Customer Reviews

Swingtime!

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

 

 

I was excited when I first recieved this CD in the mail. I couldn't wait to hear how they arranged these swing classics for a brass quintet (being a member of a quintet myself, I have a vested interest). To my disappointment, the arrangements on this CD were not for brass quintet. In fact, very few tracks feature the Canadian Brass! Most of these tracks feature the "Canadian Brass All Stars", a full big band including saxes, trombones, trumpets and a complete rhythm section. As far as the music is concerned, the pieces here have a great sound but the title is seriously misleading. If you buy this CD, expect some swingin' pieces and great music but don't expect a of brass quintet.

This CD is wonderful!!! I play jazz and I know when a group swings or not, and the Canadian Brass swing like crazy. This CD is a must for anyone who enjoys listening to jazz. Don Sebesky, Luther Henderson, and Chris Dedrick are the writers who arranged all these great well known charts. Its save to say that all the original artists would have okayed all of these arrangments of these classics! Ranging from Stan Kenton to Duke Ellington. It's amazing how The Canadian Brass can play both jazz and classical, they are by far the best brass quintet out there. They make there music fun, and thats what counts. They make it fun to listen, but at the same time they make it professionally musical. The CD features the Canadian Brass all stars who are picked jazz musicians by the Candian Brass. The Canadian Brass plays along with them making an awesome big band that swings like non other. If you love Jazz this CD is a must!!

This CD exceeded my expectations and the musicians are fantastic. Artistry in Rythm is the best arrangement I have heard of this chart and Gerry Mulligan is great in Lady is a Tramp. I highly recommend this CD!

I love the Canadian Brass, especially doing Bach. But they should stay clear of jazz. The musicians don't and apparently can't swing! The opening cut, Stan Kenton's "Artistry in Rhythm," is one of the least inspired renditions of the piece I've ever heard. Things get worse. At one point we are exposed to a 1950 recording featuring Roy Eldridge, playing, it seems, in another room. Brubeck's "Blue Rondo a la Turk" is just embarrassing, especially the trombone solo. Avoid this one, jazz fans.