9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
Classic live set finally on CD, December 28, 2003
This review is from: Hollywood Bowl 1-3 (Audio CD)
Though the "California Concert" LP arguably provides a higher jazz quotient and grit, this particular concert captures the CTI label at the height of its glory. The spectacular lineup represents a who's who of 70's jazz-- Freddie Hubbard, Stanley Turrentine, Hubert Laws, Grover Washington, George Benson, Milt Jackson, Johnny "Hammond" Smith, Deodato, Ron Carter, and more. Even with abbreviated arrangements and studio overdubs, these songs retain their live energy and spontaneity. Highlights include Grover Washington's medley of "Inner City Blues / What's Goin' On" (actually "Mercy, Mercy Me"), George Benson on "California Dreaming", Johnny Hammond on "Rock Steady", and a three-song medley featuring Hubert Laws. Though the momentum slows with a couple of unspectacular vocal numbers, this concert makes a good introduction to the "CTI sound" before it became way too slick and smooth. And leave it to the good folks at King in Japan to finally release the set in a beautiful 2-CD package resembling a mini-gatefold LP sleeve. As usual, they did a fine job with remastering-- generally, the highs sound crisp and the lows have punch. Though pricey, I recommend.
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