The Blue Note Years [Box set]

Editorial Reviews
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Packaged in a deep-blue LP-size box, this 14-CD megaset is a wide-angle retrospective on Blue Note Records, from its 1939 birth to the label's most recent artists. The bonuses are myriad but begin inarguably with the accompanying booklet, filled by label cofounder Francis Wolff's in-studio photographs, all taken during the 1950s and 1960s and conveying a palpable musicality.

Boogie, Blues & Bop: 1939-1955. Most listeners forget Blue Note's earliest sides, the meat of their founding. Here you get Albert Ammons's "Boogie Woogie Stomp" and Sidney Bechet's dramatic read of "Summertime." The surprises are many, from Babs Gonzales's Three Bips and a Bop to Ike Quebec offering great swing-time work as well as his more hard-bop persona. Then there are the categorical greats, Thelonious Monk, J.J. Johnson, Herbie Nichols, and Miles Davis, each of whom cut limited Blue Note sessions. This is the seeding ground, the place from which Alfred Lion and Francis Wolff grew their label into a standard-bearer for all varieties of jazz in the 1950s and 1960s.

The Jazz Message: 1955-1960. These two CDs might pose the greatest number of names to single out. Where to begin? Horace Silver? Hank Mobley? Cannonball Adderley's session with Miles? Do we praise tracks by Bud Powell and Jackie McLean at the exclusion of a Sonny Rollins or a Lou Donaldson tune? Simply put, there are no weak moments here. This set opens, appropriately enough, with a hard-charging Jazz Messengers track, "Minor's Holiday," featuring the instantly recognizable thunder of Art Blakey. More than two hours later, Dexter Gordon concludes "The Jazz Message" with an ineffably swinging "Society Red." In between are the gloriously proud, gleaming moments of fundamental Blue Note: classy, distinguished and locked onto ideas with an amazing concentration and, yes, grace. Thrilling.

Organ and Soul: 1965-1967. While organ jazz is often described as funky or bluesy, at its essence, it is vividly impressionistic. Why, in the hands of masters like Jimmy Smith or Baby Face Willette, a Hammond B3 organ can evoke a myriad of specific times, places, and emotions is one of the true and glorious mysteries of jazz. On this set, Blue Note's organ men take their bows followed by the likes of the label's down 'n' dirty squadron of funk and soul players like Lou Donaldson, Lee Morgan, and Grant Green. Organ and Soul is an indispensable collection of one of Blue Note's more underappreciated periods. It's also absolutely required for any late-night listening session.

Hard Bop and Beyond: 1963-1967. This bustling set is led by names like Dexter Gordon, Herbie Hancock, Hank Mobley, and Lee Morgan--musical voices synonymous with lean, economical jazz and no-nonsense straight bop. Short of the Pete LaRoca track, "Lazy Afternoon," there are few surprises on this set, but what is included is, of course, exceptional. Not only is this set an excellent illustration of Blue Note's Middle Ages, it also shows how incredibly deep the label's roster was at this time. Hard Bop and Beyond, if not a powerful creative statement, does make the case for rock-solid consistency.

The Avant Garde: 1963-1967. While Blue Note is certainly not known for its dedication to avant-garde or free jazz, this set proves they certainly had some rather substantial moments. Yes, Larry Young's "Moontrane" could have been slotted on the Organ and Soul set, but contributions from Ornette Coleman, Don Cherry, and Cecil Taylor (all represented here) helped set the table for the next generation of jazz. A quibble: Why only one selection each from Cherry and Taylor, both musicians continually cited by contemporary players across all genres?

Blue Note Now as Then. Capitalizing on the legacy of Blue Note's canon of peerless tunes, these two CDs use current and recent artists from the label to look at timeworn classics. It's a true portrait of the 1950s and 1960s, with Fareed Haque's sextet with Jerry Dodgion and Erik Friedlander taking on Horace Silver's emotive "Song for My Father," which gave the world a fetching glimpse of Joe Henderson's saxophone brilliance. There are nods to Kenny Dorham and Ornette Coleman, among others, and the tunes show an inarguable contemporary interpretive depth, a world away from the stoic realm of jazz's "young lions."

The New Era. There was a period in the 1970s and 1980s when Blue Note Records seemed absent, or at least in disarray. Maybe it was the rise of commercial fusion, maybe not. In any case, this last pair of CDs addresses the fusion craze with some of its highpoints, including Ronnie Laws's "Agelina" and Stanley Jordan's "Lady in My Life." But the set expands into a full-fledged abridgement, cueing up the fantastic (and underaccorded) co-op quartet fronted by Don Pullen and George Adams on "Song from the Old Country." From slinking grooves to hot-chop blasts, this is the aural equivalent of a multipaneled map of the label's best post-1970s work. --S. Duda and Andrew Bartlett

Tracks:

Watermelon Man
Driftin'
Maiden Voyage
Dolphin Dance
One Finger Snap
Cantaloupe Island
Riot
Speak Like A Child
King Cobra

Album Description

Mirroring his onetime boss and mentor Miles Davis' own protean output, Herbie Hancock has explored hard-bop, soul-jazz, fusion, funk-rock, soundtracks, hip-hop-inflected pop ("Rockit"), and many permutations in between. His early work for Blue Note, though, offers the best entrie for newcomers. Compiled from five of his albums for the label and covering a period from 1962-1968, this fine sampler includes highlights off his debut, Takin' Off ("Watermelon Man"), the classic Maiden Voyage (the title track and "Dolphin Dance"), and the early electric album Speak Like a Child (the title track and "Riot"). Add to this more indelible cuts like "Cantaloupe Island" and "One Finger Snap," not to mention the presence of numerous '60s jazz legends (Dexter Gordon, Freddie Hubbard, Thad Jones, Hank Mobley, Billy Higgins, et al.), and you have perfect way to get a taste of some of the best modern jazz.

