Customer Reviews

At the Mardi Gras

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

 

 

I have had the privelege of owning and loving this record since it was released in the early 60's. I have wondered for a long time why it hadn't been remastered for CD as it is one of the finest jazz records ever recorded."Mardi Gras" is almost 40 years old now and it sounds as fresh as ever! When something is as good as this is,it never seems to get old. The players are wonderful. Pee Wee Spitelera on clarinet, Richard Nelson on trombone and Al himself are remarkable. Their improvisations are very melodic and beautifully played. That seems to me to be a missing element (melody) in many of the jazz imrovisations of today. These guys really say something when they play! As for the recording; figuring that this was almost 40 years ago, it's close to amazing! The clarity and the mix is real good--very pleasant to hear. I am basing this on the LP as I have just found out that the CD is now out. Without a doubt, if you enjoy great players swinging their proverbial butts off,don't hesitate one day---go get this! The additional tracks from these sessions should prove to be worth the price of admission alone but the whole thing is fabulous! My favorite has always been the opener--"Bourbon Street Parade." It is SO good that it has occasionally brought tears to my eyes. OK everybody--go get the jazz treat of 2000! END

Every Al Hirt album from his prime years is full of the great sounds that makes New Orleans jazz so special. This album is no exception. The music jumps at you and makes you feel like you are right there. When will we see the "Live at Carnegie Hall" and "Pops Goes the Trumpet" recorded with the Boston Pops Orchestra) CD's?

For AL'S Fans, this is worth the CD cost just for the four newly released songs at the end that were recorded during the same dates as the original album. The remaster is very good, better sounding than my original LP stereo recording. If you're a Hirt fan, add this one to your collection.

This live performance of Al Hirt and his band has all the great Dixieland numbers one would want on one CD. I have played it over and over for many years now, and never tire of hearing it. Treat yourself if you like New Orleans jazz. RMS, age 78, in the Jacksonville FL area. 28 August 2010

Al Hirt was an extremely gifted trumpeter---a true master of his instrument. He could powerfully lead the assault of a big band orchestra, create a mellow string of soft easy-listening recordings, and even take an occasional stab at the classical repertoire with equal gusto and verve. But if you want to hear the very essence of this man's musical prowess, you must visit the New Orleans Mardi Gras, as captured here by RCA Records.

Big Al was truly in his natural element in this spirited setting, and his accompanying "orchestra" is in full stride with the bearded wonder. The soaring trumpet solos are quite simply astonishing! Hirt and company plow through a set of dixieland standards with the greatest of ease, and the listener is left with a sense of wonder and admiration...and the desire to hear so much more. Well, just set your CD player on "repeat" and let the music play on. What goes around comes around, and this disc will sound better every time that you set it in motion. Al "He's the King" Hirt was, and is, and always will be, in complete control!