Beginning & The End

Clifford Brown | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (August 23, 1994)
• Original Release Date: 1994
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Sony
• ASIN: B000002ATP
• Also Available in: Audio CD  |  Vinyl  |  MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (12 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #242,673 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Losing Clifford was such a tragedy; a trumpet genius., September 6, 2002

By 

Mister Hip-Hop (The Land Where Hip-Hop And Jazz Live.) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Beginning & The End (Audio CD)

Clifford was not only a great voice on the instrument but he was a very special person as well. He didn't mess around with drugs like most jazz musicians of the 1950's and he did so much in the five-six years he spent making records before the tragic car accident on the Pennsylvania Turnpike in summer of 1956. To make matters worse, Clifford wasn't even driving the car. He was a beautiful person, and all of this comes out in his playing. The heart, virtuosic trumpet lines, smooth vibrato, it's all here. This recording features the first and last recorded performances of Clifford Brown. "Ida Red" and "I Come From Jamaica" are just typical big-band reggae-flavored tunes but Clifford's breathtaking solos on these tracks brighten them, almost as if they are bringing out a little bit of sunshine into an otherwise forgettable session. The last recorded performance of Clifford includes him playing with a small group including Ziggy Vines on tenor saxophone, Sam Dockery on piano and a couple other local cats. Clifford blazes on "A Night In Tunisia", probably one of if not the best recording of the tune ever made. His solo is amazing and full of beautiful lines. Listen to this track and you will already know why Clifford was considered one of the best even at such a young age. On "Walkin'" it's classic Clifford again just jammin' with the group and he exhibits some cool licks here too. "Donna Lee" is played at a speedy pace and Clifford comes clearly throughout, sounding as strong and soulful as ever on this Charlie Parker tune. Listen to his last words at the end, which are sadly prophetic. "You've made me feel so wonderful, but I really must go now". This is a great example of Clifford's impeccable technique and great improvisation abilities. A must for any jazz fan.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Absolutely incredible playing from a jazz master, September 4, 2004

By 

madamemusico "madamemusico" (Cincinnati, Ohio USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Beginning & The End (Audio CD)

The first Clifford Brown record I ever heard was his 1953 Blue Note version of "Cherokee," and it totally overwhelmed me. This, however, was the first complete Brown album I bought, and though the two early tracks are interesting it is the 1956 session that pulls us in. Especially in "Night in Tunisia," the by-then standard Dizzy Gillespie tune, Brownie's improvisations are so breathtaking, so well-sculpted and musically secure, that one is left breathless by his powers of invention. Unfortunately, saxist Ziggy Vine is just an OK improvisor, certainly not on the level of a Sonny Rollins, and so once Brownie is done playing there's a bit of a letdown when Vine comes in. Nevertheless, this is highly recommended to any serious student of jazz as how to improvise in a way that is both logically structured and exciting. Wynton Marsalis, take note!

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Clifford is king, January 12, 2001

By 

A reader - See all my reviews

This review is from: Beginning & The End (Audio CD)

Clifford Brown was arguably the greatest jazz trumpet improvisationalist. This album is arguably the best representation of that fact, in particular Night in Tunisia and Donna Lee. His power and inventiveness are pure and exquisite.