Customer Reviews:

Very nice listening.......2007-02-28

I found the music to be everything I had hoped it would be. I'm a big fan of Herbie Hancock and have not been unhappy with anything he has done.

Herbie Hancock - The Blue Note Years.......2006-08-28

I wasn't impressed by his jazz style on this CD. I really liked another of his discs - that's why I tried this one.

A Good Collection of Herbie Hancock's Early Work.......2005-02-20

Although all of these songs are from Herbie Hancock's earlier period, they do make up a very solid collection. Classics like the now standard "Watermelon Man" are songs that you never get tired of, especially when you have great players like Freddie Hubbard and Wayne Shorter in the band. The line-ups on this album are very strong throughout. If you're looking for Herbie Hancock's more futuristic sounding tunes then this album is not what you're looking for. If you're looking for a good collection of his early work, or if you're new to Herbie Hancock and need to find a good introductory disc, then this is definitely the place to go.

...cantaloupes and watermelons..........2003-02-14

...some people dont impress easily anymore...
...STOP DEALING WITH THEM TYPES OF PEOPLE...

you and someone you know should be lissenin to this cd right now... the perfect chill out and relax cd for you and your best buddy... or maybe (if your best buddy is a buddette) yall can talk about who gonna peel the grapes...
nawww, this aint a 'mood enhancing' type of cd, but if you are a man and you find a woman who enjoys real cool jazz music like this, THEN YOU NEED TO KEEP HER!!! (in the least, you should keep her on 'standby'... jus tryin ta help!)...

... yall be good ...

The man who helped reinvent jazz in the 60s.......2002-04-20

I like to think of Herbie Hancock during the sixties Blue Note period as Bill Evans with more swing. One can definitely hear Bill's influence on Herbie in these compositions, which on the surface seem mellow and smooth, but down under burn a strong flame. But to say that Herbie was just a shadow of Bill would be quite wrong, for these compositions prove his own uniqueness and mastery at jazz composition. "Maiden Voyage" is simply one of the best pieces of music I've ever heard. After the first time hearing it through its entirety, I had to get this cd!
Finally, I also highly recommend Nicholas Payton, Mark Whitfield, and Christian McBride's brilliant interpretation of many of the recordings here on their "Fingerpainting: The Music of Herbie Hancock" 1996 release. "Brilliant" is a fair description for both of these recordings.

Average customer rating:

Review of Thelonious Monk's The Best of the Blue Note Years
30 Years old and the start of greatness
Still my favourite
Superb
Compelling as a listening experience: also, vital history

The Best of the Blue Note Years
Thelonious Monk
Manufacturer: Blue Note Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Monk's Dream
Thelonious Monk with John Coltrane
Kind of Blue
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The Essential Thelonious Monk

ASIN: B000005HGN
Release Date: 1991-03-26

Tracks:

Thelonious
Ruby My Dear
Well You Needn't
April In Paris
Monk's Mood
In Walked Bud
'Round Midnight
Evidence
Misterioso
Epsitrophy
I Mean You
Four In One
Criss Cross
Straight No Chaser
Ask Me Now
Skippy

Amazon.com essential recording

Blue Note was the first company to give Thelonious Monk the opportunity to record as a leader, and he brought many of his great compositions to these 1947-52 sessions for their first recordings, with groups that included gifted and sympathetic players like drummer Art Blakey and vibraphonist Milt Jackson. This CD's 15 selections contain classic early renditions of the great ballads like "Ruby My Dear" and "'Round Midnight," as well as then-exotic pieces like "Epistrophy" and "Straight, No Chaser" that have since become standard jazz repertoire. Originally released as 78 rpm records, these compressed renditions highlight Monk's innovative structures. This is a distillation of the four-CD Complete Blue Note Recordings, which generously covers this entire, fertile early period. --Stuart Broomer

Customer Reviews:

Review of Thelonious Monk's The Best of the Blue Note Years.......2006-03-22

Thelonious Monk is regarded as one of the most innovative jazz pianists/composers of his time, and this CD - original versions of his most popular pieces - demonstrates why. Unless you are a jazz connoisseur (and I am not), this music will probably strike you as weird at first, but it's worth listening to until you get it. In most of these pieces, Monk is accompanied by both bass and drums, or by bass, drums, saxophone, and trumpet. He sometimes played fast, sometimes sparingly, and sometimes beautiful, but it always seems right. A Washington Post music critic considers this one of the best jazz albums of all time.

30 Years old and the start of greatness.......2005-11-01

Collecting tracks from his earlier blue note albums(genius of modern music volumes 1 and 2)of brilliance is hard to do because each cut is great...now, these 2 remastered cd's really shine with the original artwork and alternate takes...But,this CD is a sampler and the way to go as all reviewers insist..the complexity is all here as Monk strays in his world but it is all very centered,the eccentricity is structured within beautiful music.
The seeds were planted here.

