Breezin' (The Very Best Of Smooth Jazz As Heard On Jazz FM) - Various Artists

Advantages: Fantastic
Disadvantages: There are none

...A History of Jazz just has got to be one of the most comprehensive programmes on the history of jazz that I have ever come across. It is subtitled Bluesland A portrait In American Music. It shows the very heavy Blues influence on the original forms of jazz. The first section is called: Everybody got the Blues. It starts with a haunting Blues refrain, as the camera look along some railroad tracks to some plaintive blues music. The camera then shows some typical scenes of life in the south of America. A steam train, black people working on the farms and playing and singing the blues. Then, comes the introduction to the programme, proper, by the host, Keith David, with Albert Murray and Robert Palmer. Keith David points out that everyone gets the blues, and that everyone develops methods of coping with the blues. His favourite... Read review

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Advantages: Fantastic range of great tunes and songs
Disadvantages: None

...Armstrong (West End Blues, Knockin' a Jug and St Louis Blues) are all much in the same wonderful vein, though West End Blues does lean towards being more blues than jazz. Listen out for the slow start to Knockin' the Jug. The rhythm is exceedingly vibrant and "immediate" and it is nearly all jazz, though there's still a thread of the blues hanging on in there. As for St Louis Blues? Has to be one of the best jazz tunes by any musician ever. Blues with a bit of top spin on it, if you see what I mean. Though might there be a hint of Latin American rhythm to it, also? I honestly am not certain. You listen to it and tell me, please! Louis sings on this one. What an amazing voice! Next up are several tracks by Lester Young. Flat Hat Blues, Tenor King and Swingin' at Milts. Lester Young was a multi-skilled musician, but decided to concentrate... Read review

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Advantages: Some really good tracks
Disadvantages: Some are "so-so"

...Vintage Jazz Volume 4 is another of my all-time favourite jazz CDs, as it does exactly what it sys on the label, it IE.. it contain some really fine examples of some of the best classic jazz. Coleman Hawkins as his All Star Jam Band, featuring every example of the best jazz instruments, guitar, drums, clarinet, all performing together as one on Honeysuckle Rose. And please note the use of the word "jam" in the name of the band. As they say, there really is nothing new under the sun! The next track is also by Coleman Hawkins and His All Star Jam Band, but is a totally different style of jazz as they give a rip-roaring, jumping version of Sweet Georgia Brown. Crazy Rhythm is the next track an is also from Coleman Hawkins and His All Star Jam Band. Crazy Rhythm? Well, no all that crazy, and it is another example of the multi... Read review

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