Customer Reviews

Honey in the Horn / That Honey Horn Sound

5 star:		(12)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I have waited none too patiently for the release of the Honey in the Horn sound, the smooth jazz magic of the King, Al Hirt. I have had only my original lps to keep me through this long wait lovingly transferred to cassette tape. Now and then a cd with a greatest hits flavor would give me a taste, but not the full magic of those early sixty's smooth as honey sounds I so longed for. Now my wait is over! If you love soft, romantic jazz that will drift you away from your cares, If you want to feel rich and above all worries then you must have Al Hirt's Honey in the horn sounds. Al does great dixieland too, but I have always loved his smooth, lilting trumpet solos soaring over beautiful orchestras and choirs instead. The two sounds are totally different so pick your albums carefully. For the romantic there is only the one King! If Al was before your time (the sixties or you somehow missed his magic music, then do yourself a favor and get this CD. I'd give it a hundred if they would allow it!

Recently released, this single CD showcases Al's 1963 best-selling album "Honey in the Horn" with his 1965 hit album "That Honey Horn Sound". The combo "two great albums on one compact disc", includes such lyrical pieces as "Fly Me to the Moon" and "You Took Advantage of Me" as well as the trumpet king's signature hits: "Java", "Fancy Pants", "Alley Cat", and "Butterball". The technical mastery is great, missing only the nostalgic pop and crackle of the original RCA LP's. With excellent audio quality, you can't miss savoring that 1960's "Honey in the Horn" sound with this soon-to-be two-album combo classic.

i WAS LUCKY TO GET MY SONG Night Theme recorded by Al in his Honey in the Horn CD and never get tired of hearing all the songs in this album. We will miss him.

"HONEY IN THE HORN" is a great album but I prefer the sound on the RCA Victor labeled CD titled "Honey in the Horn/Our Man in New Orleans" which sounds much more fuller and deeper than this version. Please see my further review there.

Al Hirt's teaming with co-producer Chet Atkins out of Nashville and the Anita Kerr singers as backing vocalists make "Honey in the Horn" arguably his best album. The beautiful Anita Kerr vocals give the album a sweet, sometimes melancholy feel, lush and relaxing--like one of Henry Mancini's best soundtrack records. To me, Al Hirt displayed more of his genuine personality when he sang a little bit himself, and on "That Honey Horn Sound" he gives a little lift to "Fiddler on the Roof" just with his shy vocals alone. He's a showman behind the trumpet, but his voice revealed an extremely sweet, somewhat self-conscious man. Even non-jazz fans will find a lot to treasure here.

I just got back into playing my trumpet after several years and this cd is one of the reasons why. Beautiful music! Al Hirt is a master at what he does. His trumpet is played so smoothly, with feeling and great ability. I thoroughly enjoy the cd and plan to buy as many other of his as I can find.

I always enjoyed listening to my mom's "Honey In the Horn" album as a young boy and especially enjoyed the song, "Java". I'm thrilled that this album has been reissued on CD along with "That Honey In the Horn Sound". Al Hirt really was the king of trumpet players. His classical training comes through in his clear, beautiful tone and in the skill with which he articulates his vast range and flexibility. Combining this marvelous style with soft voices and small ensemble accompaniment makes for a very enjoyable listening experience. I also enjoy the variety of musical selections on this two album set from jazz standards such as, "I Can't Get Started," to show tunes such as, "Fiddler On the Roof," to happy pop tunes such as, "Fancy Pants." Al Hirt is tasteful on them all and you can't go wrong with this CD.

A momentus collection from a momentus musician who will never be equaled in his uniqueness and impeccable skill. A great album.

Truly.... "Honey in the Horn"!
One of Al Hirt's Best Ever!

He does a magnificent job on "I Can't Get Started"
and "Al Di La"!

Absolutely Beautiful!

A Master of the Trumpet!

I recently went to an Al Hirt concert a couple of months before he died. And I have to tell you, It was the most boring hour and twenty minutes I ever had to sit through. But you can't go wrong with his old pop 1960's albums. Hirt classics include Java, Sugar Lips, Cotton Candy, Alley Cat, Fiddler On The Roof, and Fancy Pants, all which are on this album. It is fun to listen to Hirt blow out of the trumpet, his talents and high notes. Fiddler On The Roof, includes a great "trill" phrasing by Hirt. Hirt, with his amazing musical abilities, rather stick to pop standards than a progressive jazz, but I think his music wouldn't be as good if he did that!