Customer Reviews

Standing Ovation at Newport

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

 

 

Standing Ovation at Newport is one of Mann's best albums. I was at the 1965 Newport Jazz Festival and it was phenomenal. All the greats were there and all had exceptional sessions. Herbie Mann took the stage to a crowd that was already 10 feet off the ground and expectant. The energy was electric. When Mann began to play every one could tell this would be like none other. His performance of Coming Home Baby was unbelievable. It was the first time that he used the technique of overblowing on this number which made the crowd wild. Mann caught up in this excitement turned in a performance of a lifetime. All of this can be felt in this very special album. Interestingly enough in a later interview Mann would admit that the overblowing occured because he was tired but because the crowd responded in such a positive way (we all went a little crazy) he continued throughout the whole number. Things like this only happen in a live setting. This is a must have album for Herbie Mann fans and non fans alike.

The critical fortunes of Herbie Mann have risen and fallen over the years since his first release. Some believe he was a hack and a sell-out. Others believe Herbie Mann was a godsend in that he kept his foot in the popular arena always drawing newcomers to jazz. You could always count on members of one "party" arguing the opposite case just a few years later. What can never be denied is that through his long career Mann was always touring and recording. Naturally, such a long recording career is going to have at least a few stinkers-and Mann's discography is several pages long according to one source.

To some degree, Mann fell victim to the fabled "Playboy Magazine" curse in that wild enthusiasm Mann received for PUSH PUSH around 1970-1971 signaled to the jazz tastemakers that Mann was to be avoided at all cost. After all, if such a pseudo-sophisticated periodical liked him then his value to jazz must be close to nil. Still, Mann continued performing and recording almost to end-with dozens of jazz greats coming together before he died to make an excellent "live" tribute album.

Who knew that the flute could be such an effective instrument? The flute is not such a "grand" instrument as the saxophone or the trumpet by most accounts; but Mann could play the hell out of it. If you ever sincerely wondered what at that fuss was all about, take a listen to STANDING OVATION AT NEWPORT.

Mind you, Mann already had a long list of recordings to his name by the time this album came along. But this record really swings and has a lot of heart. There is nary a wasted moment or note here and you can feel the love of the audience for Mann drip out of your speakers. By all means, get this CD before it disappears into history. You'll be amazed.

From the standpoint of a devout Herbie Mann fan, I can honestly tell you that this is by far one of his best achievments. The energy created on the famous "Comin' Home Baby" is unlike anything I've ever heard. On this album he proves that great jazz can swing and be as infectious as any music that grooves. If you're looking for high energy, very listenable jazz, this recording is for you.

If you enjoyed Mann's "Live at the Village Gate", this would be an excellent choice. As with most jazz musicians, his brilliance shows with a live performance.

I had this on LP years ago, so I remember it well. A great selection from Herbie Mann. Unfortunately, the quality of the cd is poor- the sound is sort of muddy, like a third-hand homemade tape. Too bad, because it really distracts from the cd. I have bought other cds from Amazon, which were remasters of older selections (such as Miles Davis) and was satisfied.

I bought this album as a new release back in 1965. It was one of the first jazz albums I had. It really changed my direction of music for the playing is outstanding. One of Herbie Mann's best performances. Highly reccomended to any who loves jazz flute. A very high energy live session.