Hittin' on All Six (A History of Jazz Guitar) [Box set, Import]

Various Artists (Artist) | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (May 28, 2001)
• Original Release Date: August 15, 2000
• Number of Discs: 4
• Format: Box set, Import
• Note on Boxed Sets: During shipping, discs in boxed sets occasionally become dislodged without damage. Please examine and play these discs. If you are not completely satisfied, we'll refund or replace your purchase.
• Label: Proper Box UK
• ASIN: B00004SBFJ
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #142,677 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Track Listings

Disc: 1

1. Steppin' On The Blues - Lonnie Johnson

2. Wild Cat - Eddie Lang

3. For No Reason At All In C - Eddie Lang

4. Doin' Things - Eddie Lang

5. Savoy Blues - Lonnie Johnson

See all 25 tracks on this disc

Disc: 2

1. Hittin' The Bottle - Eddie Durham

2. I Want A Little Girl - Eddie Durham

3. Alabamy Home - Bernard Addison

4. Blues In Disguise - Bernard Addison

5. Topsy - Freddie Green

See all 22 tracks on this disc

Disc: 3

1. Reflections - Bus Etri

2. Gee Baby, Ain't I Good To You - Oscar Moore

3. Body And Soul - Oscar Moore

4. Lament In Chords - Oscar Moore

5. Altitude - Irving Ashby

See all 23 tracks on this disc

Disc: 4

1. I Saw Stars - Dave Barbour

2. China Boy - Dave Barbour

3. Blue Lou - George Barnes

4. Lover Come Back To Me - George Barnes

5. The Grabtown Grapple - Barney Kessel

See all 24 tracks on this disc

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com

Hittin' on All Six is an extraordinary introduction to the early decades of jazz guitar--to its most distinguished players and its evolution as an instrument. Beginning with Lonnie Johnson and his transformation of blues guitar in 1927, it traces the guitar's progress to the heyday of bop, concluding with late-1940s performances by Billy Bauer and Jimmy Raney. Along the way, there are six-track portraits of the period's two greatest soloists. Django Reinhardt's sparkling acoustic is heard merging jazz and gypsy idioms, while Charlie Christian, father of modern electric lead playing, is heard with Benny Goodman, on his sole acoustic session with Edmond Hall, and in a live recording from Minton's Playhouse announcing the dawn of bop.

Along with using the most celebrated soloists, Hittin' on All Six includes the finest rhythm guitarists, like Freddie Green (an essential component of the Count Basie rhythm section), and technical innovators like Eddie Durham, responsible for first applying the amplified guitar to jazz. There's also a remarkable gallery of musicians who are little-known today, from once prominent guitarists, like Tiny Grimes and Mary Osborne, to the genuinely obscure, like Efferge Ware and Bus Etri. Highlights among the more obscure tracks include Teddy Bunn's 1941 solo feature "Blues Without Words" and John Collins's 1947 recording of "John's Delight" with Tadd Dameron.

The emphasis is on guitarists here, but the set may also introduce fans of the instrument to some of jazz's greatest figures. Lonnie Johnson appears with both Louis Armstrong and Duke Ellington, Eddie Lang is heard with Bix Beiderbecke, Teddy Bunn with Sidney Bechet, and Barney Kessel with Charlie Parker. While the set comes at a budget price, there's nothing budget about the content. The sound restoration on the early tracks is excellent, and the accompanying booklet is detailed and informative. This is an essential compilation for anyone interested in jazz guitar, a substantial introduction for neophytes with some hard-to-find delights to engage experienced listeners. --Stuart Broomer

Product Description

The ninth release in the ever more successful Proper Box series. This four CD set tells the story of the jazz guitar from New Orleans through to the bebop era and features 48 of the greatest jazz guitarists ever to pluck a string including Django Reinhardt, Charlie Christian, Lonnie Johnson, Freddie Green, Barney Kessel and many more. 94 tracks, over four hours of music, 52 page fully illustrated booklet. 2000 release. 4 standard jewel cases housed in a heavy duty box which measures 5 x 6 x 2 inches approx..

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars It is a bargain, but remastering could be better, December 1, 2001

By 

jumpy1 (New York, NY) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Hittin' on All Six (A History of Jazz Guitar) (Audio CD)

To take on putting the greats of jazz guitar onto only 4 CDs is a daunting, if not ridiculous task. How can anyone choose what to put in and what not to? Thankfully, that didn't stop Proper Box from putting this little gem together. It is a small, very selective but comprehensive collection, bringing you from the start (Lonnie Johnson & Eddie Lang) in 1927 up through the 1940's. I have to say, though, that I am a little disappointed in the remastering because I have several of the earlier stuff on other CDs with a much better sound and speed. Not sure why they decided to go with this level of quality, espcially since their other collections don't have this problem. On the other hand, it is definitely acceptable. The music is still great and the musicians ... from Eddie Lang to Django Reinhardt, Charlie Christian, Freddie Green, Barney Kessel etc. are incomparable. At this price, you really can't do better! And, if you play, it's an invaluable reference.

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars an amazing collection, December 28, 2000

By 

Benj Thomas - See all my reviews

This review is from: Hittin' on All Six (A History of Jazz Guitar) (Audio CD)

There is an astonishing breadth and depth to this collection. All the styles of jazz guitar, US and European, with complete liner notes and personnel. A wonderful job of production. For the person who wants to listen to good music, this is an excellent purchase. For the person who wants to learn about jazz history and the role of the guitar, it's a must. If you have never heard Al Casey with Fats Waller on Buck Jumpin', do yourself a favor. It alone is worth the bargain price on this CD set.

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent compilation about evolution of jazz guitar, December 2, 2010

By 

Cristina - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Hittin' on All Six (A History of Jazz Guitar) (Audio CD)

Suitable for all, both experts and beginners.
Notes in the booklet are very complete and accurate with information about dates and members of the recording groups, discography and references to expand research on guitarists that are most interesting.
Even the expert will find a few rarities among the less famous names.