CTI Records - The Cool Revolution [Box set, Original recording remastered]

Various Artists (Artist) | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (October 12, 2010)
• Original Release Date: 2010
• Number of Discs: 4
• Format: Box set, Original recording remastered
• Note on Boxed Sets: During shipping, discs in boxed sets occasionally become dislodged without damage. Please examine and play these discs. If you are not completely satisfied, we'll refund or replace your purchase.
• Label: SONY MASTERWORKS
• ASIN: B003YVNZ2M
• Also Available in: Vinyl
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (22 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #41,373 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Track Listings

Disc: 1

1. Sugar

2. Moment's Notice

3. So What

4. Autumn Leaves

5. Speed Ball

See all 9 tracks on this disc

Disc: 2

1. Red Clay

2. It's Too Late

3. Home Is Where The Hatred Is

4. We've Got A Good Thing Going

5. White Rabbit

See all 10 tracks on this disc

Disc: 3

1. Stone Flower

2. Ponteio

3. First Light

4. Salt Song

5. Pensativa

See all 11 tracks on this disc

Disc: 4

1. My Funny Valentine (Live)

2. All Blues

3. Song To A Seagull

4. Pavane

5. What'll I Do

See all 9 tracks on this disc

Editorial Reviews

Remastered for the first time using the original two-track analog tapes, this brand new 4-CD set celebrates the vintage years of CTI, when a distinctive style and sound were born. Each disc represents an aspect of CTI s artistic personality straight-up jazz, big hits, the Brazilian influence and cool, classic sounds. Over 5 hours of music showcase all the major artists on the CTI roster, both in solo performances and in the unforgettable collaborations that made each CTI album so distinctive.

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

41 of 41 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars CTI 40th Anniversary set October 22, 2010

By William Merrill TOP 500 REVIEWERVINE™ VOICE

Format:Audio CD

In 1967, producer Creed Taylor founded a new jazz label called Creed Taylor Incorporated (CTI). The label started out under A&M but "went solo" in 1970, so 2010 is 40 years since they became an independent label. They signed some big names such as Freddie Hubbard and Stanley Turrentine, and helped launch the careers of emerging talent like George Benson. CTI folded in 1978, but its reputation lives on, and now the 40th Anniversary is being celebrated with a new 4-CD "box" set. I say "box" in quotes because the CDs are actually housed in a gatefold LP-like package.

CTI was known for putting out jazz records that were superbly produced and arranged (production by Taylor, most arrangements by Don Sebesky), with free-flowing music that was improvisatory but more accessible to the pop audience. The four discs on this set are an excellent representation of the spectrum of music that's the legacy of CTI. Each CD is about a different theme. Disc 1, "Straight Up," features a more traditional style of jazz (but still funky!), with artists such as Turrentine, Hubbard, and Ron Carter. Disc 2, called "Deep Grooves/Big Hits," includes CTI's only real radio hit, Deodato's take on "Thus Spake Zarathustra," a.k.a. "Theme from 2001." It also gives us some cuts from the Kudu sub-label, CTI's more R&B-flavored imprint. "The Brazilian Connection" on Disc 3 showcases Taylor's appreciation of Brazilian music (something I share), with artists from Brazil (ex., Airto) and US musicians like Paul Desmond doing the Brazilian thing. The fourth and final CD, "Cool and Classic," lives up to its title, with both Cool Jazz (ex., Chet Baker) and various interpretations of classical themes in a jazz vein.

This 40th Anniv. CTI set is an enjoyable journey into the past, providing roughly five hours of topnotch jazz from the `70s, and a worthwhile portrait of a legendary jazz label. My only real frustration with this purchase is how the sale price has fluctuated so much within a few days of release. Had I merely waited one week to buy this, I could have saved some serious dough!

17 of 17 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Creed Taylor Lives!!!!!!!!! January 3, 2011

By ERROL MURAD

Format:Audio CD|Amazon Verified Purchase

It is a great accomplishment when a colection is "pulled" together, as successfully as this was, from an enormous pool of talent and ground breaking music as far back as 40 years ago and still sound contemporary and innovative. I applaud all those involved.
Creed Taylor had a vision realized. All the artists contributed to every album recorded, many sitting in on sessions just for the experience, all knowing that something unique was being created. As Bob James says, he spent at least "5 days a week at Rudy's (Van Gelder) studio sessions" and he loved all the talented musicians.
The collection is broken down to 4 discs, with titles like "Straight Up" for disc one and "Cool and Classic" for disc 4, and, with very few exceptions, every cut fits.
The Bossa Nova influence is not overlooked either. That is Disc 2 with an alternate take of Antonio Carlos Jobim's "Brazil" which is nice, but, curious, at the very least, to be included where I would have used the original version.
The "Hits' disc is exceptional, but, again, I would have not included the Esther Philips disco cut. It does not fit. She had so many other wonderful tunes that may not have been "hits" but were known and would have enhanced this disc. Otherwise, Deodato's "Also Sprach....(2001 theme)" Bob James "Westchester Lady" Grover's "Mister Magic" are a comfort reminder that even in the forgotton jazz world there was crossover music that appealed to everyone. This was Creed Taylor's mission. To make this type of music accessible to all without imposing the preconceived notion that jazz is strictly for purists.
I also have to mention the album art which was as slick and contemporary as any in any other genre.
When the salesman from CTI came into my music department in 1972, where I worked for the Alexander's retail chain, and, introduced me to the various artists, I was hooked. The look, the sound, the presentation was nothing I had experienced prior.
I hope you will be "hooked" when you purchase this collection.
I cannot wait for the next set. Soon I hope!
PS-I still have many of the original vinyl albums and they still sound great on my 1966 Lafayette amp.

17 of 17 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars It's about time... October 31, 2010

By Car Guy VINE™ VOICE

Format:Audio CD|Amazon Verified Purchase

It has been a very long wait for any kind of decent box set of CTI recordings. While this new set is not entirely comprehensive it will do until a more complete accounting comes along. What it does offer is a fine collection of some of the best tracks the label ever laid down. The producers have combined cool wth classic jazz, big band with brazilian sets, all in glorious remastered sound. And that is perhaps this set's biggest asset: the sound is warm and rich, clean and clear. Columbia Legacy reissued many of the classic CTI LP's onto CD in the late 1990's with 20-bit remastering. The sound here on this set is a huge improvement over even those sonic gems.

The packaging with this new box is also quite clever. Emulating the iconic CTI high-gloss look, this set offers four CDs in a colorful 12"x12" LP gatefold cover. Included is a large format booklet with a fine introductory narrative, although what is really needed is a more complete historical description, such as Ashley Kahn's wonderful "The House That Trane Built" about Impulse Records, Creed Taylor's inspiration for CTI Records.

Buy this set if you love jazz.