Customer Reviews

Something Special

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From his days in the Airmen of Note to his climb to one of the most sought-after trumpet players in America, Vaughn Nark has captivated his audiences. His unbelievable high notes, smooth jazzy voice, and crisp sound has elevated him to stardom. His latest compilation, Somethin' Special, is pure Vaughn. His first major release, this album highlights his many talents. The opening piece, Softly As In A Morning Sunrise, captures you from the beginning, with notes piercing the stratosphere. My Funny Valentine & She Was Too Good To Me proves his ablility in the vocal category. The famous Dizzy Gillespie tune, Fiesta Mojo, gets a powerful Vaughn touch. An equally famous Gillespie tune ,Tanga, proves Vaughn's ability with ballads, as he adds that ear-piercing high trumpet with spectacular beauty. Vaughn even proves his worth with a scat session on his own number, Quotes and Notes. A spectacular finale to the album calls for Freddie Hubbard's powerful Povo. Vaughn Nark has been well-known in the jazz industry for years, but he has just made himself known nationally. Be looking for him in the years to come!

Summit records have put out some outstanding recordings. My favorites being the recordings by Allen Vizzutti "Carnival of Venus", Doc Severinsen narrating Rafael Méndez etc. I was on the look out for other recordings on the Summit label and Vaughn Nark came out as a recording artist for summit. I read a few review and listened to samples and was very impressed so I bought two albums "Something Special" and "The Panorama". Something Special was the one that stood out for me. Excellent tracks and musicians, however I didn't really like the trumpet mix, Nark could have been brought out a little louder and more up front. The mix sounds like Nark is in the back round. Vaughn Nark is an outstanding trumpeter with good high chops, however his upper register is a very thin. Please don't get me wrong, I wish I could play like him, but the overall sound was lacking the energy or fire that only a few high note trumpet players can achieve i.e. Maynard Ferguson, Cat Anderson, John Faddis, Bud Brisbois, Lyn Briviano or Bill Chase just to name a few, could only achieve. If you want to listen to that type on playing listen to the above mentioned Walt Johnson, Jim Manley, Dan Mcmillion Eric Miyashiro or Don Severinsen just to name a few! I'm not a real fan of trumpet players who change embouchure for the altissimo register. However I will buy more of these types of recordings because I wish I could play that way.

Not since Gillespie, and Maynard Ferguson has there been such an exciting upper register trumpet player like Nark. You will find most of the songs super charged and jazz explosive.IT is definetely 5 stars, top shelf. IT is superbly dubbed in spots, although I am not an admirer of this approach. I would like to hear a live performance without this enhancement, although my guess is Nark would sound just as terrific. IF you like Maynard Ferguson you will like this, indeed he might be the next Maynard.IF you like your jazz upbeat and torrid, this is the best new album you could buy.