Customer Reviews

Cream of the Crop

5 star:		(6)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

This is indeed a rare opportunity to hear both Frank Roslino and Carl Fontana playing together in a relaxed, laid back session, surrounded by other great trombonists and a dynamite rhythm section. This recording captures the excitement of a live performance combined with excellent charts and outstanding bone players. Carl and Frank are at their finest in this performance.
Being a trombone player, I own many recordings of trombone groups, this one is several cuts above my second place favorite.
Outstanding in every way.

This album features six incredible trombonists: Carl Fontana, Frank Rosolino, Charlie Loper, Lew McCreary, Phil Teele, and leader, Bobby Knight; plus a monster rhythm section: Lou Levy on piano, Chuck Berghofer on bass, and drummer Frank Capp. On top of that, there are the fantastic compositions and arrangements by Bob Florence, Gordon Brisker, Bill Byers and Bobby Knight.

The album was recorded live in 1978 at Donte's jazz club in North Hollywood and was the only time Fontana and Rosolino, two of the best trombone players of all time, recorded together. It was Rosolino's last recording before his death.

These guys are working hard, having fun, and playing their fannies off! They take you from laughter to tears, give you goose bumps, and absolutely amaze you with their technique and artistry. You can't help but have a smile plastered on your face while you are listening to THE CREAM OF THE CROP!

Q:How many Carl Fontanas can stand on the head of a pin? A: Only one because there was only one and the same goes for Frank Rosolino. I owned the LP and what is really great about the CD is that Stardust (played by Carl) and Lover Man (played by Frank) were added. Put it plainly, giants have walked among us and that is the smallest thing I can say about those two gentlemen. Phil Teele sets the standard in bass trombone agility and I could go on and on about this recording (Thank you Bobby for your vision and rendition of When I Fall In Love). This is one of the finest additions to my collection I could ever have, thanks to the kindness of my sister-in-law Lee who bought it off my wish list (thanks sis for making my wish come true). I simply put this CD in my player, lay on the floor sun tanning style and bask in the glory of trombone greatness (no, really I do that, hoping something rubs off). This recording fits right in with the greatness of anything done by Charlie Parker, Miles Davis or any jazz giant. If you are a trombone player or love jazz improv, you can't go wrong with this one.

An allstar cast of bone players from the good old days of music. You can't beat Carl Fontana and Frankie Rossolino. Absolute magicians on their horns. Every trombone player needs to listen to these guys to realize what the instrument is capabale of. It made me want to go practice... a lot! I'm very glad I purchased it and will recommend it to all other musicians I know!

I had never heard this recording before and was blown away. The group's playing is extremely tight, the solos are incredible and the music styles are quite varied. This is a must for anyone who likes trombone ensembles or excellent playing.

This was the greatest trombone group of the 1970's here in Los Angeles, CA. I saw these guys at night clubs and was blown away by Carl Fontana and by Frank Rosolino.

This album is worth it if only for Frank performing Lover Man, or Rainy Day. Carl does his incredible work on Stardust and so much other great bone playing occurs that you simply have to get this if you are a trombone player or are a fan of the trombone.

This is all live performance audio and you can hear a little mic noise, but it is trivial. The sound is actually quite good.

After hearing the first selection, I thought I would be really impressed. Carl Fontana and Frank Rossolino are great trombonists - no doubt about that. But it seemed to me that this album became a contest between the two of them as to who could play the most notes when soloing. So, who's needs are being met? I have a hunch that Carl and Frank's needs have overridden those of the audience. If this is the yardstick by which we measure trombonists, then I will plead ignorance of the jazz genre. Frankly,after several selections, their solos became monotonous. So what's happened to tasteful simplicity especially in a song like STARDUST.

Phil Teele did an admirable job with the bass trombone. The rhythm section was top-notch. A few of the arrangements (primarily by Bob Florence) were creatively constructed and beautifully played. But for my money, I'll take the sound of Tutti's Trombones.