Record Reviews

FRANCY BOLAND ORCHESTRA ~ BLUE FAME / RED HOT / WHITE HEAT MPS 602517643888 (Barcode: 602517643888) ~ BELGIUM ~ Big Band Jazz Recorded: 1976 Released: 2008 This is a reissue of the three albums recorded by the Belgian pianist / composer / arranger / bandleader Francy BolandFind albums by this artist and his Orchestra, originally recorded in 1976 and released on the legendary MPSFind albums on this label label. The 2CD album presents eighteen tracks, which include original compositions by Boland and Jazz standards, all arranged by him. The orchestra comprises of some of the best European Jazz musicians active at the time, like British saxophonists Ronnie ScottFind albums by this artist and Tony CoeFind albums by this artist, trumpeter Kenny WheelerFind albums by this artist, bassist Ron MathewsonFind albums by this artist and drummer Kenny ClareFind albums by this artist, American expatriates: saxophonists Sahib ShihabFind albums by this artist and Sal NisticoFind albums by this artist, trumpeter Benny BaileyFind albums by this artist, and many other excellent musicians. American drummer Kenny ClarkeFind albums by this artist and Boland co-led The Kenny Clarke / Francy Boland Big BandFind albums by this artist between 1960 and 1972, which was one of the most formidable European Jazz Big Bands with an extensive recording legacy, with several notable releases also on the MPS label. Boland composed and arranged for the most important American Jazz Big Bands in the 1950s, like those of Benny GoodmanFind albums by this artist, Woody HermanFind albums by this artist and Count BasieFind albums by this artist, before returning to Europe and starting his work with legendary German Big Band leader Kurt EdelhagenFind albums by this artist. The music is all within the mainstream Jazz idiom, but the sublime arrangements make it absolute timeless and distinctly different from the American Jazz Big Band tradition, with a much more complex orchestral sound and refined European aesthetics. There are plenty of wonderful soli by the orchestra members, as expected, but as usual in the European Big Band environment, the accent is on the entire orchestra sound, with the soloing being mostly the icing on the cake. Personally Mathewson’s bass playing on this album is an absolute wonder and alone worth the price of this album, but of course every note played here is simply exceptional. For Big Band / Orchestral Jazz fans this album is an absolute must of course, a true school example of what Big Band music is all about. Holy Grail! Side Note The legendary German MPSFind albums on this label (Musik Produktion Schwarzwald) label, founded by Hans Georg Brunner-SchwerFind albums by this artist (HGBS) in 1963, first as SABAFind albums on this label Records and later on from 1968 as MPS Records, was the most important independent European record label, which had an enormous contribution to the development of European Jazz. For many years MPS cooperated with the legendary German producer / author Joachim BerendtFind albums by this artist, my Friend and Mentor, whose visionary approach and open-mindedness brought the crème de la crème of the Jazz (in the broadest meaning of the word) musicians from all over the world to the label. Between 1963 and 1983 MPS produced about five hundred albums, many of which are among the most important Jazz recordings on this planet. In 1983 the MPS catalog was sold to UniversalFind albums on this label, which sadly resulted in all those artistic treasures to almost disappear from the face of the earth – a situation not only tragic but culturally criminal. Universal reissued a part of the MPS albums (probably 128 titles) on CD between 1999 and 2011 under the "Most Perfect Sound Edition" moniker. Since 2008 the German Promising MusicFind albums on this label label released some of the MPS recordings, but at a very slow pace. In 2014 the German company Edel AG bought the MPS catalogue from Universal and released a series of 25 MPS albums on CD with a new slipcase graphic design, which brought all those excellent albums back to life. In 2015 Edel AG started to record and release new albums under the MPS moniker. In 2016 Edel AG released a series of 10 classic MPS albums on CD, which were beautifully remastered and re-packaged, presenting the original artwork and liner notes, as well as new liner notes and photographs. An obvious labor of love, these reissues are what the MPS catalogue truly deserves. This project was continued in 2017 with another series of 10 classic MPS albums released on CD. In later years some new reissues were released sporadically. Over the years many SABA / MPS albums were reissued in Japan, which is often the only available source for these albums today, but that is a story in itself.