Still my favourite.......2005-07-30

I was about 17 I guess when I lent this CD from the local library. I'd never heard of Monk, I just thought the guy on the photo looked cool and what a name: Thelonious Sphere Monk! It was a whole world opening up to me. I immediately wanted to buy this Cd but it was not available at the time, so I bought Genius of Modern Music, Vol. 1 & 2 instead (but the flow on these 2 CDs with all their alternate takes is not the quite the same as on this one). Since then, i've become a real Monk aficionado but as an introduction to his music, this is still the best there is. Each and every tune is marvellous .... you'll listen to it again and again.

Superb.......2004-02-25

Thelonius Monk is a rare artist, an artist's artist, and this album documents thoroughly the talents displayed by Monk in his early years of recording (late 1940's and early 1950's). A jazz pianist prodigy, schooled and influenced by stride, Monk instantly gravitated to the experimentalist Jazz scene known at that time as Bop. A man of many eccentricities, the most important of which was that Monk tickled the ivories like no other. When you think you've heard it all, again and again, Monk is one of the few that really stands apart.

What more can be said that has not been said by the other reviewers. Perhaps this album is not the ideal for the casual Jazz fan, wanting a taste of Monk from time to time. But its hard to imagine a Jazz piano enthusiast that won't be desiring more and more of his works with the passing of time. Purchase this album and you'll hear Bop in it's infancy. You'll hear Jazz legends such as Art Blakey, Lou Donaldson, Max Roach and Milt Jackson.

This is my personal favorite of all the Monk albums of the dozen or so in my collection despite it having the poorest recording quality. Most of the pieces on this album were re-worked/recorded and inlcuded on later albums with playing time doubled or better. Yet the shorter, original versions seem to capture the essence of each work with no musical verbosity or drowning of that rythym/melody that makes them each so special.

Despite the poor quality of sound, I couldn't find it in my power to rate this album any less than five. The rythyms are just too catchy and unique to give it any less. For someone wanting a video glimpse of the person, Thelonius Monk, check out the authentic shoot "Straight, No Chaser".

Compelling as a listening experience: also, vital history.......2002-07-31

These are the earliest Monk recordings to be issued on CD, apparently. All but one of the 16 short pieces is a Monk original, heard here in its first recorded form. Since Monk reused his compositions time and again, with all kinds of fellow players and at widely varying lengths over more than 20 years, the real Monk fan will find this a must-own, and will compare the later versions to these performances. The songs on this disc might seem sketchy and tentative to some listeners, while others may prefer them to renditions which later doubled the length of many items. There are some sidemen present who later became quite famous, such as Art Blakey on drums and Milt Jackson on vibes, but these late-40's releases are worth having because of the odd, interesting compositions and Monk's own evident talent. If you are a casual jazz fan who wants some Thelonious in the home collection, but who cares not for the historic value of the first records by a genius, try "Thelonious Monk/Sonny Rollins" or "Thelonious Monk with John Coltrane" first. Those are even better than this for pure listening pleasure. If you can afford this one as your third Monk disc, you won't be sorry.

The Best of Peggy Lee - The Capitol Years

Average customer rating:

Valuable historical perspective
Sure To Be A Favorite In Your Collection
PEG WITH CAPITOL THE SECOND TIME
Just Perfect

The Best of Peggy Lee - The Capitol Years
Peggy Lee
Manufacturer: Blue Note Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Black Coffee
The Best of Miss Peggy Lee
The Complete Recordings 1941-1947
Black Coffee: Best of the Decca Years
The Best of the Singles Collection

ASIN: B000005GVE
Release Date: 1997-11-18

Tracks:

Why Don't You Do Right?
For Every Man There's A Woman
Fever
Alright, Okay, You Win
Blue Prelude
Hallelujah, I Love Him So!
Just For A Thrill
Goin' To Chicago
I'm A Woman
See See Rider
You Don't Know
Call Me
Whisper Not
The Thrill Is Gone (From Yesterday's Kiss)
Seventh Son
Please Send Me Someone To Love
Mama's Gone, Goodbye
I'm Gonna Go Fishin'

Album Description

From the 1947 hit "Why Don't You Do Right?" to "Fever" to her lyrics on Ellington's "I'm Gonna Go Fishin'," the 18 tracks are among Peggy Lee's finest. The stellar accompaniment comes from Goodman, Shearing, Benny Carter, Billy May, Quincy Jones, Lou Levy and Bill Holman.

Customer Reviews:

Valuable historical perspective.......2004-01-25

This album contains most everything you need to know and hear about Peggy Lee. It's a worthy addition for your collection if you like Diana Krall, Jane Monheit, Tierney Sutton, or Diane Schuur. All of these singers have their roots in and owe a debt of gratitude to Miss Lee, Frank Sinatra's favorite singer, as she was the pioneer of the cool, sultry, effortless sound. "All right, okay, you win" shows as well that she was respected by the instrumentalists she worked with. Recommended.

Sure To Be A Favorite In Your Collection.......2001-12-10

Although nothing short of a comprehensive box set can do full justice to Peggy Lee, this collection will be a welcome addition to any collection, for it includes a number of essential tracks as well several less often heard but equally impressive recordings.

In general, the collection focuses on recordings that have a distinctly bluesy undercurrent, such as "Why Don't You Do Right" and "Fever." At the same time, the collection also manages to find room for such light pop recordings as "Call Me," a killer live recording of "Well Alright, Okay, You Win," and a surprisingly effective cover of River's "Seventh Son."

Regardless of the specific track, Lee's vocals are superior on every recording and her interpretations--here ranging from the drop-dead restrait of "For Every Man There's a Woman" to the sassy "I'm A Woman"--are Peggy Lee at her finest, irreproachable throughout. Strongly recommended.

