Clifford Brown With Strings [Original recording reissued, Original recording remastered]

Clifford Brown | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (May 19, 1998)
• Number of Discs: 1
• Format: Original recording reissued, Original recording remastered
• Label: Polygram Records
• ASIN: B000006P6U
• Also Available in: Audio CD  |  Vinyl  |  MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (22 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #26,172 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

15 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Give It Up For The Band, December 28, 2005

By 

David Ceppos "Proud Grandson" - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Clifford Brown With Strings (Audio CD)

This is indeed an incredible and magical piece of work; in no small measure due to the 'Strings" from the title. Unfortunately and uncharacteristically, Verve Records has seen fit to not give credit where it is also due beyond the talents of Mr. Brown, Mr. Roach, Mr. Hefti, etc.

Despite a new set of liner notes that include interview quotes and rememberances including the following quote from Mr. Hefti "They were the top studio string players in New York...", the Strings remain "unknown". So...to set the record straight about one "unknown String", please know all you jazz fans that the late Mac Ceppos, an accomplished violinist,jazz violin innovator, band leader, arranger and accompianist for the likes of Patty Page and Perry Como, and my Grandfather, played on this recording. It was one of his proudest pieces of work, one that he shared with me as a child and young adult. He knew the magnitude of the record. It is a shame that he and the other proud, passionate musical artists in this and other records of this era are relagated to anonymity.

By the way, if you're wondering which one he is, look at the photos from the back of the original album cover. The bottom left photo of Hefti conducting the Strings...the man in the black suit left of Hefti's head...that's my Grandpa. He was a fine man and a marvelous musician. Enjoy.

14 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars From the first bars of the first song, you'll be hooked., December 14, 1998

By A Customer

This review is from: Clifford Brown With Strings (Audio CD)

Clifford Brown, the legendary jazz musician who died too young, speaks to you with his trumpet just as eloquently as if he were singing the lyric. From the opening tune, "Yesterdays," the strings of Neal Hefti set off a mellow mood, and then in comes the trumpet, and the song belongs to Brownie. His renditions of these sumptuous melodies are as emotional and expressive as the songs themselves, all standards -- the very best. Although Clifford Brown was definitely a hard bop jazz musician, and while his recording career lasted less than four years, in that time, he put out a sizable amount of quality jazz material. Fortunately, he also listened to his young wife, LaRue, who urged him to make a recording of all ballads, and here he proved for posterity that he had a sensibility as astute as the leading balladeers of any day. "Embraceable You,""Willow Weep For Me,""Someone To Watch Over Me" are all classics, made more so with his touch; "Portrait of Jennie" and the haunting, "Laura," are so poignant, it is regrettable that these version were recorded too late to accompany the movies of the 1940's.

12 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The greatest., September 24, 2003

By 

JetTone12 (USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Clifford Brown With Strings (Audio CD)

Clifford was one of the greatest players to ever live, and this album proves it as much as any of his other releases. Whoever called it "whitebread" has no idea what they're talking about! Clifford puts his heart and soul into each one of these beautiful ballads. The strings are phenomenal, unfortunately they go un-named on this release. Clifford's playing, both technically and musically, is at a whole new peak. Many jazz artists like to record with strings, but none of them could do it like Clifford did. The arrangements by Neal Hefti are amazing. Each song has a similar flavor to it, but Clifford brings something new to each song making it so extremely memorable. This album is very romantic. I probably have every song memorized. From the haunting "Yesterdays" to the tender renditions of "Laura" and "What's New?" to poignant pieces like "Portrait Of Jenny", "Smoke Gets In Your Eyes" and "Willow Weep For Me", this is one you'll love, especially if you're a big fan of Clifford's wonderful playing. The best is saved for last, the version of "Stardust" is absolutely the best one you'll ever find. What Clifford did with this tune is exceptional. One of my favorite songs to play and hear, even today. I've had this album for almost five years and can still put it in and listen to it, and enjoy every song. Recommended extremely highly. Must have.