Customer Reviews

Solo Flight

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

 

 

this is a broadcast recording of the band which lacks a lot in the quality department. if you want to sift through the bad recording, i'm sure there is some great playing. a recording of this kind doesn't seem to bother me with a robert johnson recording, but does on this.

Unlike the previous reviewer, I am not in the least bothered by the sound quality of this release. In fact, the sound is really quite good on most tracks. Sound quality is a moot point, however, because the playing is extremely inventive and swings like crazy! Even without the fabled Lester Young session, this would be a "must have" for the BG/CC tracks, but the Lester/Basie/Goodman/Christian session is sublime.

Don't let the "radio broadcast" association put you off, this is some of Charlie's finest playing. And Benny's. Cootie Williams shines too.

It's probably worth mentioning that most of the sound quality of this recording is quite poor - At least, not as good as was was available in 1939-41. I write 'most' because the exceptions are tracks 12-16 (those of the Goodman/Basie All Star Octet) which are noticably better. For me these tracks, featuring Charlie Christian, Buck Clayton, Lester Young, Freddie Green, Walter Page, Jo Jones, Benny Goodman and Count Basie all playing together are the highlight, and the best reason to purchase this album.

I bought this album on vinyl back in 1978-79... and listened to it again and again... I reviewed all the samples here and it sure sounds like all the original tracks from the vinyl double album. The recordings here are NOT the radio recordings listed on another album entitled "Solo Flight"... that other album is nowhere near as good as this one, either in performance or quality of recording. This is THE "Solo Flight" and has remarkably good recording quality (probably due to the prestige of Benny Goodman in securing the best recoding technology of the day). This album is also enhanced by the presence of Lionel Hampton, a remarkably talented musician. Most tunes are, as I can best recall, with Goodman's sextet (with the exception of the title cut on the last track). This small group gives this album great intimacy, it is a showcase of truly timeless master musicianship.

Ever since my first audio visit via CL-652, I've been quite the Charlie Christian [addict?], Ol' Charlie has influenced ALL guitarists, professional, and 'just for fun.' From Chuck Berry through Jimi Hendrix, Charlie Christian has left us his signature. Some of his tracks may be missing, but we do have a large catalog of many of his incredible guitar stylings, if you ain't got any Charlie Christian in your collection, kindly do yourself a great favor, or favour, and ADD Charlie to your library. All Charlie's solos are absolutely outstanding!
Andrew A!