Customer Reviews

Octet & In Person

5 star:		(10)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

This album is wonderful for two reasons. The first is that we have an trombone octet playing some really inventive arrangements of standards. It is the start of what Kai Winding would later develop in his groups of the late 50s and early 60s. The playing is gorgeous again, but the extra trombones really fill out the sound. The second great thing is the J.J. Johnson live recording on the second half of the CD. Here, JJ is in his prime with one of his best backing groups. Just listen to how effortlessly he plays the instrument.

I LOVE THIS CD!!
Part 1 is verry good(The songs are short but the time they do play is awsome)
Part 2 is my favorite (J.J. In Person) I like that it is live and the solos are GREAT!! I Love how the cornet and trombone play together in Walkin'. Misterioso is also a really neat song and the cornet solo is cool.
Then J.J shows his beautiful side in My Old Flame
This CD is a MUST HAVE!!!

Being a trombone player and enthusiast myself for the past 10 years, this is easily one of my favorite CDs. The arrangements used in this CD are absolutely incredible! Second part of the CD includes some other famous jazz talent as well. Jay and Kai never disappoint, especially in this compilation. If you're looking for a great trombone sound, or just some swingin standard jazz tunes with exciting arrangements, you've found the right CD.

In the fifties, when I was a teenager, I had a vinyl recording of Jay and Kai + 6. I remember passing around the album with my friends. As a trombonist myself, I was awestruck by the Peanut Vendor arrangement. Everyone had a favorite. Unfortunately, when the record found its way back to me, a trumpet playing friend of mine had left the record in his car, and the sun had warped it. Now I am going to order a new one. I can still hear the clear, vibrant, staccato tones of eight trombones calling to me from long ago. I know that I won't be disappointed

This is a great CD. I use it for driving in my car, studying, on the computer, and any other time i am in my room. I reccomend this CD of you like jazz and/or the trombone.

I purchased this CD for my grandson who is an all state trombone player but hasn't been into jazz. As a retired band (and stage band) director, I consider this the best jazz trombone ensemble performance available. Get it for yourself or for student (or other) trombone players. It is great!

This album is a must for any serious trombone player, arranger, composer, or jazz enthusiast. Jai & Kai + 6 has been the standard for trombone ensemble playing, and soloing, since it first was released in the 1950s. Now that it's out on CD, get it. It's flawless.
TONY HOROWITZ

I've been a Jay & Kay fan since they recorded in the 50s. Amazon has samples of their sound & the names of the tunes, so I don't have to tell you about that. As far as I know this is the only time they recorded in an octet (8) setting.

If I had to pick out one tune on the album as my favorite, it's Charlie Parkers' tune "Now's the time." I enjoy their rendition of this better than Parkers'.

Nat Adderly, Cannonballs' brother & also a great composer takes an exquisite solo, & the great Tommy Flanagan does the honors on piano. Everyone gets involved, but the interplay, point counterpoint among these musicians is something to behold. This tune is done "live."

What more can I say except "buy it". You'll be glad you did.

I first heard Jay & Kai probably in the mid fifties when I was learning clarinet. I saw the album Jay & Kai Plus Six, attracted mainly by the cover, in the mid 60's. Immediately, I was impressed by the sound and that album became an instant favourite. The pesonnel are mind blowing, and the rhythym section leave nothing to be desired. My favourite track, is 'Surrey'. But there are so many including 'The Continental', 'Jeannie', 'The Peanut Vendor', 'Rise,'n' Shine' that it's almost impossible to pick one.When I saw it recently available on C.D. it was a no brainer. I just had to have it. With the bonus of'J.J.in Person'I'm in Trombone heaven.

This is a very good cd of two albums highlighting JJ Johnson's work in his own group, and in the classic coupling with Kai Winding and a full trombone group. We don't hear this kind of sound in the early 21st century, at least not often. While other albums might feature the J * Kai combination to greater effect, this offers a good extension of that feature.