PEG WITH CAPITOL THE SECOND TIME.......2001-07-02

Generally interesting best of recordings of PEGGY with CAPITOL.What is MISS LEE's greatest strenght is that she can take ordinary songs and transform them so it seems they are better when she sings them.FEVER is a perfect example;this song was also recorded by ELVIS in the early sixties.You should not be disapointed if you buy that record.However be warned,if you need one collection from PEGGY,you must buy the 1952-1956 DECCA collection which really shows her wide range better than this.Long time fans will enjoy this side of PEGGY LEE.

Just Perfect.......1998-07-28

Peggy Lee's smooth,silky voice captures the essence of any song-be it ballads or swing. She sings from the heart and I could listen to her for hours.

The Best of Jimmy Smith: The Blue Note Years

Average customer rating:

Great Jazz
A spectacular tasting of Jimmy

The Best of Jimmy Smith: The Blue Note Years
Jimmy Smith
Manufacturer: Blue Note Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Walk on the Wild Side: The Best of the Verve Years
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ASIN: B000005HEU
Release Date: 1990-10-25

Tracks:

The Sermon
Fungii Mama
When Johnny Comes Marching Home
The Jumpin' Blues
Back At The Chicken Shack
The Champ
All Day Long

Customer Reviews:

Great Jazz.......2003-03-12

I first heard Jimmy Smith on a Sony Jazz completion I was given in college and I have loved Jimmy's music ever since. Anyway, you'll really enjoy this CD. I would say his music is very bluesy with a jazz groove. So if you like blues you'll love his music and this is a good sampling of his music. Also check out the stuff he did with Wes Montgomery and Kenny Burrell. This CD is a must for any jazz collection.

A spectacular tasting of Jimmy.......2001-06-20

Jimmy Smith, the reigning B3 player of all time, was instrumental in ushering in the soul-jazz genre. These cuts show off his talents and the talents of his formidable sidemen. Mostly cuts from 56-60, with one from the 80's, they include some of his best solo work and his blazing speed. The Sermon and Back at the Chicken Shack and The Champ all show why Jimmy Smith reigns supreme and proves that his work influenced much of the music of the 60s and 70s. The end of The Champ could be confused as an Emerson, Lake and Palmer cut! If you've never heard Jimmy Smith before, this is the perfect album to get into his music.

The Best Of Buddy Rich: The Pacific Jazz Years

Average customer rating:

BUDDY RICH AND THE ONE HANDED PRESS ROLL
PHENOMENAL EVERYTHING!!!
Buddy is the man!
If you're only going to listen to one Buddy Rich album:
The Definitive Buddy Rich CD

The Best Of Buddy Rich: The Pacific Jazz Years
Buddy Rich
Manufacturer: Blue Note Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Mercy, Mercy

ASIN: B000005HA0
Release Date: 1997-11-18

Tracks:

West Side Story
Love For Sale
Apples
Diabolus
Rotten Kid
Chelsea Bridge
Mercy, Mercy, Mercy
Channel 1 Suite
Greensleeves
Groovin' Hard

Album Description

The Best of Buddy Rich: The Pacific Jazz Years features 10 tracks culled from Rich's explosive years at Pacific Jazz. There are eight near-standards - including "Groovin' Hard," "Love for Sale," "Mercy, Mercy, Mercy" and "Greensleeves" - as well as two previously unreleased cuts: a live version of "Apples" recorded at the Chez Club in LA and an alternate take of "Diabolus." Although the compilation isn't definitive, it remains a good sampling of a short period of Rich's long, prolific career.

Customer Reviews:

BUDDY RICH AND THE ONE HANDED PRESS ROLL.......2006-01-21

guy's the buddy rich albums shown here are very much worth owning I agree but I need to dispel rumours of a one handed press roll that is not what he is doing! a press roll is akin to a hold note or whole note that is not possible even if you are buddy rich!! what buddy is doing with his left hand is really a shuffle played with one hand, it is more a one handed ostinado pattern if you will, ostinado is a pattern played over and over again, I wanted to clarify this as there is already to much "mystery " surrounding this subject as it stands now with out calling it a one handed press roll

THANK YOU, KENNY ALDRICH

PHENOMENAL EVERYTHING!!!.......2005-09-13

Unbelivable!!! buddy rich is the master when it comes to drumming!!! This CD is filled with many solos... not just from the master, but also from others in the band. he had by far the best horn section in the the world and it is definitely captured by this AWESOME cd. I find NO problems when it comes to sound or anything else. If you like jazz, druming, solos, or just buddy rich, you NEED to get this.

Buddy is the man!.......2003-01-08

I've always been interested in good drumming. From metal drummers like Gene Hoglan and Dave Lombardo, to prog. drummers like Mike Portnoy and Neil Peart, I have always admired guys that did more than just keep time. However, it wasn't until I bought this album that I realized I had no idea what drumming really was. Buddy Rich was often referred to as "the world's greatest drummer", and that was certainly no exaggeration. I have never heard anyone, in any kind of music, play like this guy did (there are a few guys in death metal that can match him in speed alone, but that's it). Not only was he incredibly fast and intricate, but he could lay back and groove very well too. A lot of his music was merely a vehicle for showing off his incredible prowess, but he was a very dynamic drummer as well. He could do it all.

This collection is a great example of the diversity that could be found in his music throughout the course of his career. You've got straight-out swing tracks, like "Rotten Kid" and "Love for Sale", more laid-back Miles Davis-type songs like "Diabolus", and even some rock/fusion stuff, like "Chelsea Bridge" and "Mercy Mercy Mercy", which add piano and guitar to the traditional big-band lineup.

