Sidney Bechet Vol.4 (House Party/Original Recordings 1943-1952) - Sidney Bechet

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

...This is real jazz, from the real Golden Age of Jazz. It's got the pace, the rhythm, the fluid trumpet playing, the relentlessly enthusiastic, rolling piano playing and the clear diction of some excellent singing of vocalists who could not only hold a tune, but who could capture your heart and soul, too… There's musicians with such great names as Muggsy Spanier, Meade Lux Lewis, King Oliver and Sidney Bechet. You do not get musicians called Muggsy nowadays. I wonder why? As well as straight out jazz such as the Dippermouth blues, there's also the dreamy and melodic April in Paris from Charlie Parker. Some jazz aficionados reckon that Charlie Parker eventually sold out. Well, perhaps he did. But some of his earlier work still stands the test of time. Jack Teagarden is on this CD, with So Many Times, a rather nice, well... Read review

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Advantages: Mysticism
Disadvantages: Moaning

...like myself, these have a sunny and heartfelt sincerity which rings far truer than his misanthropic moaning. 'See Me Through Part II (Just a Closer Walk with Thee)' is based on the traditional hymn, sung gospel-style. Van adds, magically, an invocation of his Belfast origins and musical roots - from Sidney Bechet to Hank Williams. Several more conventional love songs also help redress the balance. 'Carrying a Torch', 'Green Mansions', and 'Quality Street' are tender ballads, wrapping pastoral imagery in organ, piano and lush synthesisers. 'I Can't Stop Loving You' plants a soulful version of the Don Gibson standard firmly in Celtic soil with the Chieftains' violins, pipes and whistles. Don't look for great originality here. Several of the songs are retreads of others in the Morrison songbook, and the musical styles, although diverse... Read review

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Advantages: A compact CD with excellent repertoire
Disadvantages: May not be know to the younger generation

...A Classic old time favourite by Ella Fitzgerald with excellent vocals and the timbre unique to Ella herself; optimum recording exceeds some modern Jazz in tonality and expression. Ella Fitzgerald provides good enjoyable listening and a splendid addition to previous volumes - a veritable Jazz experience, well recommended. As an old classic released in 2005 this Ella Fitzgerald Vol. 4 is not new on the market but still provides enjoyable background music - why not propose on occasions such as family celebrations or some super wedding anniversary? Ella Fitzgerald generates loving memories and moving old-time novelties for the younger generation. As for the collectionists or jazz music afficionados I would say this CD of Classic Jazz Vocals would be a special addition ensuring some long moments of listening to good music with a good... Read review

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