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Explore this and other albums from CTI's Records' historic roster of artists and the albums they created. The success of CTI's recordings has echoed across the decades in a profound influence on jazz, pop, R&B and hip-hop. See more from CTI Records |
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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
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| 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 | |||
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See all 10 tracks on this disc
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| Disc: 3 | |||
| 1. Stone Flower | |||
| 2. Ponteio | |||
| 3. First Light | |||
| 4. Salt Song | |||
| 5. Pensativa | |||
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See all 11 tracks on this disc
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| Disc: 4 | |||
| 1. My Funny Valentine (Live) | |||
| 2. All Blues | |||
| 3. Song To A Seagull | |||
| 4. Pavane | |||
| 5. What'll I Do | |||
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See all 9 tracks on this disc
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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.
Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
32 of 32 people found the following review helpful
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!
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!
16 of 16 people found the following review helpful
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.
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.
12 of 12 people found the following review helpful
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.
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.
Most Recent Customer Reviews
Slick, Cool And Funky
There was a debate in the 60's and 70's as to whether electronic instruments (electric piano, electric bass, etc.) were going to be "the death of jazz as we know it". Read more
Published 4 months ago by BMoore
Spectacular Collection
This is one of those incredibly gorgeous sets of modern jazz from the Creed Taylor era. The tracks have been remastered. Read more
Published 5 months ago by Daniel G. Lebryk
Ended Up Buying EVERY ALBUM ON THE COVER
I first saw this Box set in a Borders, and was immediately attracted to it. WHY? Well, first off, its the size and shape of an album, and as "album covers" go, this has a really... Read more
Published 6 months ago by W. T. Hoffman
Love it!
I think some of the reviewers may be a little too harsh on the packaging and sound quality.
I'm enjoying the heck out of this "box" set. Read more
I'm enjoying the heck out of this "box" set. Read more
Published 9 months ago by Los Paranoias
Great Collection!
All my favorites are on this collection of
CD's and there are some I didn't even know
existed. Read more
CD's and there are some I didn't even know
existed. Read more
Published 11 months ago by D. Smith
A nice overview and you can't beat the price....but.....
I guess it depends on whether you're a fan of the CTI label or not. When the music found here is coming straight from the jazz tradition (the Red Clay tracks by Freddie Hubbard,... Read more
Published 13 months ago by Dazedcat
Soundtrack of my youth!
When I was a freshman in college (1974-1975) my friend turned me on to Jazz (before that I was pretty much a head-banging Led Head). Read more
Published 13 months ago by C. Wallet
Great variety, nice jazz primer
Overall, a very nice compilation of tunes and all very well performed. I rate it a solid value for the money, and an excellent primer on major jazz genres for any jazz newbie. Read more
Published 14 months ago by gwaynez
5 star sounds inside/4 star packaging
Creed Taylor is responsible for many a jazz recording in the last 50+ years gaining a popular audience,for many,including this reviewer,their first jazz recording(for me,Stan Getz'... Read more
Published 15 months ago by jimac51
Not Bad...........
I would agree with most of the reviews here. 85 percent of the music I enjoyed immensely. But the sound quality on disc three was poor compared to the other three discs. Read more
Published 15 months ago by Glen Brown
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