Customer Reviews

Centennial Composers Collection

5 star:		(13)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

If you have not heard Beegie and her trio play, you are in for a treat. This lady plays great standards with an easy swing and excellent arrangements. I have 99% of Beegie's recordings, and every cut is tastefully performed. If you can't afford the whole collection, then you might want to introduce yourself to her music by purchasing the Sinatra or Nat Cole albums. You can't go wrong with any of Beegie's recordings. Enjoy!

The understated elegance of Beegie Adair's pianism belies the ambition of her "Centennial Composers" project. Artur Schnabel, the great Austrian interpreter of Beethoven, Mozart, Schubert, Schumann and Brahms, once said he specialized in "music that is greater than it can ever be played." Listening to these discs, it's obvious that Ms. Adair feels exactly the same way about the songs of Ellington, Gershwin, Porter, Berlin and Rodgers. Her interpretations of their songs show impeccable taste and enormous harmonic invention; yet her improvisations always underscore the beauty of the original melodies, rather than indulging in the "Hey, Look at Me!" riffing of so many other jazz pianists. These CDs are a perfect example of music you can listen to when you don't know what you want to listen to; they make great background music, but also amply repay close repeat listenings.

I am more than proud to say that I own all the B.A. catalog from Springhill Records. She has surely developed a strong following from these performances.

For this outing Beegie and her crew offered a vey nice set of tunes. Beegie and her boys really measured up to our expectations. They gave a very memorable set of performances that will last for many many happy returns.

The only dark side to these performances was that some of the songs performed were not my favorite songs. I counted eleven songs that I could have lived without. I know it is almost impossible to choose every song that everyone will like.

The only reason for me not giving this cd set a higher rating is becasue of the repertoire. To me the repertoire is a very big piece of the puzzle and should have a sizeable weighing in our rating system.

I think it is more than fair to recommend this set of cds.

If you want an easy-going, smooth, relaxing jazz piano...this is it!!

Altogether, delightful and I highly recommend Beegie Adaor's
Cenntenial Composers Collection!

I love Beegie Adair's style and own many of her albums. I'd like to have known that some of the discs included in the Centennial Collection had been released under other titles, because I already owned about half the collection without realizing it. The liner "notes on the composers", presented as a booklet for the entire collection, were great. It would have been helpful to have had a list of the cuts on each disc before opting to purchase the collection.

Imagine this: You have guests coming for cocktails and dinner and you are wondering what music to put on your stereo. You want something elegant but not square. Something rhythmic but not intrusive. Something classy that swings a little but is up to date and not elevator songs. This wonderful music is your choice.

If you like really great piano trio music you can't do better than this. It is rich and very stylish. Beegie Adair has a light touch and a strong rhythmic sense on piano. Roger Spencer and Chris Brown are perfect partners on bass and drums. When I put the CD's on I feel like I'm in an elegant supper club in San Francisco or New York City. I glance toward the door, expecting Cary Grant and Audrey Hepburn to walk in. Every one of the songs are American standards and the arrangements are fresh and first rate. This set is also a bargain. They have repackaged each one of these CD's and now sell them individually under different titles. Don't be fooled. The cuts are exactly the same and you'll save over $30 by buying this 6 CD set vs. getting them one by one.

Other than Art Tatum, I believe Beegie Adair is the best Jaz pianist of our time.

Most of the songs selected are well-known favorites from these composers. They are beautifully rendered, all in Beegie Adair's unique, smooth style. I find myself listening to them over and over, and humming or whistling them throughout the day. I plan to purchase more of her CD's.

If you want an easy-going, smooth, relaxing jazz piano...this is it!!

Altogether, delightful and I highly recommend Beegie Adaor's
Cenntenial Composers Collection!

For anyone who truly loves good music from Broadway, movies or any venue should listen to Miss Beegie Adair! She is a superb talent and a pianist extrordinaire. Every note is crystal clear and her jazz improvisions are second to none. She always has the melody hiding there.I'm sure the Centennial Composers would be thrilled with her interpretation of their gorgeous Show tunes etc. We have all Beegie's albums including the newest set of 6 CDs featuring the music of the Centennial Composers. Worth the price? Absolutely! Applause also for Beegie's Bassist, Roger Spencer and her drummer. Chris Brown. The three are the best ever. Treat yourself to one of Beegie's albums and you'll be hooked too!