Customer Reviews

All Time Greatest Hits

5 star:		(9)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

One of my fondest childhood musical memories is listening to the Al Hirt ablum "Man With The Horn", featuring the grammy winning "Java." That particular tune was, and still is fun to listen to, and now my 3 small children dance around the room when I play it for them. It's an immediately accessible tune that speaks volumes about Hirt's approach to music: fun loving, relaxed, and technically outstanding. Al's playing undoubtedly had an impact on me, as I went onto acquire a life long passion for the trumpet as both a player and music collector.

It wasn't until I wresteled with the trumpet myself for a number of years until I truly acquired an appreciation for Hirt's artistry and outstanding musicianship, as beautifully documented on this "Greatest Hits" CD. His range of interpretation and chops as a player are in fine display. I believe his diverse talent is a function of his classical training on trumpet, joined with a love of the music native to his home town of New Orleans. The CD starts out with a thoroughly enjoyable rendition of "Bourban Street Parade played by Hirt's dixie-land combo in a live setting. The CD then moves onto an outstanding performance of the trumpet standard "I Can't Get Started." These two selections alone demonstrate Hirt's unbelievable ability to execute flawlessly in two very different styles. Another highlight is "Stranger in Paradise", which shows off his world class technical abilities and legendary lung power.

I feel Al Hirt is often overlooked when legendary trumpeters are discussed, which is unfortunate. As a musician he was top notch technically in his prime, while also being a master interpreter of song. This is a combination that is often hard to come by and shouldn't be underestimated.

Thanks Al for your role in giving me a life long passion for music!

From many times and many places, this is a great collection.A very good mix of New Orleans jazz,ballads with strings,and great show tunes.Only one small problem,... all cuts were made on wax and the time was limited .I would love to hear extended versions of most of these numbers.

To hear Al Hirt's music again gives me pleasure all over again. Haven't had a decent turntable in years, and I'm now beginning to replace old lp's with cd's. Talk about a throw back - but, that's how it is with us old music loving geezers. This album is tops! Slow ballads or Dixie - Al Hirt is a master!

This is...the best of Al Hirt. His large-bore tone, his technical playing skills, the romance and the sense of humor he applies to his style is totally timeless, brilliant, and intelligent. It was these recordings that attracted me as a kid 30 years ago. Listening to them again digitally-fresh just reinforces my youthful conviction that Mr. Hirt is truly...The Best!

Had been looking for Al Hirt's "Java" artist/song title for a while and finally found it great cd.

This CD has most of the hottest hits from Al Hirt. The performances are his best and the audio quality is awesome. I recommend this to anyone who loves jazz, dixieland or trumpet music.

Al Hirt's virtuosity stands alone in the long line of trumpet greats.This CD proves that... many times over... especially with the YET to be equalled "I can't get started with you" of Bunny Berigan fame.Al's power and technical ability just bowls over even the most advanced listeners/players who can appreciate his talent and expertise.Al's real talent came from showmanship and his likeable style and light to catchy pop and dixieland themes."Fly Me to the Moon" and "Out of Nowhere" exhibit the melding of raw trumpet power and sweet memorable renditions of wonderful melodies of the past, but"Bourbon Street Parade" shows how really great Al and his talented band was in the live arena.This CD provides all the moods and variations of Mr Hirt's unbelievable mastery of the trumpet.He is missed by many and this CD is a tribute to that great talent.

The product I recieved was in good conditon and it came in a reasonable amount of time considering the holidays. I would most defintely order something again.

Al Hirt does have a way of showing himself approval of being the best out there. I still have some of his albums almost 'bout to collect a whole lot of 'em from the '60s and now. Excellent work from the man himself. R.I.P.

I personally own 68 albums by Al, and I wouldn't part with any of them for love, nor money.