Updated: 09/08/2021Posted: 08/08/2021

CD 2 Oversampling Remastered Recommend To A Friend

CHASE ~ CHASE / ENNEA / PURE MUSIC BGO 842 (Barcode: 5017261208422) ~ USA ~ Brass Rock Recorded: 1971 - 1973 Released: 2008 The US Jazz-Rock Fusion ensemble ChaseFind albums by this artist is perhaps the least known among its contemporaries like Blood, Sweat & TearsFind albums by this artist, ChicagoFind albums by this artist or even FlockFind albums by this artist, but I personally loved them very much and kept them in my memories all these years. It is therefore a joyful occasion to see their complete recording legacy being reissued and available again. Led by brilliant trumpeter Bill ChaseFind albums by this artist, who came to fame as the lead trumpet in Woody HermanFind albums by this artist´s HerdFind albums by this artist, known to deliver some of the strongest high notes ever played on this instrument, and who also played with other orchestras led by such famous leaders like Maynard FergusonFind albums by this artist and Stan KentonFind albums by this artist. By the late 1960s Bill Chase became somewhat bored by playing Big Band scores and decided to plunge full steam ahead into the invigorating world of Jazz-Rock Fusion. He collected a group of young but highly experienced young players, who shared his vision, creating the nine-piece band Chase. Signed with EpicFind albums on this label, the band recorded 3 brilliant albums, included here, before Bill Chase and three other members of the band tragically perished in a plane crash, putting an end to one of the most promising bands of the time. Chase included a four-trumpet front line, backed by a rocky rhythm section (keyboards, guitar, bass & drums) and a lead singer (Terry RichardsFind albums by this artist, who has a voice quite similar to David Clayton-ThomasFind albums by this artist). This unique lineup brings together the better of the two worlds – Jazz and Rock – creating a superb mixture, which only very few contenders seemed to possess. Most of the material is composed by Bill Chase, with a few classic songs getting a fresh arrangement. All three albums are equally brilliant, with the last one being the most mature and richly orchestrated, with expanded improvised solos and mostly instrumental. Bill Chase delivers several of his high-pitched solos, which leave the listener completely breathless. All in all listening to these albums in a row is an exhilarating experience, hitting right where it counts! This music aged extremely well and today, some 35 years after it was recorded, is still some of the best stuff you can let into your ears – absolutely essential!

Updated: 18/04/2020Posted:

CD 2 Slipcase Essential Recommend To A Friend

KENNY CLARKE / FRANCY BOLAND BIG BAND ~ AT HER MAJESTY`S PLEASURE… REARWARD 137 (Barcode: 8018344021379) ~ BELGIUM ~ Big Band Jazz Recorded: 1969 Released: 2010 This is a reissue / remaster of an album recorded by the international / resident in Europe Big Band, co-led by American drummer / bandleader Kenny ClarkeFind albums by this artist and Belgian pianist / composer / arranger / bandleader Francy BolandFind albums by this artist. It was originally recorded in Germany in 1969. The album presents seven tracks, parts of a suite composed and brilliantly arranged by Boland. The Big Band includes some of the best European Jazz musicians active at the time, like British saxophonists Ronnie ScottFind albums by this artist and Tony CoeFind albums by this artist, trumpeter Kenny WheelerFind albums by this artist, drummer Kenny ClareFind albums by this artist and many American expatriates: saxophonists Sahib ShihabFind albums by this artist and Johnny GriffinFind albums by this artist, trumpeter Benny BaileyFind albums by this artist and many other excellent musicians. Clarke and Boland co-led the Big Band between 1960 and 1972, which was one of the most formidable European Jazz Big Bands with an extensive recording legacy, with several notable releases also on the MPSFind albums on this label label. Boland composed and arranged for the most important American Jazz Big Bands in the 1950s, like those of Benny GoodmanFind albums by this artist, Woody HermanFind albums by this artist and Count BasieFind albums by this artist, before returning to Europe and starting his work with legendary German Big Band leader Kurt EdelhagenFind albums by this artist. The music is all within the mainstream Jazz idiom, but the sublime arrangements make it absolute timeless and distinctly different from the American Jazz Big Band tradition, with a much more complex orchestral sound and refined European aesthetics. There are plenty of wonderful soli by the orchestra members, as expected, but as usual in the European Big Band environment, the accent is on the entire orchestra sound, with the soloing being mostly the icing on the cake. Every note played here is simply exceptional. Overall, for Big Band / Orchestral Jazz fans this album is an absolute must of course, a true school book example of what Big Band music is all about. Holy Grail!

