Customer Reviews

Big Six at the Montreux Jazz Festival 1975

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

 

 

I have been a classical jazz buff since 1950, when the first 331/3 (Benny Goodman's '38 jazz concert) was released. This album is Peterson at his very best, each cut is better than the next. The only albums which may rival this is the Peterson 5 album set -the Blue Note reunion series on Telarc. In my humble opinion, it may be the greatest jazz ever recorded. It prompted me to buy the whole Montrieux series ('75-'77). I can't understand why it did not get greater play over the years in the media.

This is a July 1975 Montreux session, to all intensive purposes its a jam session. Theres only the 4 tracks, and they are all over 10 mins long.

The afterburners are certainly on, and the band is flying from the first number. The band is:

Oscar Peterson - Piano

Milt Jackson - Vibes

Joe Pass - Guitar

Toots Thielmans - Harmonica

Niels Pederson - Bass

Louis Bellson - drums

The unusual element to this is the Harmonica, but as soon as you hear the opening solo on the album you realise that Thielmans is a virtuoso player. He's not playing a diatonic harp but the chromatic, and it sounds great. Goes without saying that the rest of the band swing like crazy and you wont be disappointed by this.

The reason it doesn't get 5 stars is that the sound is a bit dodgy in places (not unlistenable though), but don't let that put you off its well worth getting.

This is the kind of impromptu performance I'm constantly looking for. Playfully intricate 'till the last bit. Enough said: Let the music talk!

Oscar Peterson was one of the finest jazzmen in the history of jazz. When he was "on", NO ONE could cut him. He is definitely "on" here. Surrounded by musicians nearly equally competent, this CD is a prize. Milt Jackson is driving, Joe Pass is brilliant, Toots Thielemans is wonderful and the rhythm section pushes things along beautifully. This is not only great jazz, this is GREAT JAZZ.

When you play jazz, there's only one true thing: if you - as a musician - enjoy the moment of the creation with your fellow friends, it will get right into the heart of the listeners. This is evident here and there's not a single misplaced beat or a bad note. Pure soul from them to you within four beautiful themes. Listen in particular to how Toots Thielemans gives his harmonica full dignity among giants like Joe Pass, Milt Jackson and Oscar self!! Don't miss it: your heart deserves some real good care each now and then!!!

I cannot realize how could you continue living if you have not listened to!Great composition,superb performance....Do not wait and listen to these exceptional artists!!!

Toots Thielemans should not be allowed to perform if he persists on playing harmonica. Harmonica is one of the worst instruments ever created. Not only is it annoying, but it ruins the music.

The band is great. I love Oscar Peterson, but you couldn't hear him or the rest of the band over Toots' annoying harmonica playing. I didn't know Toots was going to be playing the whole concert. One of the worst albums I ever heard thanks to Toots.