Expansion - Re:Jazz

Advantages: Great jazz tunes from the Golden Age
Disadvantages: None

...something to this pure piece of jazz-blues piano work that makes up this excellent tune. Solitude by Duke Ellington and his Orchestra begins strangely with what sounds on this recording by what sounds like some off-key piano playing. Then the rest of the orchestra slowly join in. I fear that this recording is marred by damage to the masters, as it seems to have some problems. Even so, it shows what Duke an his court could do. Speaking of royalty in jazz, the next track is King Oliver with Rhythm Club Stomp. This is re-mastered for digital stereo and seems to have benefited from the experience. It could be this might be one of the accidental stereo recordings that was discovered. Apparently it was the habit of some record producers to use two sets of recording equipment on a recording session, as insurance against an equipment failure. One set... Read review

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Advantages: sublime jazz pop
Disadvantages: one too many instrumantals

...and varieties of that sound, some samba ,some afrobeat and some beautiful melanchlic pop,its indie credentials will remain intact owing to its Rough Trade release in 1982,the sublime and unobtainable "View From her Room"is included here as is the equally elusive "Drumbeat fro Baby ",the records appeal lies in its depth requiring repeated listening, which at this time of year as the first rays of summer sun begin to tease could be very rewarding . If Haircut 100 were the Smash Hits element to a new expansion in jazz pop then Weekend could be found towards the back of the NME ,setting the pace with a quiet charm and anonimity,though i cant help compare the seemingly opposed groups ,there is a breeze and optimism which runs through this record and the classic pop of "Pelican West" released that same year as well as an undeniable autumnal melancholy ,a... Read review

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Advantages: Great for jazz buffs or know nothings!
Disadvantages: Bit of a jazz overload if you listen to it all at once.

...Although not a massive jazz fan - or expert - myself, I have found this compilation a fantastic way to 'dip in' to the genre whenever I feel in the mood. I honestly think that to some degree, everyone likes a bit of jazz - whether it's their favourite type of music, or they just listen to it once in a blue moon while they're chilling out at home. I think the reason why everyone has at least one jazz tune they like is because jazz comes in so many shapes and forms - and this is something which is shown brilliantly on Capital Gold Jazz Legends. There are three CDs and each is distinctly different from each other in mood and sound. I'd have to say that disc one is my personal favourite - mainly because they're the golden oldies that remind me of so many happy memories of my grandparents - who loved this sort of music. It's full of songs... Read review

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