Customer Reviews

The Legendary Trumpet Virtuosity of Rafael Méndez Volume I

5 star:		(6)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

As a youth I had the wonderful opportunity to play in an orchestra which provided the accompaniment for several of Mr. Mendez's concets. I have never been in such awe of anyone before or since. There are no words to describe the command he has over the trumptet. There never has been anyone who even approaches his expertise and his virtuosity is timeless. The selections on this CD are many of the best he ever recorded and display his incredible ability in every style...every range. If you are not familiar with Mr. Mendez, this CD will make a believer out of you. You will be amazed at what a trumpet is capable of producing. I can't say enough about this incredible man's incredible talent. I don't know of any musician, trumpet or otherwise, who has the complete mastery of his instrument that Mr. Mendez does. NOTE: This recording was remastered and unfortunately, not very well. It is tinny and very "mono" sounding. Thus the 4 stars.

The name Rafael Mendez is synonymous with trumpet virtuosity, and this CD provides ample evidence as to why. The clarity and technique of the performances are astounding and constitute a must-hear CD.

The one down side is that these were originally 78 rpm recordings from the 40's and 50's, and, as such, the sound quality leaves something to be desired. But don't be put off by that. The greatness of the performances still comes through.

I both love and detest this album. The title is correct. Mendez's virtuosity is legendary and the playing is great. The problem is with the quality of the recording. I don't know if that is an artifact of the originals or if it is an artifact of sloppy production for this release. In any event, it is disappointing.

The selections somewhat varied in style but ultimately all scream "Latin Trumpet". This is as true of LA VIRGIN DE LA MACARENA as it is of the selections from the opera, CARMEN. In all of them, the skill is superb. I just wish the recordings were as well.

I give it 5 stars for the art and 2 stars for the sound. I compromise with 4 because, deep down, I love it.

This recording is fantastic in every way. Mendez is truly one of the greatest to ever pick up a trumpet. From the outstanding renditions of latin classics "Tico Tico", "La Virgen De Macarena" and "Mexican Hat Dance" (which are all un-paralleled) to the flawless "Flight Of The Bumblebee" to the heartstring-pulling gem written by Leroy Anderson, "Trumpeter's Lullaby", this album is simply mint. As good as it gets. Mendez also plays amazing versions of "Danse Boheme" from Carmen, his own classic composition "Samba Gitana" and the grand finale, "Zigeunerweisen". However, the most touching moment comes on the live performance of "La Rosita", where Mendez plays wonderfully and then reveals his citizenship. He even plays some great big band with a latinized "I Know That You Know". That sound, the articulation is so crisp and perfect. Mendez is truly a legend. Any trumpet fan needs this.

I am a musician myself, and after hearing the musicality and amazing technique of this artist, I wanted to switch to trumpet! The pieces that he chose for the album are fun and show a variety of emotions. The Virgin of the Macreana is my favorite..it's full of energy! Of course everyone loves the Flight of the Bumble Bee... always a good old standby... along with Mexican Hat Dance, Tico Tico and Dark Eyes. This is a great album for anyone who loves to listen to trumpet, who loves to play trumpet, or for anyone who wants to hear one of the best musicians of all times!

Not to many people will argue that Rafael Mendez was the
greatest Trumpet player ever..yes better than M.Davis, Hirt,
Gillespie, Severson. This is a must own if you really want
to hear the greatest.

I had this album, or one very close to it, on vinyl and finally bought the record on CD. From a musical start as Panch Villa's cornetist, Rafel Mendez assended to a renown career as a soloist and recording artist and is known as the "World's Greatest Trumpeteer". This record has many all-time greats by Rafael Mendez including La Virgen, A Trumpeters Lullaby, Czardas, Mexican Hat Dance and the Flight of the Bumble Bee, to name only a few. Many of the tracks feature Mendez double tonguing for minutes while using circular breathing.

While the music itself is exceptional, the remastering of the music by Summit Records is awful. The volume of the CD varies from track to track and even if Mendez sounds good, the background instruments do not. In addition all of the tracks sound tinny or hollow making me wonder if the album was tracked to mono and then converted to stereo for the CD or something stupid like that. Because of this, all the richness of the original is gone and so much so that you cannot completely enjoy the greatness of the music. Extremely disappointing.

The entire CD showed why he was considered one of the finest trumpeters. Will appreciate other Rafel Mendes recordings.

I have been listening to Mendez recordings for over forty years,and I am still enthralled by his virtuosity. This is an excelent CD when you consider that when it was recorded there was no dubbing available. What came out of the trumpet was what appeared on the recording.

As a boy, I played the trumpet and was introduced to Mendez' music by my instructor. I purchased an LP and played it almost to the point of destruction. After buying this CD I listened intently for the technique that had dazzled me so many years ago. It's still comes through, although the audio quality of some recordings sound as if they were lifted from my old album, scratches and all.