Customer Reviews

Happy Time

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

 

 

I have well over 400 jazz albums and would put this one WAY up in the top 20!Yes up with the Miles, Coltranes, Monks and Bill Evans.
At first listen it may seem like just great swinging jazz like some say that Bill Evans is lounge music on a first listen... but a closer listen made me realize how Junior Mance and Co were possessed by the demons of jazz!
Every time I listen I am amazed by the synergy of the trio and the incredible piano sound of Mr. Mance! 5 stars no problem!

Don't listen to the other reviewer's ramblings. Junior Mance is always been one of the finest jazz pianists, this disc swings like crazy! Clearly recorded and with a young Ron Carter on bass and Mickey Roker on drums. He's worked with Gene Ammons, was Dinah Washington's accompanist for years, Dizzy Gillespie (check out Have Trumpet Will Excite!), many others. Great bop pianist but also very blues and soul inspired, incredibly clear ideas throughout. This guy is it!

For Listening: This album has a nice mix of songs for listening during a quiet weekend afternoon where you want something in the background while you're concentrating on homework/paperwork/taxes, etc. Songs vary in tempo and style, ranging from ballads, to a waltz and a very excellent rendition of For Dancers Only.

For Dancing: Sometimes you buy an album because you like one song off of it, and you think that it would be nice if perhaps there are some other gems in it. Other times, you buy an album simply because that ONE song is so great. The latter is the case here: the interpretation of For Dancers Only is simply one of the best. Very "jazzy", very playful, and excellent for dancing San Francisco "Groovy Style" Lindy-Hop. Highly recommended if you're into that style of dancing.