Customer Reviews

Live at Carnegie Hall 1946

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

 

 

This is some of the swingingest big band jazz you'll ever hear--that is, if you can hear it over the crackling. If you still enjoy listening to your worn out LP's then by all means by this disc. If ,like me,you have a hard time enjoying music, even great music, when it's accompanied by the annoying sounds of worn out vinyl then stay away from this one.

This is my first serious exposure to Woody Herman's big band and I am quite satisfied... Actually, I'm thrilled. It is fair to warn the buyers/listeners that the technological basis were acetates, which means some crackling and hissing, but not enough to curb my enthusiasm. Basically, this is top class swing big band with some modern leanings; well arranged (Ralph Burns, Neal Hefti...) and beautifully played, with (I'm singling out my favorites) Woody (on cl.), Flip Phillips (on ts.), Bill Harris (on tb.) and Red Norvo (on vibraharph) proving to be among top artists on their respective instruments.

So, this is a swing outfit, but the music is actually mainstream, my only regret is that the concert is not complete; some of the performances are lost or only partially preserved for the posterity. But, even in this condition, I RECOMMEND THIS WARMLY to jazz fans of different persuasions (except to those who need their music in perfect hi-fi condition).

The package of these 2 CDs is beautiful and very informative (including original liner notes, comments by the participants of the concert, lovely photos...), although this amount of music could ALMOST fit into one CD.

This 1946 concert was, in my opinion, some of the best big band jazz ever played. You can feel the electricity the band was generating. Unfortunately I have worn the grooves off my two records.

This 1946 concert was, in my opinion, some of the best big band jazz ever played. You can feel the electricity the band was generating. Unfortunately I have worn the grooves off my two records.

I don't mean to sound ungrateful, but I've been waiting for this to be released on CD since. . .since CD's were invented. Now I can keep those two ancient albums in their sleeves. Stop holding back stuff like this!