Customer Reviews

Memorial Album

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

 

 

ANYBODY THAT HAS GIVEN ANY CLIFFORD BROWN CD ANY LESS THAN FIVE STARS IS COMPLETELY OUT OF HIS MIND. FRIENDS, GET YOUR HANDS ON EVERYTHING THIS MAN HAS EVER RECORDED. THERE ARE NO BAD CLIFFORD BROWN CD'S. THESE ARE SOME OF BROWNIE'S EARLIEST RECORDINGS. THIS IS BEFORE ANY OF HIS BRILLIANT COLLABORATIVE WORK WITH MAX ROACH. I MAY NOT KNOW ALL OF THE RECORDING DATES LIKE SOME OF THE OTHER REVIEWERS, BUT MY EARS DON'T LIE. I HAVE HAD THIS RECORDING FOR WELL OVER TWENTY YEARS, BELIEVE ME IT IS WORTH PURCHASING.

This is a fantastic album. That said, the buzz on tracks 1 thru 9 is noticeable. If you're like me and listen to quite a bit of early jazz from the 20s, 30s, and 40s (i.e., music often recorded in less than ideal circumstances and with relatively primitive technologies), the buzz likely won't affect your enjoyment. If this is your first CB purchase, however, I second the recommendation to check out his later work with Max Roach. Why not try their 'Basin Street' album instead.

These 18 tracks comprise 2 different recording sessions early in Brownie's all too brief career. Tracks #1 thru #9 were recorded June 9th 1953 at WOR studios in NYC, with CB on trumpet, Lou Donaldson on alto sax, Elmo Hope on piano, Percy Heath on bass, and Philly Joe Jones on drums. Tracks #10 thru #18 were recorded August 28th 1953 at Audio Video Studios in NYC, with Gigi Gryce on alto, Charlie Rouse on tenor, John Lewis on piano, Percy Heath on bass, and Art Blakey on drums.

This is both a nice and underwhelming remaster due to a few facts. Nice because it represents each session in its entirety, unlike the original 12" LP release (which was different than the 2 sessions' original release on 2 10"LPs.) Underwhelming because even with the remaster there is still an audible low-level buzz on some of the June 9th tracks, which is inherent to the source tape, as well as drop-outs on track 17.

Seasoned CB fans should appreciate this release, but the casual or uninitiated would almost certainly be better off with Brownie's work with Max Roach during the final two years of his career. There is a fire in that material that really outshines the more conservative and rote impressions given here.

I'll admit, I first heard Clifford Brown's name at a Rick Braun concert a few years back. Based on that mention, I purchased several different CB projects. Although I have listened to another one, this is my first review of his recordings. I also have read the other reviews. Briefly, this CD has more "laid back" tracks than other CB work. Although every track is not that way, it appears to me to be restrained. Other reviewers have the historical notes. My research indicates they are correct. Essentially, later CB projects became edgier and "hard bop." Like most music, your mood dictates what you want to listen too. This project is for that soft or smooth side. Enjoy!!!

Does anybody know the personnel on this album besides Clifford? I have the MP3 version and it doesn't tell who is playing on it. One or tracks appear to have multiple trumpeters soloing. Is Harold Land on sax as well? Thanks for any info!