Customer Reviews

How Sweet It Is! The Jackie Gleason Velvet Brass Collection

5 star:		(8)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

This album holds ALL of Gleason's trademarks: unusual arrangements that leave you spellbound, incredible musicians, and wonderful selections. The brass floats along, and the ENTIRE album is at long last released.This was only the THIRD album recorded in STEREO by Capitol. It was put out in a modified form in mono for it's first general release. For the FIRST time, we have ALL the stereo tracks that were recorded -- SEVENTEEN!The remastering is tops, giving us a peek into that vacuum tube era of '50s recording that many of us love. Unfortunately with modern remastering that quality is lost on most transfers, but not this one. You can hear the album as it was meant to be heard. Truly fantastic! YES, the CD does come with five BONUS tracks, like "Meloncoly Seranade" which was the theme for the HONEYMOONERS, and a few comic tracks by Gleason. That fact is great, and does NOT deter from the fact that the entire stereo album, with great remastering is here for us all to enjoy! GRAB THIS!

WOW is all I can say! The only other Gleason album I have is the 12" LP of "Music For Lovers Only". My family played it all the time when I was growing up (I was born in 1963) and we NEVER grew tired of the album. I took a chance on buying this CD and was not disappointed. The brass sound really takes your breath away! The music will grow on you the more you play it. "Moonlight Serenade" has so many memories for me since I remember the old "Jackie Gleason Show" on CBS. I'm glad to see Mr. Gleason's work being revived on CD, and I hope this is part of a greater trend of a revival of this type of music. If you're starving for some grace and class these days, light the fire in the fireplace, pour yourself a drink, put your feet up and enjoy this music!

If you thought "romantic" and "brass" did not belong in the same sentence, you need to listen to this album. I have two copies on vinyl, and finally, one on CD. "Skyliner" and "But Not for Me" will give you chills.

I bought this CD almost 10 years ago and still enjoy it. Jackie selected some of his favorite big band hits and assembled a then modernized big band. Note the electric guitar in the mix. It adds a really warm sound. Plus, the drums are up front instead of pushed in the back as with older big band arrangements. The musicians are all hand picked by the Great One. Listen to this recording keeping in mind that this was all recorded live in a studio with no overdubbing.

The online clips don't do justice to how good this CD sounds. This CD reissue was created using the original 3 track stereo (left-center-right) master tape and it brings back the music in all it's glory.

This CD contains my favorite version of "Cherokee". It has a nice 1950's jazz feel with the big band sound. Superb!

I do, however, agree that the bonus tracks have no place on this CD. They don't have any musical connection what-so-ever with the original music tracks. At least they are easy enough to skip.

I first heard this music as an LP in 1957 as a High School student whilst living in South Africa. I thought it was great then, and I think it great now.

This is one of the best big band albums of the 1950's/1060's. Very warm brass sound with excellant use of all instruments. After listening to all of the Gleason albums, this stands out as his best. If your going to have a cocktail party, this is a must.

I have the original GREAT recording on LP and thought how wonderful to have the CD. Unfortunately, and not disclosed is 15 minutes of the loud mouthed television Gleason which runins a magnificent album. How can I play the CD without hearing his shouting? I would return it but have played it. On the back cover there is small wording of "BONUS TRACKS" which a person takes to mean ..more music. No reflection on AMAZON . COM but in my business we file for misrepresentation on the recording studio!..See my positive comments on Jazz Concert Carnegie Hall 1938..WOW! CWF

Thanks for making this great album available. It is just as exciting to listen to as when it first made its appearance on vinyl.

I've been a fan of big band music since my youth. This CD besides being well-produced, is a stroll down memory lane for anyone who enjoys the best of the best of big band music.

All of Jackie Gleason's music is THE BEST! This particular CD is a great 'time-out' relaxer.........especially during a very busy day.