Updated: 14/06/2025Posted: 14/06/2025

CD 1 Digipak Remastered Recommend To A Friend

KENNY CLARKE / FRANCY BOLAND BIG BAND ~ EN CONCERT AVEC EUROPE 1 TREMA 3296637104137 (Barcode: 3296637104137) ~ BELGIUM ~ Big Band Jazz Recorded: 1969 Released: 1992 This is an archival live album recorded by the international / resident in Europe Big Band, co-led by American drummer / bandleader Kenny ClarkeFind albums by this artist and Belgian pianist / composer / arranger / bandleader Francy BolandFind albums by this artist. It was originally recorded in France in 1969 by French TV. The 2CD album presents fourteen tracks, six composed by Boland, two by Clarke, two by other Big Band members and four are standards, all brilliantly arranged by Boland. The sound quality of this release is not perfect, probably since it was originally a live TV broadcast, but the music is exceptional, as always. The Big Band includes some of the best European Jazz musicians active at the time, like British saxophonists Ronnie ScottFind albums by this artist, Derek HumbleFind albums by this artist and Tony CoeFind albums by this artist, trumpeter Derek WatkinsFind albums by this artist, drummer Kenny ClareFind albums by this artist, and many American expatriates: saxophonists Sahib ShihabFind albums by this artist and Johnny GriffinFind albums by this artist, trumpeters Benny BaileyFind albums by this artist, Art FarmerFind albums by this artist and Idrees SuliemanFind albums by this artist, bassist Jimmy WoodeFind albums by this artist and many other excellent musicians. Clarke and Boland co-led the Big Band between 1960 and 1972, which was one of the most formidable European Jazz Big Bands with an extensive recording legacy, with several notable releases also on the MPSFind albums on this label label. Boland composed and arranged for the most important American Jazz Big Bands in the 1950s, like those of Benny GoodmanFind albums by this artist, Woody HermanFind albums by this artist and Count BasieFind albums by this artist, before returning to Europe and starting his work with legendary German Big Band leader Kurt EdelhagenFind albums by this artist. The music is all within the mainstream Jazz idiom, but the sublime arrangements make it absolute timeless and distinctly different from the American Jazz Big Band tradition, with a much more complex orchestral sound and refined European aesthetics. There are plenty of wonderful soli by the orchestra members, as expected, but as usual in the European Big Band environment, the accent is on the entire orchestra sound, with the soloing being mostly the icing on the cake. Every note played here is simply exceptional. Overall, for Big Band / Orchestral Jazz fans this album is an absolute must of course, a true school book example of what Big Band music is all about. Holy Grail!