However, the stand-out tracks, for me, are definitely the two epics, "West Side Story" and "Channel One Suite". Both around 12 minutes, they feature multiple tempo changes, excellent work from the horn section (the latter has an incredible saxophone solo spot), and of course some unbelievable drum solos from Buddy.

Apparently, Buddy was more of a performer than a songwriter, as most of these songs were originally composed by someone else, but the way he makes them his own is quite amazing. The swing version of "Greensleeves" is a perfect example. The melody is played on horns, and Buddy works in another of his jaw-dropping solo spots, and it sounds as if he wrote it himself. Very cool indeed.

I highly recommend this album, not only to fans of jazz, but to everyone who appreciates excellent drumming. I'm generally not a huge fan of the swing-style jazz, I'm more into the modern fusion type stuff, but I still think this is a highly enjoyable album from start to finish.

If you're only going to listen to one Buddy Rich album:.......2002-06-15

These tracks capture the early fire and excitement of the Rich band. His sidemen were OUTSTANDING players, and blended like no other big band. Menza's circular-breathing cadenza in Channel 1 is THE zenith for every reed player; Boice and Trimble are unequaled for range, clarity, and technical expertise; the trumpet section is tight, sharp, and clean WAY UP there. Yet, it's Buddy's percussion (not mere drumming) which is the catalyst! West Side and Channel 1 MUST be consumed by every drummer...the one-handed press rolls alone are a clinic!
A must for anyone thinking themselves a jazz listener.

The Definitive Buddy Rich CD.......2002-02-05

This CD is the absolute best when it comes to Buddy Rich, and even jazz. It starts off with a ten-minute version of West Side Story, with a drum solo at the end. After that comes my favourite song on the CD, Love For Sale. If you have to listen to one BR song, listen to this. It starts off with hi-hat work, 4 minutes of ensembles and solos, and a 10-second blisteringly fast snare drum solo, unbelievably using single strokes. The song finishes with a huge ensemble, and then into a 21/2 minute long drum solo with occasional bursts of other instruments, a song called Apples. A Masterpiece, should be in any BR fan's, any drummer's or any jazz fan's collection. Amazing

The Best of Miles Davis: The Capitol/Blue Note Years

Average customer rating:

A master
Early Miles, fun hour of charting his progress...
a good introductory recording
nice, but beware....
An excellent collection of Miles davis hard-bop years

The Best of Miles Davis: The Capitol/Blue Note Years
Miles Davis
Manufacturer: Blue Note Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Miles & Quincy Live at Montreux

ASIN: B000002V09
Release Date: 1992-02-25

Tracks:

Move
God Child
Budo
Dear Old Stockholm
Donna
Yesterdays
Tempus Fugit
Enigma
C.T.A.
Well You Needn't
It Never Entered My Mind
Weirdo
Somethin' Else
Autumn Leaves

Customer Reviews:

A master.......2003-10-25

This is one of the first discs I acquired when I decided to beef up the jazz presence in my CD collection. Miles Davis is an essential performer and the compilation presents an overview of his fine work in the 50s. The tracks are short but fascinating and moving. Get it.

Early Miles, fun hour of charting his progress..........2002-12-29

This compilation highlights the first ten years of M.D.'s long career, from "Birth of the Cool" through the classic "Somethin' Else" record which officially was led by Cannonball Adderley, but was really a Davis project. While everything on here is worth hearing, and wears well, the 1949 and '52 selections really seem shallow when compared to the 1958 complexity and beauty of "Autumn Leaves" and "Somethin' Else." If you already own that latter CD, you don't need to buy this one unless you are a Miles completist. As an overview of Davis in the 1950's, however, this is great. Consider his Columbia album "Kind of Blue", done in '59 with most of the same help as on "Somethin' Else" as the start of Miles in the '60's. I'm not even a big Miles fan, although I saw him perform in Madison Square Garden around 1970 and owned his "Live at the Blackhawk" on vinyl.You just can't own a classic jazz collection and leave him out, however. The music he created after 1970 does not interest me as much as his '50's and '60's work. If you think like me, you'll like this disc a lot.

a good introductory recording.......2002-09-18

"Yesterdays," "Well You Needn't," "It Never Entered My Mind," "Autumn Leaves"...these tracks represent Miles Davis at his best (not most outlandish, but best). I first got into Miles Davis after acquiring this CD, and I think given its price, this is a worthy introductory recording indeed. If you are a die-hard Davis aficionado and recording collector, you probably won't need this CD. But if you want to devote some space on your record shelf to good jazz music, you simply cannot pass this one up.

nice, but beware...........2000-09-24

In some ways, this lp is a misnomer, as Miles recorded so little on the Blue Note label that all of the songs he did (2 lps worth-both compilations- in the end, other than "Birth of the Cool")are the essential recordings.

Nevertheless, what Miles DID record for the label are gems. The bulk of the recordings were recorded in 2 sessions;

May 1952, featuring JJ Johnson (trombone), Jackie MacLean (alto sax), Gil Coggins (piano), Oscar Pettiford (b), Kenny Clarke (dr) (tracks 4-6 on this cd)...

April 1953: with Johnson, Jimmy Heath (tenor sax), Coggins, Percy Heath (b), and Art Blakey (dr) (tracks 7-11)

Tracks 1-3 are from the "Birth of the Cool"

Tracks 12-14 are from March 1954 with Horace Silver (piano), Percy Heath, and Art Blakey.

