Our Monday Date - Excelsior Vintage Jazz Band

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

.... I know that Lester young was a great musician, and hat his band was made up of first-rate technically brilliant jazz musicians, but somehow, compared to Jack Teagarden and the early Louis Armstrong stuff on this CD, Lester Young just doesn't do it for me. If their music tells me anything, it tells me: "Hey. We are so hip and cool, that we know it!" Then we change pace and step over to Artie Shaw and his Orchestra. Aha! Although these guys are just as sophisticated as Lester Young, somehow they're much more up-tempo and vibrant playing does do it for me. The CD has Artie Shaw's Begin the Beguine, Donkey Serenade (cool name, huh?) and Let's Walk. If there's a difference is it because Artie Shaw and his Orchestra played for their audience, whilst Lester Young and his band played for themselves? The sleeve notes for the CD are not the best... Read review

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Advantages: Fantastic introduction to what Acid Jazz should be
Disadvantages: Sleep deprivation through replay button

...that my return would guarantee a most innapropriate use of the object on an area of my personage that for reasons of tact I will not divulge. As in the case of Vincent Van Gogh's Blue Era my French Connection (a great title for a film I think) came to an end after 4 years. But my love for Jazz didn't…the only problem was it felt a little stale and I craved something a bit more up-to-date. Then I discovered The United Future Organization (UFO). I was at a friends' party when I met Spanner - he was apparently named this because he fiddled with his 'nuts' a lot (sorry!!) - Downing too much Thunderbird and realising we shared an enthusiasm for Acid Jazz, his enthusiasm being much the greater, Spanner bestowed on me a tape of the band being secreted previously in one of his many trouser pockets. Due to his reknowned habit I rushed home... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average very helpful