Contemporary Records Story [Box set]

Various Artists (Artist) | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (May 25, 2004)
• Number of Discs: 4
• Format: Box set
• 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: Contemporary
• ASIN: B00023GFQI
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #136,436 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Track Listings

Disc: 1

1. Big Girl

2. Viva Zapata! [Live]

3. You and the Night and the Music

4. Lullaby of Birdland

5. Bags' Groove

6. Day by Day

See all 15 tracks on this disc

Disc: 2

1. Serenade in Blue

2. All the Things You Are

3. Star Eyes

4. Paying the Dues Blues

5. I'm an Old Cowhand

6. Jordu

See all 14 tracks on this disc

Disc: 3

1. Stardust

2. Misty

3. Summertime

4. Oleo

5. Exodus

6. A Deed for Dolphy

See all 12 tracks on this disc

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com

From its inception in 1951, Contemporary Records was an important independent jazz label, a West Coast equivalent to New York's Blue Note, Prestige, or Riverside. When its founder Lester Koenig was blacklisted in the film industry for refusing to testify before the House Un-American Activities Committee, he turned full-time to recording jazz. Koenig began chronicling the airy tones, relaxed swing, and often complex, clever arrangements favored by Shelly Manne, Lennie Niehaus, and other key figures of the burgeoning West Coast movement. The label achieved tremendous success with artists like the elegant pianist André Previn, with his sophisticated arrangements of Broadway show tunes, and the Poll Winners trio composed of guitarist Barney Kessel, bassist Ray Brown and drummer Manne. But Contemporary also reflected the dual nature of the Los Angeles jazz scene, which contrasted the largely white "cool school" (often played by Hollywood studio musicians) with the edgy and forceful hard bop practiced by the city's perennially unsung black musicians.

As the label's story unfolds here in recordings from 1952 to 1977, Koenig's vision is consistently impressive, whether he was recording a witty date by visiting East Coast icon Sonny Rollins or early sessions by avant-garde figures Ornette Coleman and Cecil Taylor. There are also superb mainstream dates by swing-era giants like Benny Carter, Red Norvo, and Ben Webster. Then there are the two figures who best connected all the points in the Contemporary world, pianist Hampton Hawes and alto saxophonist Art Pepper--both brilliant players who stretch throughout the label's active history and who reach musical heights that few artists ever achieve. This four-CD set provides a view of California jazz that's more multifaceted and far more richly expressive than is often recognized. --Stuart Broomer

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars CONTEMPORARY-GREAT MEMORIES, April 7, 2010

By 

R. Melbye (atherton, Ca. United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Contemporary Records Story (Audio CD)

This is a collection of "Contemporary" tunes that they produced
when I was in high school and college. Accordingly, my rating is
biased because I saw a number of the players and performances that
are presented here and bought many "Contemporary" records. The
Lighthouse Allstars and their guests and Art Pepper were particular
favorites. I short, a nice collection, to put on the player and
remember how great an era it was.

5.0 out of 5 stars Swft and reliable - thank you, September 26, 2011

By 

jive-jazz - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Contemporary Records Story (Audio CD)

Fast and reliable. Full satisfaction. Till the next time!yes, yes, yes, yes, yes.
Fast and reliable. Full satisfaction. Till the next time!yes, yes, yes, yes, yes.

1 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Contemporary Records Story, November 28, 2008

By 

R. D. Smith (Batesville, MS) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Contemporary Records Story (Audio CD)

If you like West Coast Jazz, you'll love this 4 CD set. Great jazz here!