Record Reviews

CHARLIE CHRISTIAN ~ THE GENIUS OF THE ELECTRIC GUITAR SONY 886979303522 (Barcode: 886979303522) ~ USA ~ Jazz Recorded: 1939 - 1941 Released: 2012 This Box Set collects the recordings by guitarist / composer Charlie ChristianFind albums by this artist as a member of the Benny GoodmanFind albums by this artist sextet and Orchestra, which constitute the bulk of his recorded work. Christian was one of the first guitarists to use the amplified electric guitar and was instrumental in elevating the role of the guitar from accompaniment to front stage solo instrument. His playing influenced generations of guitar players and was felt beyond the Jazz sphere, most importantly in the infancy years of Rock, which was about to explode about a decade after these recordings were made. Christian died at the ridiculous young age of 25 and his death cut short perhaps one of the most promising careers, that might have developed. It is extremely rare that an artist active for such a restricted period of time managed to influence so many others, as in the case of Christian. It is entirely possible that music, as we know it, might have developed quite differently without his contribution. The music herein was recorded at the peak of the Swing era and clarinetist / composer Goodman, who was often referred to as the King Of Swing, and his sextet were truly an admirable outfit. The sextet also included vibraphonist Lionel HamptonFind albums by this artist and pianists such as Fletcher HendersonFind albums by this artist, Count BasieFind albums by this artist and others. They play several Christian compositions in addition of course to the music composed by the leader and others. Christian´s riffs and numerous solo spots are simply brilliant and a careful listener will be able to recognize countless phrases used by future generations of guitar players. The box includes many alternative takes and studio outtakes. The albums are packed in mini-sleeves and a superbly educational booklet is also included. This Box Set is an absolute treasure for people, who wish to understand the history and development of the guitar and its role in contemporary music. For people unfamiliar with Christian´s legacy, this might be quite and experience. Of course it´s an essential piece of the Jazz legacy. Great stuff!

Updated: 26/01/2019Posted:

CD 4 Mini-Sleeve Box Set Remastered Bonus Tracks Recommend To A Friend

BESSIE SMITH ~ THE COMPLETE COLUMBIA RECORDINGS SONY 887254031024 (Barcode: 887254031024) ~ USA ~ Blues Recorded: 1923 - 1933 Released: 2012 This is a monumental collection of the material recorded by American vocalist Bessie SmithFind albums by this artist for the ColumbiaFind albums on this label Records, spanning over ten years and presenting her at the peak of her career, accompanied by the best instrumentalist available at the time. Although popularly known as the Empress of the Blues, she sang material which bordered between the Blues and the rapidly developing Jazz and cooperated with early Jazz titans like pianists Fletcher HendersonFind albums by this artist and Clarence WilliamsFind albums by this artist, trumpeter Louis ArmstrongFind albums by this artist and many others. There is no Jazz vocalist in the world today, who can claim not being influenced by Bessie Smith´s recordings and her revolutionary contribution to the art of singing, regardless of the genre. She was the pioneer and the model that all Jazz vocalists tried to follow, even when not admitting it openly. Hearing these recordings clearly shows how she progressed over time, taking bold steps into improvised vocal parts in addition to covering the basic melody, which no other vocalist tried before her. Her unique power of expression and the theatrical timbre of her voice were simply completely inimitable. She also wrote many of the songs that she performs here, which makes her the first female singer / songwriter, who managed to achieve a legendary status during her lifetime. Her life and career was cut tragically short by a car accident and the latest recordings included in this Box Set are her last. Remastered and mini-sleeved, this Box Set is an excellent tribute to a great Afro-American legend, who should not be forgotten and who still has so much to offer today. This is an essential addition to any serious music collection.

Updated: 26/01/2019Posted:

CD 10 Mini-Sleeve Box Set Remastered Essential Recommend To A Friend