The songs are classics, and the playing, while great at moments, belies the terrible heroin habit that Miles and some of the other players (notably MacLean, Jimmy Heath and Blakey) were suffering from; that is why Miles' tone seems very thin at times and other times it seemed like Miles had just started playing again after long stretches of not doing so (which in fact was true).

So, take that all into consideration as you listen to these sides and get this cd. The songs are wonderful and while Miles was a junkie during this period, he could still coax a great performance out of himself, as many of these tracks show.

An excellent collection of Miles davis hard-bop years.......2000-09-08

The best of the Blue note/ Capitol years is a compilation CD of some of the prime work from miles Davis early work as a bandleader and sideman during the 1950's. This colection mostly made up of Miles playing hard bop and really swinging. Much to like here from the uptempo bop tune move to the mid tempo enigma to the almost ballad like autumn leaves. Those are my favorites but even the other cuts are excellent. So why no five stars? There is a box set of miles davis capitol blue note years which contains all of the tunes here and then some. It's a little pricey but definetely wotth it. But for those on a budget that want to get a taste of an young Miles Davis it's definetely worth it.

The Best of Joe Pass: Pacific Jazz Years

Average customer rating:

Sharp!
Solo Guitar Master
greatest jazz guitarist ever?
A true virtuoso
Joe Pass is the smoothest man!!!!

The Best of Joe Pass: Pacific Jazz Years
Joe Pass
Manufacturer: Blue Note Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Joe's Blues
Virtuoso No. 3
Unforgettable
Virtuoso (20 Bit Mastering)
Virtuoso No. 2

ASIN: B000005H8G
Release Date: 1997-03-25

Tracks:

C.E.D.
Aaron's Song
Projections
Django
Night And Day
Flueur D'ennui
Insensiblement
Teri
Nancy Jo
Milestones
More
Comin' Through The Apple
Carma
But Beautiful
You're Driving Me Crazy
Bernie's Tune

Customer Reviews:

Sharp!.......2002-04-23

'The Best of Joe Pass: Pacific Jazz Years' is a piquant assortment of some of Mr. Pass's formidable playing as presented in more standard-length instrumental songs (songs averaging about 3-4 minutes a piece). Most of the songs include band accompaniement, although there are a few solo tracks which prove very impressive.

The CD starts off fast and tight with 'C.E.D.' (the fundamental chords of this compostion), then goes on to explore the various moods and precise techinques Mr. Pass has applied to the jazz guitar.

There is perhaps no better CD to play while in a round of billiards, for the upbeat tempos and urban soundscapes Mr. Pass weaves echo in perfect counterpoint to the sounds of snapping sticks and the racking of pool balls.

The recording quality is very clean, and gets right to the heart of the genuine virtuosity as displayed by one of jazz guitar's all time best- Mr. Joe Pass. 'Thanks Joe'.

Solo Guitar Master.......2001-07-20

There are very few people that can sit down without a band and play guitar well enough to demand listening. Joe Pass is such a master. Five of the eight songs on this album are just that, Pass and his guitar. He is able to mix his soloing and chords with subtle ease. His fingers blaze on the neck of the guitar, but his solos tell more than just an idea - they tell a story.

The first solo piece on this album is high-energy "How High the Moon". If you're a guitar buff, you will be amazed at this song. His linear melody is never lost, even when he is fretting entire chords. It's impossible to believe that there are not two guitars, or an overdub going on here, but it's all Pass in one take. He then mellows out with the soft and sweet "What Are You Doing the Rest of Your Life?". "Que Que Ha!" gives you a feel of what Pass can do in a band situation, and he does play well with others. He fits right in with the band for this Brazilian sounding tune. The album closes with "On Green Dolphin Street", a very strong tune that will leave you wondering how he keeps his fingers from becoming tangled.

The nice thing about "Best of" albums is getting a wide range of music of the artist's career without having to buy all the albums at once. This is no exception as there are only two songs that came from the same album here. This way you can hear Pass' solo work and get a taste of him playing with others. He is truly one of jazz greats.

greatest jazz guitarist ever?.......2000-06-11

I know this is a lofty claim, but I believe Joe's construction of songs surpasses that of those before and after him, and this album demonstrates this completely. It is a good primer for those just getting into jazz, also. Joe has to be the most mellow player I have ever heard. When I think of true, smooth jazz, this is it. A virtuoso indeed.

A true virtuoso.......2000-01-15

I agree w/the previous review. I was blown away by this CD the first time I heard it and I've about worn out my copy on tape. Joe Pass played the guitar as warm and smoothly as anyone I have ever heard. His version of Satin Doll is my favorite cut. If you enjoy jazz guitar or great music in general this CD is a must for your collection.

Joe Pass is the smoothest man!!!!.......1999-05-18

Even though guitar players like Van Halen and Yngwie Malmsteen get the limelight, people like Joe Pass really kick butt. Im 15, and my fav guitar player is Jimmy Page, but once you've had enough of hard rock, this is the way to go. The playing is so ingenious, and so mellow. This stuff can put you to sleep. This album has also changed the way I play guitar. I recommend this CD to anybody who loves guitar playing, whether it be hardcore metal or B.B. King.

The Best Of Clifford Brown-The Blue Note Years

Average customer rating:

Brownie simply was one of the best, and could have been...
Clifford Brown on Blue note
Great Music
My favorite jazz album of all time
Absolutely chilling!!!!

