Record Reviews

SERGIO MENDES ~ ORIGINAL ALBUM SERIES RHINO 081227975166 (Barcode: 081227975166) ~ BRAZIL ~ Jazz-World Fusion Recorded: 1964 - 1968 Released: 2011 This Box Set collects the five albums by Brazilian pianist / composer Sergio MendesFind albums by this artist, released by AtlanticFind albums on this label Records between 1964 and 1968. During that same period Mendes also released albums for A&MFind albums on this label Records, mostly with a vocal group, which were much more popular and commercially successful. The Atlantic albums are more Jazz oriented and are one of the earliest examples of Jazz-World Fusion. Mendes gained popularity as one a several Brazilian artists, who swept the American music scene in the mid 1960s, popularizing the wonderful bossa nova movement. He combined his own composition with those of dozens of great bossa nova songwriters in Brazil, popularizing them in the USA. His various group included mostly Brazilian players, such as bassist Sebastiao NetoFind albums by this artist and drummers Chico BateraFind albums by this artist and Chico De SouzaFind albums by this artist, but he was often supported by top American Jazz players like trumpeter Art FarmerFind albums by this artist, saxophonist Phil WoodsFind albums by this artist, flautist Hubert LawsFind albums by this artist and many others. Sometimes he also used extensive orchestral arrangements, which of course sounded pretty kitschy at times. In retrospect Mendes and other Brazilian musicians / composers were responsible for opening up the American musical scene to new sonic and rhythmic vistas, which also invigorated the American Jazz scene immensely at the time. These albums include many of the classic bossa nova evergreens, and still are great fun to listen to, even if they sound somewhat outdated due to relatively simplistic production and problematic sound quality. For bossa nova fans these are absolute classics, others might like to take a trip down the nostalgia lane; whatever the reason, this music still has a lot of charm and zest. Recommended! Side Note: The "Original Album SeriesFind albums with this title" by Warner Bros.Find albums on this label and the "Original Album ClassicsFind albums with this title" by SonyFind albums on this label are an archetypal example of how good intentions turn sour. Although these new editions often bring back to life some of the best music ever made on this planet, which in many cases have been lost in the tides of time and was unavailable on the market for ages, they suffer from an unforgivable disregard to the essence of cultural values and general sloppiness, contrary to human decency, which requires as to treat our cultural legacy with respect and loyalty. The Box Sets produced under these monikers have no discographical information whatsoever about the lineups, musician names, composers, lyricists, dates and places of recording, original release data and even basic copyright data (the last is strictly illegal BTW). Although the original LP sleeves are reproduced, they are often edited and information (which would be in most cases too small to be readable) is removed. In short the fact that these Box Sets are meant to be inexpensive, does not mean that they have to be cheap. Considering the fact how many times this music has been sold over and over again by the labels, this is a crying shame!

Updated: 26/01/2019Posted:

CD 5 Mini-Sleeve Box Set Remastered Recommend To A Friend

SARAH VAUGHAN ~ THE COMPLETE COLUMBIA ALBUMS COLLECTION SONY 886919058727 (Barcode: 886919058727) ~ USA ~ Jazz Recorded: 1949 - 1987 Released: 2012 American singer Sarah VaughanFind albums by this artist was undoubtedly one of the brightest stars of the female vocal Jazz scene, a member of a very limited legendary league, which includes but a few others. Her absolutely unique style, an amazing vocal range from female baritone to mezzo-soprano and a highly personal interpretation of the material she performed remain largely unmatched to this very day. She is a major influence as far as Jazz vocals are considered and many vocalists name her as their major source of inspiration. She is often referred to as a Jazz diva, a title earned but very few other female Jazz personalities. During her career, which lasted for over five decades, Vaughan recorded an impressive body of work, released by several record labels. Strangely enough her association with ColumbiaFind albums on this label covers the early days (1949-1953) of her recording career, as well as her final recordings in the 1980s. Her entire recorded output is collected on four CDs, the first two dedicated to the early recording sessions and the other two to her late output: the live recording of the George GershwinFind albums by this artist and Ira GershwinFind albums by this artist songbook, which was recorded with the Los Angeles Philharmonic conducted by Michel Tilson ThomasFind albums by this artist and her very last album, which included Brazilian music she was so fond of, which was produced by Sergio MendesFind albums by this artist and featured a sublime cast of musicians, including keyboardist George DukeFind albums by this artist (another Brazilian music enthusiast), guitarist / composer Dorival CaymmiFind albums by this artist and guest vocals by Milton NascimentoFind albums by this artist on one track. This last album was recorded just three years before Vaughan died in 1990. The contrast between the sessions, recorded almost four decades apart, is a wonderful perspective, which enables the listen to truly appreciate the greatness of Vaughan´s abilities. The Box Set is a great document, which should be enjoyed by every Jazz connoisseur, and of course vocal Jazz enthusiast. Marvelous stuff!

Updated: 26/01/2019Posted:

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