Updated: 16/06/2025Posted: 16/06/2025

CD 2 Recommend To A Friend

KENNY CLARKE / FRANCY BOLAND BIG BAND ~ FACES MPS 602527593043 (Barcode: 602527593043) ~ BELGIUM ~ Big Band Jazz Recorded: 1968 Released: 2011 This is a reissue / remaster of an album recorded by the international / resident in Europe Big Band, co-led by American drummer / bandleader Kenny ClarkeFind albums by this artist and Belgian pianist / composer / arranger / bandleader Francy BolandFind albums by this artist. It was originally recorded in Germany in 1968 and released on the legendary MPSFind albums on this label label the same year. It was the 4th album by the Big Band on MPS. The album presents four lengthy tracks, parts of a suite composed and brilliantly arranged by Boland. The Big Band includes some of the best European Jazz musicians active at the time, like British saxophonists Ronnie ScottFind albums by this artist and Tony CoeFind albums by this artist, trumpeter Jimmy DeucharFind albums by this artist, drummer Kenny ClareFind albums by this artist and many American expatriates: saxophonists Sahib ShihabFind albums by this artist and Johnny GriffinFind albums by this artist, trumpeter Benny BaileyFind albums by this artist and many other excellent musicians. Clarke and Boland co-led the Big Band between 1960 and 1972, which was one of the most formidable European Jazz Big Bands with an extensive recording legacy, with several notable releases also on the MPS label. Boland composed and arranged for the most important American Jazz Big Bands in the 1950s, like those of Benny GoodmanFind albums by this artist, Woody HermanFind albums by this artist and Count BasieFind albums by this artist, before returning to Europe and starting his work with legendary German Big Band leader Kurt EdelhagenFind albums by this artist. The music is all within the mainstream Jazz idiom, but the sublime arrangements make it absolute timeless and distinctly different from the American Jazz Big Band tradition, with a much more complex orchestral sound and refined European aesthetics. There are plenty of wonderful soli by the orchestra members, as expected, but as usual in the European Big Band environment, the accent is on the entire orchestra sound, with the soloing being mostly the icing on the cake. Every note played here is simply exceptional. Overall, for Big Band / Orchestral Jazz fans this album is an absolute must of course, a true school book example of what Big Band music is all about. Holy Grail! Side Note The legendary German MPSFind albums on this label (Musik Produktion Schwarzwald) label, founded by Hans Georg Brunner-SchwerFind albums by this artist (HGBS) in 1963, first as SABAFind albums on this label Records and later on from 1968 as MPS Records, was the most important independent European record label, which had an enormous contribution to the development of European Jazz. For many years MPS cooperated with the legendary German producer / author Joachim BerendtFind albums by this artist, my Friend and Mentor, whose visionary approach and open-mindedness brought the crème de la crème of the Jazz (in the broadest meaning of the word) musicians from all over the world to the label. Between 1963 and 1983 MPS produced about five hundred albums, many of which are among the most important Jazz recordings on this planet. In 1983 the MPS catalog was sold to UniversalFind albums on this label, which sadly resulted in all those artistic treasures to almost disappear from the face of the earth – a situation not only tragic but culturally criminal. Universal reissued a part of the MPS albums (probably 128 titles) on CD between 1999 and 2011 under the "Most Perfect Sound Edition" moniker. Since 2008 the German Promising MusicFind albums on this label label released some of the MPS recordings, but at a very slow pace. In 2014 the German company Edel AG bought the MPS catalogue from Universal and released a series of 25 MPS albums on CD with a new slipcase graphic design, which brought all those excellent albums back to life. In 2015 Edel AG started to record and release new albums under the MPS moniker. In 2016 Edel AG released a series of 10 classic MPS albums on CD, which were beautifully remastered and re-packaged, presenting the original artwork and liner notes, as well as new liner notes and photographs. An obvious labor of love, these reissues are what the MPS catalogue truly deserves. This project was continued in 2017 with another series of 10 classic MPS albums released on CD. In later years some new reissues were released sporadically. Over the years many SABA / MPS albums were reissued in Japan, which is often the only available source for these albums today, but that is a story in itself.

