CD-Charts Position 1
Average Rating:

When I Fall in Love

CD-Charts > Music > Orchestral Jazz
by: Chris Botti

Release Date September 28, 2004
I had always heard Chris Botti on the Smooth Jazz station here in Fort Worth, but it wasn't until I watched his special "Chris Botti and Friends" on PBS that I was totally hooked. I went to Amazon to purchase the DVD and started listening to samples of his other albums. "When I Fall in Love" was and still is the best one yet. I went ahead and ordered it. And to make the entire experience even better, it took less than 3 days for my order to arrive in better than "like new" condition. The CD is great. The ordering process is great. The entire experience was fabulous. This was not my first time using Amazon.com and after this, it surely will not be my last. Amazon makes it easy to navigate from item to item and their "Listen to Sample" ... Read More:

CD-Charts Position 2
Average Rating:

Sketches of Spain

CD-Charts > Music > Orchestral Jazz
by: Miles Davis, Gil Evans

Release Date September 23, 1997
It's a good album, kind of boring because here Miles doesn't shows what he is.

CD-Charts Position 3
Average Rating:

Secret Story 2CD Special Edition

CD-Charts > Music > Orchestral Jazz
by: Pat Metheny

Release Date September 25, 2007
Secrets Story is probably my favorite Pat Metheny album. From the children's choir of "Above the Treetops" to the sea shanty-like accordion sounds of "Antonia", this is an album that's perfect for almost any occasion. It definitely tells a story throughout. When I heard it was being reissued with bonus songs from the session, I was delighted and anxious to get my own copy.

After hearing the 5 extra songs, I have to say, I'm disappointed. They're are "ok" but not spectacular and barely worthy of being on this classic cd. As I listened, I was hoping at least the final song would make the purchase worth my while but that wasn't stunning either. If you're interested in "Secret Story", stick to the less ... Read More:

CD-Charts Position 4
Average Rating:

A Tale of God's Will (A Requiem for Katrina)

CD-Charts > Music > Orchestral Jazz
by: Terence Blanchard

Release Date August 14, 2007
What an experience!!! I finally got this CD yesterday. I'm speechless. I couldn't stop listening to it. The "Funeral Dirge" (Track 12) brought tears to my eyes. I'll buy at least a dozen copies for friends.

CD-Charts Position 5
Average Rating:

Ellington At Newport 1956

CD-Charts > Music > Orchestral Jazz
by: Duke Ellington

Release Date May 11, 1999
Frankly, I tend to agree with the reviewers who think there's simply too much ambiance noises and announcements collected here; perhaps the earlier studio dominated version was not such a bad idea?
But, than again, for as Ellington fan(atic)s it is absolutely essential to know all the fascinating details from the booklet and to hear how it all sounded at the spot...

This is not only highly pleasant but also historical album, although (I tend to agree with that as well) the band actually had better nights; Gonsalves' showcase is the only musically remarkable spot. But (another but), an B+ performance from Ellington's band is worth an "A" grade in any other band's book, so this is the right album to buy if you're already initiated into the ... Read More:

CD-Charts Position 6
Average Rating:

Charlie Parker with Strings: The Master Takes

CD-Charts > Music > Orchestral Jazz
by: Charlie Parker with Strings

Release Date January 24, 1995
Strings are sometimes too sweet for Jazz lovers.But Parker's play is always stays cool. That made this album something else!

CD-Charts Position 7
Average Rating:

The Great Summit: The Master Takes

CD-Charts > Music > Orchestral Jazz
by: Louis Armstrong & Duke Ellington

Release Date January 09, 2001
... It must be close. I have hundreds of CDs of all kinds of music (Jazz, blues, rock and roll, pop and classical) and if I had to choose one, this would be it. Louis is in top form and the Duke's compositions and arrangements make a perfect product out of this. Sound quality is excellent, too. Don't think it twice and buy it.

CD-Charts Position 8
Average Rating:

Porgy and Bess

CD-Charts > Music > Orchestral Jazz
by: Miles Davis, Gil Evans

Release Date March 25, 1997
Miles Davis-Porgy And Bess *****

Right upfront I have to say I am not a big fan of big bands. I'd rather have a small tight ensemble any day, there for I was a little bit skeptical when I first bought Porgy And Bess. but what sold me was that it was a Miles collaboration with Gil Evans, the same person he teamed up with on Sketches Of Spain, which to me is one of the most amazing albums ever made, maybe even better than Kind Of Blue, probably not though. So I bought this album in somewhat good faith, got it home and realized the longest track was only six minutes long. Miles is an artist that needs time to express himself fully, and emotionally, he can't be expected to cram that into a mere six minutes, or so I thought. Porgy And Bess destroyed everything ... Read More:

CD-Charts Position 9
Average Rating:

The Very Best of Duke Ellington

CD-Charts > Music > Orchestral Jazz
by: Duke Ellington

Release Date November 07, 2000
An excellent variety of Duke Ellington's music which includes both vocals and instrumentals. While the quality of each recording is not perfect, the imprefections add to the ambience associated with listening to the originals on the radio.

CD-Charts Position 10
Average Rating:

Miles Ahead

CD-Charts > Music > Orchestral Jazz
by: Miles Davis

Release Date September 23, 1997
Either as its own or as part of the elegant boxed set collecting all of the orchestral collaborations between Miles Davis and Gil Evans, "Miles Ahead" finds the ripe Davis crossing into previously unchartered lands for him - playing in front of a large-scale orchestra conducted by Gil Evans. Unlike the other orchestral collaborations, "Miles Ahead" has no specific theme or flavor to it, but it was the first of such albums, and its music stood tall because of its newness and daring approach, hence its name.

In "Miles Ahead," Evans' orchestra serves as a bed of gentle flowers for Davis to walk upon while playing his delicate and meaningful musical statements. The orchestra includes five trumpets, three trombones (and a bass trombone), three French horn players, ... Read More: