Joe Williams: The Sonny Lester Collection [Import]

Editorial Reviews
Amazon.com
The Jazz Orchestra consisted of New York's finest musicians under the leadership of drummer Mel Lewis and trumpeter Thad Jones. Having first met while performing together with Gerry Mulligan, this dynamic duo decided to create the ultimate big band. Focusing on impeccable musicianship, excitement, and dynamics, the orchestra became the talk of the jazz world and was voted best big band in 1966 by Down Beat magazine. Joe Williams is, of course, one hell of a blues singer. Nobody but Williams could've done justice to the swinging grooves that surge through Allen Toussaint's "Get Out of My Life Woman" and Curtis Mayfield's "Woman's Got Soul." Funky as chickens' teeth, this is arguably among the best big-band albums of all time. --Shane Hunt --This text refers to the Audio CD edition.

Amazon.com

The Jazz Orchestra consisted of New York's finest musicians under the leadership of drummer Mel Lewis and trumpeter Thad Jones. Having first met while performing together with Gerry Mulligan, this dynamic duo decided to create the ultimate big band. Focusing on impeccable musicianship, excitement, and dynamics, the orchestra became the talk of the jazz world and was voted best big band in 1966 by Down Beat magazine. Joe Williams is, of course, one hell of a blues singer. Nobody but Williams could've done justice to the swinging grooves that surge through Allen Toussaint's "Get Out of My Life Woman" and Curtis Mayfield's "Woman's Got Soul." Funky as chickens' teeth, this is arguably among the best big-band albums of all time. --Shane Hunt

Customer Reviews:

Almost As Good As Joe Can Get!.......2007-01-11

To be honest, the only reason I would not give this album 5 stars is that when it comes to Joe Williams and big bands, I still hold out for that Basie touch.

On the other hand, buy this if you're a fan of Joes! It's definitely worth the sheckles to hear this band with Joe Williams!

Presenting Joe Williams & Thad Jones/Mel Lewis.......2005-07-04

My personal choice for a desert island. The ultimate jazz vocalist and big band album! Everything comes together singer, band, recording, and Thad Jones arrangements!

One of the very best . . ........2000-07-05

One of the very best singers accompanied by a band that cannot be surpassed. That's what's on this album.

Joe Williams had a combination of talent and charisma which placed him in the topmost echelon of jazz and blues artists. The Jones/Lewis organization of the mid 60's was an assembly of young, energetic, accomplished and dedicated instrumentalists the likes of which can only be longingly imagined today. And all elements of this marvelous mixture are beautifully represented on this CD.

The recording engineer was Phil Ramone, one of the most skilled and musical members of his profession. Recording with Phil at the board was the ideal situation for every performer and arranger in Manhattan. The album was recorded live to a 4-track machine. What you hear is what went on in the studio, and its good!

Joe Williams displays his grasp of a range of approaches to music. The knowing, reverent reading of Ellington's "Come Sunday" contrasts beautifully with the extroverted cockiness of tunes like "Evil Man Blues". Everything fits. Everything works.

The arrangements - mostly being sight-read on the sessions - were written by Thad, Bob Brookmeyer, Al Cohn and, I immodestly disclose, me ("Night Time Is The Right Time"). I mention the writers here because the album's producers failed to do so.

This CD is one that every lover of this kind of music will want. If you already have the LP it's probably as worn down and scratchy as is mine. If you don't, a wonderful new experience awaits you.

Music:

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