CD-Charts Position 161
Average Rating:

The Ultimate Collection

CD-Charts > Music > Cool Jazz
by: George Gershwin

Release Date May 12, 1998
This Gershwin collection is divided into two CDs; the first has many of his more popular pieces from Broadway productions, and the second has a selection of his symphonic works. Some of the songs on the first CD are performed by singers such as Billie Holliday, Ella Fitzgerald, and Bing Crosby, and sound absolutely spectacular. Unfortunately, the compilers opted for some lesser know and less talented names for several of the tracks, rendering about a quarter of the CD mediocre. The one pick that really didn't fit in, however, was Audrey Hepburn's rendition of "How Long Has This Been Going On?" Audrey Hepburn, despite all her wonderful acting talent, simply cannot sing, and listening to the entire song even once is a difficult thing ... Read More:

CD-Charts Position 162
Average Rating:

Color Him Funky/H.R. Is a Dirty Guitar Player

CD-Charts > Music > Cool Jazz
by: Howard Roberts

Release Date July 23, 2002
The quality of this double album CD by Howard Roberts
is happy, uplifting, and throroughly danceable. Roberts was at his peak at the time of these recordings.

CD-Charts Position 163
Average Rating:

Night Lights

CD-Charts > Music > Cool Jazz
by: Gerry Mulligan

Release Date October 25, 1990
The Title song, Night Lights was written by Gerry Mulligan. It is a fine start and finish, shining brightly over the other tunes. Recorded over 40 years ago, this CD is as crisp, inviting and good to listen to, as if the musicians had just stepped out of the recording studio.
"In the wee small hours of the morning" never sounded better and will have you thinking of times spent in quiet places, listening to music played beautifully.

CD-Charts Position 164
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Chet Baker Sings and Plays from the Film "Let's Get Lost"

CD-Charts > Music > Cool Jazz
by: Chet Baker

Release Date May 01, 1992
Chet Baker has seldom sounded as otherworldly than he does here. This vocal collection of classic ballads is a valentine to the west coast scene, of which Mr. Baker was such a major figure. He died accidentally in 1988, at the age of 59, the year these standards were recorded. With just a small-combo setting -- bass, piano, drums, trumpet and vocal -- each tune is a finely-wrought cameo, sounding definitive in every way.

Though by all accounts his personal life was in turmoil, these songs reflect Mr. Baker's continuing strengths as a performer in the studio. Yes, his voice (never very strong) sounds wispy at times, but his timing is as evocative as ever, and the trumpet remains his real voice in any case. The sense of longing he brings to "Imagination" ... Read More:

CD-Charts Position 165
Average Rating:

The Last Great Concert: My Favorite Songs, Vol. 1 & 2

CD-Charts > Music > Cool Jazz
by: Chet Baker

Release Date June 22, 2004
This is the most consistently listenable Chet Baker album that I've heard, and I have several. I knew that Baker was still able to perform in the last years of his life (I've seen the 1988 documentary about him, "Let's Get Lost"), but I was stunned by how good he is in this, his last recorded concert. (He died two weeks after this 1988 live show, which was recorded in Germany.) His skill and maturity as an artist (Chet was never mature as a person) are on display. For example, his fifties version of "I Get Along Without You Very Well" seemed mannered and somewhat precious and is hard for me to listen to, but here it is one of my favorite songs on the album. How did he do that? If you know to listen for it (now that I've told you) you might very occassionally notice that ... Read More:

CD-Charts Position 166
Average Rating:

Chet Baker Live in Tokyo

CD-Charts > Music > Cool Jazz
starring: Chet Baker

Release Date February 12, 2008
Japanese television did the taping, airing it as a special. The complete concert is on the "Chet Baker in Tokyo" 2 CD set.
Of the best of Chet's years early and late (some of the in between was a few notes to buy drugs), this is my very favorite album. There are times he is as soft as a low flute, and other rifs that blaze for half or more of the head or bridge. On "Stella by Starlight" I had to transcribe the solo as it was so amazing to me, and such a different rif.
If you want the music, get the CD, but if you are really into the best of Chet, the DVD is a must too. Enjoy!

CD-Charts Position 167
Average Rating:

Pure Jazz

CD-Charts > Music > Cool Jazz
by: Various Artists

Release Date January 09, 2001
This is a very good collection of the classics. The tunes are timeless... what else can one say about these. I'm glad I made the purchase.

CD-Charts Position 168
Average Rating:

Happy Anniversary, Charlie Brown!

CD-Charts > Music > Cool Jazz
by: Various Artists

Release Date September 25, 1989
I just love the arrangers and the composers who divined this CD. Highly recommended to jazz lovers.

CD-Charts Position 169
Average Rating:

Time Out

CD-Charts > Music > Cool Jazz
by: The Dave Brubeck Quartet

Release Date February 26, 2008
This is a classic recording from the Dave Brubeck group. The alto saxophone Paul Desmond plays beautiful lines with clean improvisations. After you listen to this recording will understand why it is one of the bestseller in the jazz history. This CD must be in all music collection.

CD-Charts Position 170
Average Rating:

Brubeck Time

CD-Charts > Music > Cool Jazz
by: Dave Brubeck

Release Date October 20, 1998
Digital purists who shy away from older analog recordings will fail to find the many huge, hidden, Ali-Baba caves of musical treasure. The sound on this monaural recording is very clear and non-distored, and is pleasurable to hear. I think the lack of stereo is actually a plus, given the stupid-minded antique stereo-balancing of subsequent Brubeck Quartet recordings. I love this music: Some of my favorite Brubeck and Desmond tracks are here!