Customer Reviews

Boogie Woogie Man

5 star:		(6)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

Okay, I confess that as a Harry James fan, I orignally bought this CD to get the "Woo-Woo" cut with Harry and Mr. Ammons. But upon listening to the rest of the tracks....HOLY SMOKES, this guy can flat out PLAY!! These recordings are classic examples of boogie woogie piano playing. If I may paraphrase another Amazon reviewer: "If your foot doesn't start tapping to this, you need surgery." This is boogie woogie piano played by a master. Technically speaking, the older tracks from the 1930s are well recorded and sound great (as long as you allow for 1930s recording technology). But regardless of the fidelity, you will be captured by the sheer piano playing skill of Albert Ammons as well as (on several tracks) Pete Johnson. And for the piano player who is looking for an example of how to play boogie, I especially recommend the final cut, "Swanee River Boogie." Listen to how Mr. Ammons begins by setting the basic pattern with his left hand, then adds in a bouncy version of the melody with his right hand, then takes off with his right hand and swings it! I've played a little piano in my time and I can tell you, this guy is more than good, he's amazing! I'm glad I got the Harry James cut, but WOW, what a bonus to pick up all of this great boogie woogie!

Albert Ammons is the king of Boogie-Woogie, this CD has a great cross section of his greatest sessions, some with many other jazz legends, best of all you can dance to all of these tunes. Highly Recommended.

This CD is replacing an old and battered cassette tape I recorded years ago from a vinyl record, so I knew in advance what I was buying. I knew it wasn't exactly what you'd call a cheap CD, but it's woth every penny. You'll be amazed with the artistry of Albert Ammons...and you won't be able to stop your feet from moving and stomping. Period. This music is incredibly energizing and uplifting!

Albert Ammons is absolutely the Boogie Woogie Man. There is not a bad song on this CD. I think I may have listened to it over a hundred times now. I was introduced to Albert Ammons on an old 78 played on a windup player. The CD is an excellent alternative....

The wonderful boogie blues style of piano that was so popular in the late 1930s and early 1940s is wonderfully brought back to life in this CD. Albert Ammons was, along with Pete Johnson and Meade Lux Lewis, a leading star of this style. His 1936 recording of "Early Morning Blues" has one of the most sensitive and beautiful blues piano solos recorded at this time. Other important tracks include all three of those artists playing "Cafe Society Blues" and "Woo Woo" featuring great blues trumpeting by Harry James. I just wish they had included the A side of the original 78 RPM recording, "Boo Woo". Special treats also include Ammons and his Rhythm Kings, a swinging small band that included other big jazz stars of the day and the group backing up blues singer from the 1920s Sippie Wallace as she recreates one of her classic blues performances from 1926, "Bedroom Blues". All in all, "The Boogie Woogie Man" is a very satisfying recording.

Wow, Wow, Wow. This CD is incredible. If you love boogie woogie for piano then you are in for a real treat! Albert Ammons is the master of boogie woogie piano.

Ammons and his peers were pure, raw, high energy artists without the control issues of electronic music. They made a mistake and if it sounded good it was considered a gift and if not, a life lesson. Great music to get up and coffee with to prepare for a day you want accomplishment in.

A very repiticious CD with poor sound quality on several of the tracks. I would probably not listen to this CD again and consider it a waste of money.