Customer Reviews

Cootie Williams in Hi Fi

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

 

 

This is my only solo Cootie Williams music, so I don't know how this compares to other solo recordings. I will say, though, that this is wonderful, rythmic swing, just like the music he made with his boss for so many years, Duke Ellington. Don't hesitate to buy this disk.

Most of the music is Cootie using his trademark plunger mute; you'll swear he's actually talking with it. Great large band support from the usual late fifties Ellingtonians, except Duke; he sits out on this set.

This is one of a series of cd reissues of the RCA Victor jazz catalog. Although a fairly minor catalog, I'd say these recordings (Paul Gonsalves, Joe Williams, Johnny Hodges, Al Cohn, etc.) by RCA are some of the finest swinging jazz from the fifties and sixties you'll find, as well as being some of the best sounding. Remastered with 24 bit technology, the sonics and sense of space is near perfect. Why can't new recordings sound this golden?

This is my only solo Cootie Williams music, so I don't know how this compares to other solo recordings. I will say, though, that this is wonderful, rythmic swing, just like the music he made with his boss for so many years, Duke Ellington. Don't hesitate to buy this disk.

Most of the music is Cootie using his trademark plunger mute; you'll swear he's actually talking with it. Great large band support from the usual late fifties Ellingtonians, except Duke; he sits out on this set.

This is one of a series of cd reissues of the RCA Victor jazz catalog. Although a fairly minor catalog, I'd say these recordings (Paul Gonsalves, Joe Williams, Johnny Hodges, Al Cohn, etc.) by RCA are some of the finest swinging jazz from the fifties and sixties you'll find, as well as being some of the best sounding I've heard. Remastered with 24 bit technology, the sonics and sense of space is near perfect. Why can't new recordings sound this golden?

Personally, I would not call this jazz. Its occupies more the territory between swing and pop music, with jazz sensibilites perhaps by the musicians. The band is skilled and well drilled, and it all comes off sounding very right. Bill Stegmeyer's arrangements are tight and bright, and add a lot to the old war horses played. The completely new take on Cootie's classic "Caravan" is particularly noteworthy.

Williams is monster enough a trumpet player that the band's trumpet section consists of him alone, with 4 trombones and 5 saxes. No big name musicians, but obviously thoroghly competent ones. I find it unusual that they manage to sound so lively, given the lack of solo space and the scripted arrangements. The effect is that of a well oiled machine. Not competitive with Cootie's more adventuresome trumpet as a Duke Ellington player, nor was it intended to be. Don't need your big ears to reach for it, Cootie delivers here.

If you like this, try to get a hold of Big Challenge while there are still used copies at a reasonable price.