't Take My Eyes Off You," too.

"A Quarter To Nine" shines like gold; Bobby sings with just the right mixture of sensitivity and electricity to produce a show-stopping number. Great use of the horns, too! "Alone Again Naturally" begins with Bobby performing the opening verse his own way before he goes into the ballad with an arrangement that more closely matches the original one by Gilbert O'Sullivan. "Beyond The Sea" gets the royal treatment from Bobby as he sings one of his signature songs; the audience loves every minute of it!

"Up A Lazy River" lets Bobby perform a slower paced ballad. Bobby takes this number and makes it his own by changing the tempo here and there. Awesome! When the audience joins in by clapping along with the beat of the melody you know Bobby has his fans in the palm of his hand! "Dream Lover" appears to be a studio take; Bobby sings this with all his heart and the light musical arrangement places Bobby's vocals squarely in the spotlight. "Moon River" has a few quick key changes in the guitar arrangement that make "Moon Rover" all the better as Bobby sings this very passionately.

"Mack The Knife" is a live track of another Bobby Darin signature song; and Bobby sings this with energy, passion and panache! The CD track set ends with "The Curtain Falls" which I believe was recorded in November 1963 at The Flamingo in Las Vegas. Excellent!

But there's so much more. The DVD gives us great color footage of Bobby performing on TV variety shows; the image quality is very good. We see Bobby performing huge numbers including "This Could Be The Start Of Something Big;" "Song Sung Blue;" "Beyond The Sea" and "Mack The Knife." Awesome! In addition, we get plenty of black and white footage rarely seen before by anyone. We see Bobby perform more songs; we get a mini interview with George Burns about Bobby and great candid footage of a Bobby Darin recording session. There's footage of Bobby performing at The Cocoanut Grove in 1966--and much more, too.

The CD/DVD set comes with a 23 page booklet that contains an essay by Joel Dorn about Bobby. There are great photos, touching stories about Bobby's kindness and quotes from famous people who were influenced by Bobby's work. You get the song credits and the artwork shows great forethought and good judgment.

Bobby Darin may have passed away but he lives on very realistically through his legacy. Bobby could do anything he put his mind to doing; and the songs he performs on this CD/DVD set prove that very amply. We are better off for Bobby Darin sharing his talents with us. I highly recommend this not just for Bobby Darin fans but also for fans of classic pop vocals.

Enjoy!

Aces back to back here--a terrific CD, plus a charming collection of live video cuts........2007-04-18

Anyone who loves Bobby Darin will treasure every moment of this two disc set--one DVD of video cuts, including some never before released black and white film, and one CD of twenty songs, including most of his biggest hits. The DVD reminds the viewer of just how young Bobby Darin was when he died. It is obvious that several of these video cuts--including "Song Sung Blue" and "All I Have to Do is Dream," done with Petula Clark--are from TV performances. Though most of the cuts look like Vegas, with lots of finger-popping, toe-tapping, and stage movement, the TV cuts are static--as Darin does not wander from close-up camera range.

The black and white footage, which was done three years later, after Darin's return from a self-imposed three-year absence from performing, includes two delightful stories told about Darin by George Burns, who first introduced him to Las Vegas, and also features Darin traveling en route to shows, with some casual shots of Sandra Dee and their young son. The sound quality of the music suffers a bit here, and Darin is often drowned by the orchestra as he rehearses, but the intimate charm of these cuts cannot be overestimated, and viewers will be thrilled to see Darin "live."

The CD contains many of his most famous songs, along with a few lesser known--"A Quarter to Nine," "Jive," "Rainin'," and "Long Time Movin'." The mixing is highly professional, Darin sounds like a more mature performer, and his arrangements are imaginative, with a wide range of instruments from bongos to flute. Many arrangements are virtually identical to those now associated with Frank Sinatra on the same songs (including the finger-popping), though Darin's raw honesty and real emotion shine in ways one does not usually associate with Sinatra. Darin's "Alone Again, Naturally," is powerfully moving in ways I hadn't remembered.

Though some Darin fans may be a little disappointed by the lack of detail in the liner notes regarding when and where these recordings and video cuts were made, every Darin fan will rejoice in the one-two punch of this CD and DVD. Pure delight, a great tribute album. n Mary Whipple

Bobby Darin at his best.......2007-03-17

Both the CD and DVD are brilliant, lots of unseen footage and Bobby Darin at his best, King of Swing, Great version of you're too good to be true and a quarter to 9, lovely duet with Petula Clark, If you are a Bobby Darin fan then this is a must have cd/dvd.

Aces Back to Back(Audio & DVD.......2007-02-02

Another great purchase for any fans, of the fiftys & sixties teen movies and romantic rock & roll teen idol's. This DVD & CD will take you back in time.

Simply Outstanding.......2006-09-01

If you like Bobby Darin , or even show singers , then I will do something I would normally not do - recommend !!
This album is simply brilliant . The arrangement is first class . Probably the best music arrangement I have heard. Darin is in good form , and if you only know the old favouites like Beyond the Sea and Mack the Knife , do yourself a favour and listen to his outstanding Quarter to Nine and Song Sung Blue - only second to Neil . And there are many more ! To finish , if you have heard a more moving and empathetic version of Alone Again , Naturally please tell me about it . A great CD.

