Modern Jazz Quartet And Orchestra, The [Digipak] [Remastered] - Modern Jazz Quartet (The)

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

.... Although equally sophisticated as If You Wee Mine, it is a somewhat different, more melancholy style. The lyrics are slightly corny, it has to be said, though Frankie does well with them. The next song is also by Buck Clayton and his Orchestra and Frankie Laine. It is a version of My Old Flame. I am sorry, but since I heard the spike Jones version of My Old Flame, I really haven't been able to take this song as seriously as it deserves. (Spike Jones mangled the song to include a psychotic killer (sung as a passable impersonation of Peter Lorrie) Although somewhat bizarrely, Frankie Laine remains totally mute during the Buck Clayton version of My Old Flame! The next track is by the Benny Goodman Quartet, featuring Benny Goodman on clarinet, with fantastic swinging backing from the rest of his band, including jazz xylophone. Stompin... Read review

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

...My late Father would have approved of this CD. For this, he would have said, was real Jazz. "Not like this modern rubbish!" My father's idea of real Jazz was music by the greats of the 1920 and 1930s. Jack Teagarden, for example. Mezz Mezzrow, was another of his heroes. And perhaps some of the early Louis Armstrong. Well, two out of three ain't bad. There's no Mezz Mezzrow on this CD, but there is plenty of Jack Teagarden and some early Louis Armstrong, too. There's also Lester Young and Artie Shaw, too. I have to agree with my dad. This rocks. Well, perhaps not rocks, but I think you know what I mean! Jack Teagarden's jazz is the ultimate in smoooooth jazz. Until he really wanted to become lively, then it was as if you were listening to an entirely different orchestra. The first two Jack Teagarden and his Orchestra tracks... Read review

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Advantages: SImply Brilliant music
Disadvantages: Slightly too short

...playing a jazz beat on the drums. Gradually the rest of the quartet enters, bringing in such a great sound. Written in a 5/4 signature this track seems to swing, the beat is so strong. Not the best showcase for Brubeck's individual talent, but none-the -less is exactly what any fan of jazz is expecting to hear on a CD like this. 4)THREE TO GET READY: This is an extremely simple melody, made brilliant by the quality of the playing. Rather than overcomplicate the sound they keep each individual simple. Couple this with a classic 3/4 time signature the piece flows classically. This is another piece that is easy to listen to, no clashing notes or strange saxophone solos to contend with here! 5) KATHY'S WALTZ: A firm favourite with Brubeck fans, and it is easy to understand why. Dedicated to Brubeck's daughter this is again simple jazz... Read review

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