The Best Of Clifford Brown-The Blue Note Years
Clifford Brown
Manufacturer: Blue Note Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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The Definitive Clifford Brown
Study in Brown
Clifford Brown Memorial Album
At Basin Street
Clifford Brown With Strings

ASIN: B000006DFR
Release Date: 1998-03-10

Tracks:

Brownie Speaks
You Go To My Head
Get Happy
Brownie Eyes
Cherokee
Easy Living
Hymn Of The Orient
Joy Spring
Daahoud
Tiny Capers
Wee Dot
Once In A While
A Night In Tunisia

Customer Reviews:

Brownie simply was one of the best, and could have been..........2003-09-08

Clifford Brown's most well-known stuff is probably his collaberation material with Max Roach. For me, all of Brownie's stuff is 5 star. To mix my genres, and metaphors - Brownie strikes me kind of like the 'Duane Allman of the trumpet'; meaning simply that everything he played was played with fire, soul, and an urgency that not only seemed to presage his early demise, (both he and Duane died tragically in vehicle accidents in their early 20s and both were on the cusp of becoming the best at their respective instruments), but also served to make his peers take immediate notice. All that said, this "Best Of" CD is nearly flawless, both in the choices of cuts (all 53-54 Blue Note stuff, of necessity), and level of playing by all involved,(Blakey is tremendous, as always, on "Night In Tunisia" - and you can hear strains of "Split Kick" to come). I don't think I have ever liked a "Best Of" CD as much as I like this one. This is THE introduction to Clifford Brown for the uninitiated - and one for the ages.

Clifford Brown on Blue note.......2002-10-17

While the annals of jazz history are filled with tragedy, there are few examples as tragic as the early demise of Clifford Brwon. While many jazz greats succumbed to drugs and hard lifestyles, Brown was a straight shooter whose death was from the traffic accident that also claimed the life of pianist Ritchie Powwell (Bud's brother). Brown's best work is most likely with Max Roach and recorded on other labels, however that does not diminish the excellent performances contained on this release. Many of these items are from dates where Clifford performed as a sideman on recordings by other artists such as Lou Donaldson and Horace Silver's Jazz Messengers. Brown's talent on trumpet shines through on all tracks with a fire and lyricism that makes his early death at the age of 23 that much more sad. His own compositions such as Dahoud and Joy Spring are excellent and one listen to his live feature piece on Once and Awhile with the Jazz Messengers will take your breathe away. Overall this would make a great introduction to the work of the great Clifford Brown and spur an interest to explore much more of his work.

Great Music.......2000-05-22

I Got into Clifford Brown Some Years back by way of What Miles Davis said about him: He called Him Great&He Knew He Died way too Young.Hearing His Music Here is a Treat for Lovers of Really Great Music.His Trumpet Playing is Something Special.Very Essential.

My favorite jazz album of all time.......1999-11-05

Hey, I have around 100 albums, from Sidney Bechet through Albert Ayler to Don Byron. This selection of stuff by Clifford Brown at Blue Note is my favorite. Every note is magical.

Absolutely chilling!!!!.......1999-08-25

I shiver everytime I hear any music performed by Clifford Brown; he is absolutely chilling in his performances. It is impossible to believe that the young Brown, who died at 25, is not a veteran performer in his recordings. Buy his music; the only thing that will disappoint you is that he didn't live to give us even more music!!!!!

Average customer rating:

lighthearted
Awesome
Uplifting!
Ad Astra Per Aspera
I never get tired of listening to Michel

The Best of the Blue Note Years
Michel Petrucciani
Manufacturer: Blue Note Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Solo Live
Promenade with Duke
Trio in Tokyo
Live at the Village Vanguard
100 Hearts

ASIN: B000005HEO
Release Date: 1994-01-11

Tracks:

Looking Up
September Second
Miles Davis Licks
Play Me
Home
Lullaby
La Champagne
She Did It Again
Our Tune
Bimini
Brasilian Suite
O Nana Oye

Amazon.com

French pianist Michel Petrucciani's combination of rhythmic energy and inspired invention is heard here in several settings recorded between the mid 1980s and early 1990s. While Petrucciani can be an arresting interpreter of the standard repertoire, the emphasis here is on his original compositions, many making use of Latin rhythms and deceptively simple melodies. During this period, Petrucciani shifted his orientation from straight-ahead acoustic trios to use of electronic keyboards and additional percussion for a cooler, more layered approach. Listeners will likely make a rapid decision about which style they prefer, but what Petrucciani loses in drama with the expanded groups, he makes up in sustained and textured complexity. The highlight of the CD is the Caribbean-flavored "Bimini," heard in an extended performance from the 1986 Montreux festival with guitarist Jim Hall and Wayne Shorter on tenor. --Stuart Broomer

Customer Reviews:

lighthearted.......2004-05-13

this cd is uplifting. the man is a beautiful musician and he plays with some awesome people: Anthony Jackson, Lenny White, Omar Hakim, Eddie Gomez, Al Foster, Roy Haynes, Wayne Shorter, Jim Hall.. My personal favorites are "Looking Up" & "Lullaby"

Awesome.......2001-06-22

When I was first introduced to the work of Michel Petrucciani I was a senior in high shool. Through the years I sought after his music with the intesity and ferver of a fanatic. His music drove me to the brink of blissful insanity. So, of couse I was delighted when Blue Note offered his public a compilaton of his biggest hits when he was with the label. The compilation starts off with my favorite tune "Looking up". I know Michel wrote this song to commemorate the riddicule he encountered because of his handicap. He introduces a simple melody, then takes you through a collage of different modes of positive reinforcement, using his masterful art of improvisation. If you did not know him, get to know him through his music, as I have. You will see the beauty that is Michel.