Average customer rating:

Somewhere Between a Masterpiece and Indulgent
Under appreciated!
I do not agree about the overorchestration
Overorchestrated

Aces Back to Back
Rahsaan Roland Kirk
Manufacturer: 32. Jazz Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Avant Garde & Free Jazz | Jazz | Styles | Music

Bebop General | Bebop | Jazz | Styles | Music

Hard Bop | Bebop | Jazz | Styles | Music

General | Jazz | Styles | Music

Modern Postbebop | Jazz | Styles | Music

Bebop & Post-Bop | Compilations | Jazz | Styles | Music

General | Jazz | Box Sets | Stores | Music

Dog Years In The Fourth Ring
Brotherman in the Fatherland
Standing Eight
Copenhagen Concert
Student Studies

ASIN: B000006C5M
Release Date: 1998-04-28

Tracks:

Black Mystery Has Been Revealed
Expansions
Lady's Blues
IX Love
Hot Cha
Quintessence
I Waited For You
A Flower Is A Lovesome Thing

Tracks:

The Seeker
Satin Doll
Introduction
Medley
Sweet Fire
Introduction
Baby Let Me Shake Your Tree

Tracks:

Salvation And Reminiscing
Seasons
Celestial Bliss
Saxophone Concerto

Tracks:

Water For Robeson And Williams
That's All
Donna Lee
Simone
Anysha
Samba Kwa Mwanamke Mweusi
Arrival

Amazon.com

Bolstered by his impressive box set, Dog Years in the Fourth Ring, the profile of the late Rahsaan Roland Kirk has been significantly elevated. It's about time. Kirk's singular technique (he was capable of blowing multiple horns simultaneously) and ability to be consistently inventive is drawing a new generation of fans.

This new set offers a selection of four Kirk LPs spread out throughout his career. Roland Kirk Left and Right (1968) is a low-key affair with Kirk darting in and out of melodies showing both a light touch and nimble tone thinking. On Rahsaan Rahsaan (1970) Kirk really struts his stuff, mixing and matching styles with abandon and at one point playing the melody of "Lover" on three horns at once. Prepare Thyself to Deal with a Miracle (1973) features Kirk's amazing 21-minute "Saxophone Concerto" while Other Folks Music (1976) is a fast-paced collage of styles and sounds. A set unpredictable, exciting, and pure Rahsaan. --S. Duda

Customer Reviews:

Somewhere Between a Masterpiece and Indulgent.......2006-05-31

To me, Roland Rahsaan Kirk reached his peak with "The Inflated Tear". After that, even though he still came out with some classic music, he tended to be somewhat self indulgent (i.e. using sound effects, spending too much time with dated hip talk on live recordings). If his music hadn't sold so well, he'd be classed as an outsider artist and he certainly has fans within the indie rock world such as Sonic Youth (considering that live, Kirk's performances would involve smashing up a chair, compared to many sedate jazz artists, he could be classed as punk, within the jazz community). As for these four albums, they have aspects of free jazz, hard bop, dixieland, ragtime, gospel, blues a full orchestra on some tracks, uncategorable experimentation including the use of home made instruments and as mentioned weird sound effects. Still within the realm of free jazz, I find this a lot more interesting than free jazz that is strictly avant-garde classical and are "compisitions" or tuneless blasting not grounded in anything musically (though that can be fun at times). I think that by including forms of jazz that were considered dated at that time along with the free jazz/playing 3 saxophones at a time out there aspects, Roland Rahsaan Kirk was trying to say that his music was not trying to pigeonhole itself but was open to all forms of jazz and that jazz was not evolutionary but that all styles from all eras were equally valid. That said "Left and Right" is the most solid album (even with the orchestrations), "Rahsaan, Rahsaan" is a classic concert. The other two albums, "Prepare Thyself.." and "Other Folk's Music" are not quite as good. However, no one can contest the statement that Kirk was probably the most unique jazz musician in history. His music takes some getting used to but once you readjust your sensors, you can find a lot that is rewarding.

Under appreciated!.......2001-10-19

Over orchestrated? I don't think so, but that's not the issue. This is a must have for any "long time fan" of Rahsaan. I still have all of these on vinyl and will surely be adding this box set to my collection too. Worth it just for Rahsaan Rhasaan although, Left & Right and Other Folks Music are good too. Even Stanley(the grouch) Crouch wrote a positive review on the LP version. Where can you get four discs for a deal like this?

I do not agree about the overorchestration.......1999-12-03

I think that this collection of titles is quite unique for rahsaan. They are a bit different from the Mercury recordings and not exactly straight ahead, but hell, I don't think rahsaan was very straight ahead for most of his life. This collection is VERY much worth the money for four albums and I LOVE THEM... actually, I love every one of the 40 or so Rahsaan discs I have on vinyl and CD. He is one artist that you should have every little piece of his and I intend to do just that. I also highly recommend the Mercury box set. Buy it as well, but remember, you'll still be missing alot of rahsaan. dfielding@figleaf.com

Overorchestrated.......1999-06-17

As a longtime R.R.Kirk listener and fan, this was a big disappointment to me. I had never heard of any of the four albums on this reissue, and there's a good reason. Kirk worked best in small groups; heck, he WAS a group. Most of the material here is overorchestrated, in an embarrassingly dated way. There's good stuff here, but you have to pick through a lot of mediocre-to-bad material. If you're looking for bargains, get "Dog Years in the Fourth Ring".

Music:

Music

Music