Updated: 31/05/2025Posted: 31/05/2025

CD 1 Oversampling Remastered Recommend To A Friend

KENNY CLARKE / FRANCY BOLAND BIG BAND ~ THREE LATIN ADVENTURES (LATIN KALEIDESCOPE / FELLINI 712) MPS 731452909527 (Barcode: 731452909527) ~ BELGIUM ~ Big Band Jazz Recorded: 1968 Released: 1995 This is a reissue / remaster of two albums: “Latin KaleidoscopeFind albums with this title” and “Fellini 712Find albums with this title” recorded by the Big Band co-led by American drummer / bandleader Kenny ClarkeFind albums by this artist and Belgian pianist / composer / arranger / bandleader Francy BolandFind albums by this artist, originally recorded in 1968 and released on the legendary MPSFind albums on this label label. The album presents three multi-part Jazz suites: “Latin Kaleidoscope” co-composed by American composer Gary McFarlandFind albums by this artist and Boland, “Cuban Fever” and “Fellini 712” composed by Boland, all arranged by him, which span together the fourteen tracks of the album. The orchestra comprises of some of the best European Jazz musicians active at the time, like British saxophonists Ronnie ScottFind albums by this artist and Tony CoeFind albums by this artist, trumpeter Jimmy DeucharFind albums by this artist and drummer Kenny ClareFind albums by this artist, American expatriates: saxophonists Sahib ShihabFind albums by this artist and Johnny GriffinFind albums by this artist, trumpeter Benny BaileyFind albums by this artist and many other excellent musicians. Clarke and Boland co-led the Big Band between 1960 and 1972, which was one of the most formidable European Jazz Big Bands with an extensive recording legacy, with several notable releases also on the MPS label. Boland composed and arranged for the most important American Jazz Big Bands in the 1950s, like those of Benny GoodmanFind albums by this artist, Woody HermanFind albums by this artist and Count BasieFind albums by this artist, before returning to Europe and starting his work with legendary German Big Band leader Kurt EdelhagenFind albums by this artist. The music is all within the mainstream Jazz idiom, but the sublime arrangements make it absolute timeless and distinctly different from the American Jazz Big Band tradition, with a much more complex orchestral sound and refined European aesthetics. The Latin accents, which were very fashionable by the mid-1960s, get a wonderful treatment here, completely eschewing the schmaltzy accents. There are plenty of wonderful soli by the orchestra members, as expected, but as usual in the European Big Band environment, the accent is on the entire orchestra sound, with the soloing being mostly the icing on the cake. Every note played here is simply exceptional. For Big Band / Orchestral Jazz fans this album is an absolute must of course, a true school example of what Big Band music is all about. Brilliant stuff! Side Note The legendary German MPSFind albums on this label (Musik Produktion Schwarzwald) label, founded by Hans Georg Brunner-SchwerFind albums by this artist (HGBS) in 1963, first as SABAFind albums on this label Records and later on from 1968 as MPS Records, was the most important independent European record label, which had an enormous contribution to the development of European Jazz. For many years MPS cooperated with the legendary German producer / author Joachim BerendtFind albums by this artist, my Friend and Mentor, whose visionary approach and open-mindedness brought the crème de la crème of the Jazz (in the broadest meaning of the word) musicians from all over the world to the label. Between 1963 and 1983 MPS produced about five hundred albums, many of which are among the most important Jazz recordings on this planet. In 1983 the MPS catalog was sold to UniversalFind albums on this label, which sadly resulted in all those artistic treasures to almost disappear from the face of the earth – a situation not only tragic but culturally criminal. Universal reissued a part of the MPS albums (probably 128 titles) on CD between 1999 and 2011 under the "Most Perfect Sound Edition" moniker. Since 2008 the German Promising MusicFind albums on this label label released some of the MPS recordings, but at a very slow pace. In 2014 the German company Edel AG bought the MPS catalogue from Universal and released a series of 25 MPS albums on CD with a new slipcase graphic design, which brought all those excellent albums back to life. In 2015 Edel AG started to record and release new albums under the MPS moniker. In 2016 Edel AG released a series of 10 classic MPS albums on CD, which were beautifully remastered and re-packaged, presenting the original artwork and liner notes, as well as new liner notes and photographs. An obvious labor of love, these reissues are what the MPS catalogue truly deserves. This project was continued in 2017 with another series of 10 classic MPS albums released on CD. In later years some new reissues were released sporadically. Over the years many SABA / MPS albums were reissued in Japan, which is often the only available source for these albums today, but that is a story in itself.

