Record Reviews

PAUL DESMOND ~ THE COMPLETE RCA ALBUMS COLLECTION SONY 886979394124 (Barcode: 886979394124) ~ USA ~ Jazz Recorded: 1961 - 1965 Released: 2011 Although primarily known as a member of the Dave BrubeckFind albums by this artist quartet, the most popular Jazz ensemble on the scene in the 1950s and up to mid-1960s, saxophonist / composer Paul DesmondFind albums by this artist made also a serious contribution to the Jazz art form as a leader, playing and recording music in parallel to his work with Brubeck and after the legendary quartet folded. In order to avoid any confusion, comparison and legal entanglements he signed with the RCAFind albums on this label label (the Brubeck quartet recorded for ColumbiaFind albums on this label), and his quartets would be piano-less and as a result guitar-based. He recorded six wonderful albums for RCA between 1961 and 1965 and all of them feature his close friend and musical soul-mate, guitarist Jim HallFind albums by this artist and drummer Connie KayFind albums by this artist (member of the Modern Jazz QuartetFind albums by this artist). Several different bassists participated in these recordings, including Eugene WrightFind albums by this artist from Brubeck´s quartet, Percy HeathFind albums by this artist (also a member of the Modern Jazz Quartet), Gene ChericoFind albums by this artist and others. The last of the RCA albums presents the collaboration between Desmond and the superb baritone saxophonist Gerry MulliganFind albums by this artist, another great icon of Cool Jazz. Desmond´s completely unique sound, style and sensibility are fully exposed on these recordings. His incredible ability to present a sweet melody without turning it into sugary pastiche is simply unparalleled. Of course his technique and complete command of his instrument are clearly noticeable and are a classic example of elegance and aesthetics. His dialogue with Jim Hall is also quite remarkable and one of the most intimate cooperation captured on record. This Box Set includes all the six albums Desmond recorded for the RCA label, remastered and expanded with numerous bonus tracks and accompanied by informative liner notes. It is definitely something no serious Jazz connoisseur can ignore and a proud addition to any serious music collection. Although less popular than many other Jazz recordings, this music easily holds the ground in comparison to anything else recorded at the time. Simply brilliant!

Updated: 26/01/2019Posted:

CD 6 Mini-Sleeve Box Set Remastered Bonus Tracks Recommend To A Friend

DON RENDELL ~ PLAYTIME VOCALION 4284 (Barcode: 765387428426) ~ UK ~ Jazz Recorded: 1955 - 1959 Released: 2005 Saxophonist / composer Don RendellFind albums by this artist is a prominent figure on the UK Jazz scene for over 5 decades. Since his earliest recordings in the mid-1950s and well into the 2000s, his unmistakable tone and total control of his instrument have been his trademark. Although mostly known for his role as a co-leader of the Don Rendell / Ian CarrFind albums by this artist Quintet, one of Britain’s most innovative and brilliant Jazz ensembles of the late 1960s, over the years he recorded hundreds of sessions as sideman and leader. This album brings back to life his second LP recorded in 1958 (the first, called Meet Don RendellFind albums with this title was a 10-inch LP recorded 3 years earlier). The bonus tracks include two EP recordings, one form 1955 and the other from 1959. At the time these sessions were recorded the UK Jazz scene was strongly influenced by American Jazz. Rendell was a member of the legendary Ted HeathFind albums by this artist and Stan KentonFind albums by this artist orchestras and toured along with Gerry MulliganFind albums by this artist and the Modern Jazz QuartetFind albums by this artist, which gave him ample opportunity to hear the Masters and learn from them. By the time he formed the sextet that recorded this album Rendell was a seasoned musician and knew exactly what he wants to do. The music includes four original compositions by the sextet members (two of which are Rendell’s) and six standards. The arrangements are very clever and often quite different from the usual approach at the time, being an early sign of the new way the British musicians were about to treat the US Jazz tradition. The performances are spotless and inspired and overall this is a most enjoyable piece of great music, somewhere between Swing, Cool and Hard Bop. Most warmly recommended.

Updated: 12/06/2018Posted:

CD 1 Remastered Bonus Tracks Recommend To A Friend