Customer Reviews

Good Medicine

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

 

 

As usual, Doc sounds beautiful on this album, and also manages to cover a wide range of music, ranging from rock/poppish material to big band jazz to classical. This shows what a versatile player Doc is. These recordings are mostly from the 1970's so there is a bit of funk, but also a lot of orchestral playing and that influence is quite apparent throughout the album. He really tears through "Brass Roots" with some very accurate pinpoint playing. The tune is funky, and has some really nice trumpet work. "Good Medicine" is a GREAT latin tune, and Doc tears through it on his solo, there is also great organ work and percussion throughout. However, the highlight of this album is without question in my opinion J.S. Bach's "Come Sweet Death", with an amazing solo from Doc. There is also a fugue near the end followed by an astounding cadenza by Doc. I was speechless by the end.

However, sadly to say, after those first three songs, this album starts to lose steam, aside from a tasty "Godfather Theme". The "Rhapsody For Now" is very well-played but is not exactly my cup of tea. Neither is "Liberia". However, this is still a very good record from one of the world's greatest trumpet players. Recommended for all fans of trumpet, but you should check out some of Doc's other recordings first.

A combination of three recordings released in the early 70's, this set shows why Severinsen is considered to be at the pinnacle of his profession.

The first four tunes are from the original Brass Roots album. Brass Roots is real 'in your face' playing which demonstrates this trumpeter's outstanding tone, range and technique. Other tunes are less amazing but always played with the highest degree of sensitivity and musicality.

I'm pretty satisfied with the music included on the CD. I got it for the first track ("Brass Roots"), which I couldn't find on any other album. "Brass Roots" is no less than an all out intensely fun number. The final track, "Rhapsody for Now," a melange of popular melodies, was new to me, and I expect it should have broad appeal.

All in all, it's a worthwhile listen, albeit short at less than 30 minutes in length. Unless you have dollar bills for comfort between your mattress and sheets, avoid the ~$75 new (out of print) CD. Used copies can be had much more cheaply, and have the exact same music! The copy I got was in excellent condition, and looked new.

Severinsen fans: Get it.

This CD could be Doc's best work ever. The combination of his incredible skills and the amount of music packed in this CD attest to Good Medicine's greatness! Good Medicine has every kind of music there is- from fast to slow, jazz to classical. If you are looking for a Doc Sevreinsen CD, this one is a must-buy!