Uplifting!.......1999-08-22

This is a terrific introduction to Michel Petrucciani. I love to listen to this CD at work. It always makes me feel great and makes the day zip by. It has wonderful energy and transmits it so effortlessly to the listener.

Ad Astra Per Aspera.......1999-01-24

Michel Petrucciani 1962-1999 Osteogenesis Imperfecta 3 ft. tall, 65 lbs. World's greatest jazz pianist

I never get tired of listening to Michel.......1998-08-14

The contents of this CD match his release MUSIC which was the first Petrucciani CD I owned. Which ever I have in my car, the energy is motivating, his talents are inspiring, and I always, ALWAYS love listening to his music. I missed him at the Blue Note, but will go out of my way to see him perform the next time he is in NY. - A wonderful addition to any collection. My secretary loves his music, and my wife (NOT a Jazz tolerant person) also enjoys his music. Buy it. You will definately enjoy it. The five star review is not taken lightly.

Instrumentals: The Best of the Capitol Years

Average customer rating:

Early Work from a Master
Kottke at the Top of His Game
One of our greatest instrumentalist doing what he does best.

Instrumentals: The Best of the Capitol Years
Leo Kottke
Manufacturer: Blue Note Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Instrumentals: The Best of the Chrysalis Years
6- and 12-String Guitar
One Guitar, No Vocals
Greenhouse
Guitar Music

ASIN: B00007KWJQ
Release Date: 2003-02-11

Tracks:

June Bug
Ice Miner
Poor Boy
Machine #2
Bean Time
In Christ There Is No East or West
Owls
Lost John
Blue Dot
Egg Tooth
Crow River Waltz / Jesu, Joy Of Man's Desiring / Jack Fig
Mona Ray
Twilight Property
Taking a Sandwich to a Feast
A Good Egg
A Child Should Be a Fish
The Scarlatti Rip-Off
Grim to the Brim

Customer Reviews:

Early Work from a Master.......2005-01-21

Leo Kottke is to the acoustic guitar what Hendrix was to the electric: when he burst on the scene with his debut Takoma album, "Six- and Twelve-String Guitar" in 1969, he redefined both instruments. This collection presents the best instrumentals of his earlier Capitol years (and in my opinion, all his albums up through the live "My Feet Are Smiling" are true classics). Omitted is his notorious "geese-fart" singing voice, a foghorn baritone that I didn't find as bad as reputed, though I still have always been partial to the instrumentals. This, and the companion "Chrysalis Years" volume, have been released by his current label, Blue Note, and they are both essential, especially if you don't have any Kottke in your collection. If you don't mind the geese farts (and he did record some pretty good songs with vocals, too), you may want to check out "Essential Leo Kottke" on Chrysalis (there are only a few common tracks with the new "Instrumentals" CD), or the excellent 2-disc Rhino collection, "Leo Kottke Anthology". Only the last one, by the way, contains any material from his Takoma debut.

Kottke at the Top of His Game.......2003-12-31

The 18 tracks on this hour-long CD are taken from the six albums Leo Kottke recorded for Capitol from 1971 to 1975, arguably the most productive five years of his career. While they are all instrumentals, they are not solo in that Kottke works with other musicians on about half of these tracks. It does not, however, detract from his guitar playing being prominently featured.

Kottke pays homage to John Fahey on a couple tracks: "Poor Boy" and "In Christ There Is No East Or West," which are the only two non-originals on the album. The latter is a special favorite of mine. Other standout tracks are the gogeous "Owls," the live "Medley" which concludes with the furiously-paced "Jack Fig," and perhaps one of Kottke's loveliest melodies, "Mona Ray," where Kottke is accompnaied by Michael Johnson.

While I have long been a fan of Kottke's rich baritone voice, it's nice to have this collection of instrumentals. And unlike the Chrysalis collection, there is no new material here. Just Kottke playing the hell out of his guitar. And when you stop to think about it, isn't that enough? It is for me. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED

One of our greatest instrumentalist doing what he does best........2003-02-13

Leo Kottke's "6 and 12 String guitar" fell to earth in 1969 and some of us have never been the same. The album became know as the armadillo album because of the cover art and put both Kottke and his label, Tacoma, on the map. In the liner notes on the album, Kottke describes his voice as being similar to "geese farts on a muggy day". After the armadillo album, Kottke would for the most part ignore his own advice and feature vocals on most of his songs. The compilation of instrumentals from 1970 -1975 when Kottke was recording on Capitol is the brainchild of Jerry Roche who apparently agrees with Kottke's original evaluation as do I. These are tracks compiled from Kottke's Mudlark, Greenhouse, My Feet Are Smiling, Dreams and All The Stuff, Ice Water and Chewing Pines albums. It show off Kottke in a fair number of settings including solo, accompanied only by dobro, pedal steel, bass or guitar. It also has him in trio and quartets settings. For my ears, the fewer players the better. The sound of what Kottke is doing with his six and twelve strings, with his flatpicking, fingerpicking and slide is all I really want to hear. The man is an orchestra unto himself.
He is also a wonderful writer who has created almost his own genre of music, a personal blend of country, folk, jazz, blues and classical.
If you have never heard of Kottke, please go directly to the armadillo album. You will name children after me, I promise. If you already have that then this CD and the second volume are a great addition to your collection.

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