Updated: 16/03/2025Posted: 10/08/2021

CD 1 Remastered Recommend To A Friend

KENNY CLARKE / FRANCY BOLAND BIG BAND ~ TWO ORIGINALS (ALL BLUES / SAX NO END) MPS 731452352521 (Barcode: 731452352521) ~ BELGIUM ~ Big Band Jazz Recorded: 1967 - 1968 Released: 1994 This is a reissue / remaster of two albums: “All BluesFind albums with this title” and “Sax No EndFind albums with this title” recorded by the international / resident in Europe Big Band, co-led by American drummer / bandleader Kenny ClarkeFind albums by this artist and Belgian pianist / composer / arranger / bandleader Francy BolandFind albums by this artist. “All Blues” was originally recorded in UK in 1968 and released on the legendary MPSFind albums on this label label in 1969. It was the 2nd album by the Big Band on MPS. “Sax No End” was originally recorded in Germany in 1967 and released on the legendary SABAFind albums on this label (later MPS) label in 1967. It was the 1st album by the Big Band on MPS. This reissue also adds as a bonus one tracks from the “Fellini 712Find albums with this title” album by the Big Band with a corrected mix. The album presents altogether fifteen tracks with both original albums and the bonus, which are mostly original compositions by Boland, including the three-part “All Jazz” suite, all also brilliantly arranged by Boland. The Big Band includes some of the best European Jazz musicians active at the time, like British saxophonists Ronnie ScottFind albums by this artist and Tony CoeFind albums by this artist, trumpeters Jimmy DeucharFind albums by this artist and Shake KeaneFind albums by this artist, drummer Kenny ClareFind albums by this artist and many American expatriates: saxophonists Sahib ShihabFind albums by this artist and Johnny GriffinFind albums by this artist, trumpeter Benny BaileyFind albums by this artist and many other excellent musicians. Clarke and Boland co-led the Big Band between 1960 and 1972, which was one of the most formidable European Jazz Big Bands with an extensive recording legacy, with several notable releases also on the MPS label. Boland composed and arranged for the most important American Jazz Big Bands in the 1950s, like those of Benny GoodmanFind albums by this artist, Woody HermanFind albums by this artist and Count BasieFind albums by this artist, before returning to Europe and starting his work with legendary German Big Band leader Kurt EdelhagenFind albums by this artist. The music is all within the mainstream Jazz idiom, but the sublime arrangements make it absolute timeless and distinctly different from the American Jazz Big Band tradition, with a much more complex orchestral sound and refined European aesthetics. There are plenty of wonderful soli by the orchestra members, as expected, but as usual in the European Big Band environment, the accent is on the entire orchestra sound, with the soloing being mostly the icing on the cake. Every note played here is simply exceptional. Overall, for Big Band / Orchestral Jazz fans this album is an absolute must of course, a true school book example of what Big Band music is all about. Holy Grail! Side Note The legendary German MPSFind albums on this label (Musik Produktion Schwarzwald) label, founded by Hans Georg Brunner-SchwerFind albums by this artist (HGBS) in 1963, first as SABAFind albums on this label Records and later on from 1968 as MPS Records, was the most important independent European record label, which had an enormous contribution to the development of European Jazz. For many years MPS cooperated with the legendary German producer / author Joachim BerendtFind albums by this artist, my Friend and Mentor, whose visionary approach and open-mindedness brought the crème de la crème of the Jazz (in the broadest meaning of the word) musicians from all over the world to the label. Between 1963 and 1983 MPS produced about five hundred albums, many of which are among the most important Jazz recordings on this planet. In 1983 the MPS catalog was sold to UniversalFind albums on this label, which sadly resulted in all those artistic treasures to almost disappear from the face of the earth – a situation not only tragic but culturally criminal. Universal reissued a part of the MPS albums (probably 128 titles) on CD between 1999 and 2011 under the "Most Perfect Sound Edition" moniker. Since 2008 the German Promising MusicFind albums on this label label released some of the MPS recordings, but at a very slow pace. In 2014 the German company Edel AG bought the MPS catalogue from Universal and released a series of 25 MPS albums on CD with a new slipcase graphic design, which brought all those excellent albums back to life. In 2015 Edel AG started to record and release new albums under the MPS moniker. In 2016 Edel AG released a series of 10 classic MPS albums on CD, which were beautifully remastered and re-packaged, presenting the original artwork and liner notes, as well as new liner notes and photographs. An obvious labor of love, these reissues are what the MPS catalogue truly deserves. This project was continued in 2017 with another series of 10 classic MPS albums released on CD. In later years some new reissues were released sporadically. Over the years many SABA / MPS albums were reissued in Japan, which is often the only available source for these albums today, but that is a story in itself.

