Customer Reviews

Reefer Songs

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Yes reefer fans, this is THE CD to own. It is everything you never thought existed when it comes to reefer jazz and blues. It is a mind-blowing mix that peels back layers of time to uncover these gems of musical wonder.

You should buy it immediately. I'm not stupid, though this review may be flippant and unhelpful.

The amazing thing about this disc is how few of these artists most people, even Jazz affecianadoes, have ever heard of, let alone *heard*. This is a compilation about Reefer, and this disc shows what the Harlem Rennaisance was all about! This stuff is the coolest, and gives clear precedent for modern acts like "The Cherry Poppin' Daddies" and The Brian Seltzer Orchestra.

BTW--The Cotton Club Orchestra that Cab Calloway uses for the version of "Minnie The Moocher" is *not* the standard Calloway Band, and the song has a much more "lush" sound to it with the larger orchestra. Already one of my favorite songs, this version is THE best version I've ever heard him do, bar none.

For those that love swing jazz, here it is with a new kick. These are the songs that you do not hear on your normal jazz station. Some of the artists you might know (Cab being one) others might be new to you. Either way this CD is a treat for all that are at the least open minded, if not full on heads. Peace

This is an album with hilarious lyrics about that weed of wisdom.

Aside from that, it has some of the greatest jazz musicians of its first few decades. Dig Art Tatum and Barney Bigard on "Sweet Marijuana Brown".

If you dig the hot and bluesy jazz (and swing) of the 1920's, '30's and '40's ~ and if you like to party ~ then this is your ticket to the zone. Pretty much every aspect of the reefer scene is covered by great musicians and here is probably the ONLY place where you'll hear Ella Fitzgerald sing about cocaine (Wacky Dust)! I'd had the original Stash Records album of this collection for years 'til I gave it away, and the new version has 3 or 4 more tracks that weren't on the album. My only gripe, and it may have to do with copyright, is that they didn't use the truly wonderful original album cover art: an incredible pastel (or charcoal) study in all grey tones of a smoldering roach - schweet!

For those that love swing jazz, here it is with a new kick. These are the songs that you do not hear on your normal jazz station. Some of the artists you might know (Cab being one) others might be new to you. Either way this CD is a treat for all that are at the least open minded, if not full on heads. Peace