Customer Reviews

Echoes from Asbury Park

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This has to be one of the best historic reissues on the market, because not only is it a beautifully packaged and remastered set of recordings by one of the greatest bandmasters of the 20th century, but is presented in such an organic and natural manner that it is a joy to listen to even in one uninterrupted sitting.

David Sager's decision to program the disc as an afternoon concert followed by an evening concert was a stroke of genius. Not only do you get a sense of a day's entertainment in Asbury park circa 1913, but the pieces flow from one to the other as they were supposed to. Pryor was a sure hand at keeping his audience entertained, and his own mix of overtures, symphonic pieces, humourous pieces, solos and rousing showstopers guarantees your entertainment nearly 100 years later.

The sound quality is ideal in every way, given that the recordings come from 1903-1913. All but one come from the Victor company, which made the best sounding discs of that era, and Pryor was an ace at recording his band. Excellent transfers with just the right amount of noise reduction make for surprisingly clear and detailed sound.

The booklet is top-notch, as can be expected from Archeophone. Mr. Sager provides a short biography of Pryor, helpful notes on the indivudual selections, and all the discographical information one could want. Plus there are lots of period photos and reproductions of original documents.

I recommend this disc without reservation to anyone who likes band music of any era, as well as to all historic recording buffs. I can't imagine how it could have been done better.