Updated: 16/03/2025Posted: 16/03/2025

CD 1 Remastered Bonus Tracks Recommend To A Friend

GARY GUTHMAN ~ SALUTE TO SWING! SOLITON 802 (Barcode: 5901571098029) ~ USA ~ Smooth Jazz Recorded: 1999 - 2004 Released: 2018 This is a compiled reissue of two albums by the American (resident in Warsaw) trumpeter / composer / arranger Gary GuthmanFind albums by this artist. The albums, recorded and initially released in Canada, are: "Sing, Sing, SingFind albums with this title" from 2005 and "Love TalkFind albums with this title" from 1999. Guthman leads professional Big Bands and is responsible for most of the arrangements, as well as for writing three original pieces on "Love Talk". The rest of the music comprises of well known Swing standards. As the title suggests, the music is a loving tribute to the Swing period in America, which lasted for over two decades between 1930s and early 1950s. The music was mostly played by a plethora of Big Bands and Jazz Orchestras, led by such celebrated composers / bandleaders as Benny GoodmanFind albums by this artist, Duke EllingtonFind albums by this artist, Harry JamesFind albums by this artist, Glenn MillerFind albums by this artist, Count BasieFind albums by this artist, Woody HermanFind albums by this artist, Tommy DorseyFind albums by this artist and numerous others. Although considered as one of the Jazz genres and certainly playing an important role in the development of the idiom, Swing was also a form of popular music and at its peak "the" popular music in the US and to some extent worldwide. Based on solid melodies, many of which became Jazz standards, Swing definitely also included and encouraged improvisation, although limited to relatively short and strictly melodic, but often masterly constructed and incredibly cleverly executed solos. Guthman is not only a great trumpet player, but first and foremost an incredibly sensitive musician in the broadest meaning of the word. He writes absolutely brilliant music, which sounds instantly as good as any Jazz standard from the "fake book", but he is also able to compose contemporary Classical music or entire musicals. He has a pair of great ears, which makes him a skillful arranger able to make the most of any setting, from a quartet to a Big Band or an Orchestra. And he is also a great person, a perfect Gentlemen and a Friend! The two albums presented here are very dissimilar, which makes this compilation even more attractive that it originally appears to be. "Sing, Sing, Sing" is a straightforward tribute to Swing, featuring all the big Swing "hits" that many people are familiar with, without even knowing what Swing means. As such it is a perfect trip down the memory lane for elderly people like yours truly, who still remember their parents dancing while these melodies were being played on the bandstand or on the radio. Guthman delivers several scorching trumpet solos and the music swings like there is no tomorrow. "Love Talk" is a completely different story. It is an exquisite showcase of Jazz arrangement, kept within the general Swing aura, but superbly orchestrated, with the full power of an Orchestra, featuring lush string layers, which is on the whole a piece of elegant, masterly woven musical delight. Guthman´s trumpet playing on this album is much softer, lyrical and Jazz oriented. Overall this album presents the charm and splendor of Swing for everybody. Less experienced listeners will enjoy the evergreens on the first album, which is basically quite danceable, while connoisseurs will delight in the seductive enticement and sophistication of the second album in this set, which is much more suitable for the intimacy a bedroom than the swish of a dancing floor. Since nobody makes music like this anymore, I am not surprised by the fact that this album was so warmly embraced by the listeners. It is after all a piece of musical history, which is still fondly remembered. Way to go, my Friend!

Updated: 01/08/2019Posted: 09/06/2018

CD 2 Digipak Recommend To A Friend