Customer Reviews

Testifyin: Live at Village Vanguard

5 star:		(6)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

This recording is incredible. I'm a big fan of almost anything "Live at the Village Vanguard," and this is one of my favorites--that includes Trane, Sonny Rollins, and all the other greats. The Vanguard is like a litmus test for jazz musicians--if they perform well there, they've pretty much proven themselves worthy of whatever accolades have been thrown their way.

That said, this recording is, again, incredible. I've never been too horribly impressed by Benny's writing, but on this disc he really shines, contributing such memorable originals as "Don't Be Shamed," the rollicking "Bu's March," and the infectious "McThing." There's also his lovely reading of the rarely played "Beautiful Moons Ago" (popularized by Nat King Cole) and a sweet solo version of "I Should Care" where Benny gets his stride thing going on.

I always felt that this trio (Allen, McBride, Green) sounded over-produced on their studio recordings. It was good stuff, but it just sounded too "clean." Well, here they are at the Vanguard, at their dirtiest, filthiest, guttural best. Highly recommended.

For years I have told jazz fans to begin their Benny Green experience with this recording. I couldn't even guess how many copies I have given away as gifts. And after all these years the truth is that I have yet to find one person who has not fallen in love with Benny's music after hearing this recording. Taped at the Village Vanguard in 1991, I personally consider this CD to be the crowning achievement of Benny's early career. For those who have continued to follow his music, there can be no doubt that Benny has continued to grow and expand his range. But if we want to select one recording that says "here is what the first part of Benny's career is all about," then this is the recording.

The highlight is track 4, a Benny Green original called "Bu's March." This tribute to Art Blakey is simply stunning. The tune resonates with me like few other jazz tunes can, largely because of the great passion Benny reveals. Other great songs include a Christian McBride original titled "McThing" and a lovely version of "Down by the Riverside." The trio of Carl Allen, Christian McBride, and Benny is one of my favorites and the band pulls off a tight and excellent performance.

The other thing I like about this recording is that it is live. You get to hear all the other sounds that we hear each weekend is a good jazz club. I am not talking about the pretty jazz clubs where everyone sips their wine and gives a little golf clap after each tune. These are the sounds of a real jazz club...the sounds that I love to hear with jazz music.

I hope that one day soon Benny releases another live recording of this same gritty design. Until that time, this recording will have to do. And in my opinion, I will be able to manage the wait so long as I have a copy of "Testifyin!" close by.

The way that Benny, Carl, and Christian interact through their music is absolutely astonishing. Benny's pounding chord solos and his incredible speed keeps the band rolling. Christian's bass lines and soulful feel, holds the band together like glue. Carl Allens expression and musical solos completely keeps the pulse moving the whole time.

Honestly one of the best Jazz albums I have ever heard and one of the smartest buys I've ever made. Benny Green, Christian McBride, and Carl Allen are flawless. Christian's solo on the Shiek of Araby is so melodic and beautiful. Benny transcends everything else when he plays the piano. I have listened to this album so many times and have yet to get sick of it. The first track Don't Be 'Shamed teaches to express yoursef and love every expression. It's absolutely amazing

Even Benny Green's introduction is hip! This is a great disc with really swingin' compositions by Green, McBride and several nicely arranged standards. This is straight ahead jazz at it's best with adept solos and nice warm interaction between the players.

This trio has a huge sound. The arrangements are very hip. Benny's compositions make you smile. Listening to this record makes you feel like you are in the audience at the Vanguard.

The Cole number (Beautiful Moons Ago) is a pleasure to listen to, and this may all have been a lot of fun if you were there, but what comes through on the recording too often is a group of musicians vying for attention without synergy or heartfelt emotion

Recorded in 1991. The sound samples speak for themselves. This is straight ahead jazz played by the masters. Good sound quality.

It's a great album--when it was done by Oscar Peterson 30 years before it.