Customer Reviews

Jazz at the Pawnshop

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

 

 

I've had 2 copies of this CD probably since it came out. I love it and regularly use the vibraphone solo on "I'm Confessin'" as an example for my kids of a great melodic and involving solo. My goal is for them to eventually recognize that most "flaming guitar solo's" in rock music are just piddling around and going nowhere loudly. When my 20 year old son was small, he really loved "High Life" and probably can still hum it for you. It isn't the end-all ultimate recording, but I believe it accurately captures the concert and is an important part of anyone's CD collection.

If you are into audio( as in audiophile)you need to run out and get this.Now!!One of the best recordings out there.For quintesential sound, there is no other!

Audiophiles consider this the best recorded jazz album ever, and based on what I've heard, I agree. I own both the original LP set and the digital CD set. But I rarely listen to either.

The reason is that despite the great, live sound, complete with ultra-real room ambience and convincing background noises, the performances are not very interesting.

Disc one contains "traditional" jazz, played with some competence but corny and dated. Disc two is more modern, but doesn't seem to be the forte of this group. Aside from the rather gimmicky cut of "Take Five," on which everyone tries too hard but does generate some excitement, the playing is cliched and dull. There is little melodic invention, and less lyricism. The sax is harsh and unappealing.

I'm sure this was a very nice bunch of people who enjoyed playing together. But I only wish such wonderful recording had been lavished instead on Miles, Trane, and so many other greats who were over-miked and echo-chambered to death by misguided engineers on commercial labels.

As some reviewers have said, the sound of this set is "just like being there." But who would want to?