Customer Reviews

Trumpet Evolution

5 star:		(20)
4 star:		(6)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(4)
1 star:		(3)

 

 

I can think of no musician who would be able to tackle the formative task of trying to copy so many styles of trumpet playing than Mr. Sandoval. He just about completely pulls it off. He is able to pick up even the smallest idiosyncracies that distinguish each player. I was skeptical before purchasing this cd on his attempts with the classical players he takes on but he proved me quite wrong. The only player who seems to have given him problems is Chet Baker. That voice cannot be duplicated.

It's been easily ten years since I've enjoyed a jazz disk as much as this one. I bought it the day it came out, and have been addicted to it ever since. You haven't lived until you've heard Sandoval's version of "Can't Get Started," one of the two cuts where he sings (the other being "My Funny Valentine," also very enjoyable). This is jazz as in joyful, not as in listen-because-it's-good-for-you.

For someone who enjoys older jazz, just being able to hear cuts like Berrigan's in the crystal clarity of a modern, well produced recording is thrilling. This disk has also sent me back to the old recordings to hear more from all the artists (particularly Clark Terry, Clifford Brown, Harry James, Roy Eldridge) Sandoval pays tribute to. A great introduction to jazz trumpet for those who have yet to discover the wonders of that instrument, and a fun trip through the years for more knowledgeable jazz fans. What a gift to jazz, and jazz listeners.

Absolutely incredible! It is almost unbelievable how Arturo Sandoval is able to represent, with exquisite expertise, the techniques and diverse styles of all of these trumpet legends. I was absolutely blown away and would expect nothing less than this from such a giant - from the virtuoso talent that is maestro Sandoval. I recommend it, to say the very least!

I'm not entirely sure why this album has so many critics. I think it is kind of original to reproduce the different style of nineteen trumpet greats, and as a trumpeter I'm fairly confident this is easier said than done. Besides, all the trumpet players he pays tribute to deserved to be honored for eternity. Probably the most impressive tracks are "Maynard Ferguson", "Later" is very good, and "When It's Sleepy Time Down South" is played very well too. I would just like to say that for those who dislike Trumpet Evolution, think again about how he has honored these great musicians! Plus you can hear how trumpet and jazz have evolved throughout the ages. Besides, I went to an Arturo Sandoval concert and I was more impressed by his variety of playing (trumpet, timbales, piano, keyboards, vocals, including scatting) as well as a broad range of repertoire. Plus he can do all sorts of tricks with a trumpet and flugelhorn. In conclusion, I would recommend this album, amongst jazz fans and trumpeters alike.

This album is a radio programmer's worst nightmare...19 tracks representing at least four different styles. From the early days of jazz, classical, swing era, hard bop, and more, Mr. Sandoval pays tribute to the great trumpet players past and present.
Yes, he plays transcriptions of great solos. I would like to learn about some of the technical aspects of this recording: did he change equipment (mouthpiece, horn, etc.), recording techniques, or were the changes in sound all from his "chops"?
Okay, I am veering into trumpet geek territory here.
Throughout his career, Mr. Sandoval's sound has excited and electrified audiences around the world. He is probably the most technically gifted, versatile, and purely musical trumpeter alive today.
I would like to hear his own compositions and improvisations, but as a concept, this album is great. Is it JAZZ? Does it matter? It is a tribute to great players, historically important styles, and beuatifully played and produced. It even fits with the retro-reissue esthetic prevalent in jazz right now.

I don't really understand why other reviewers are trashing this album. Listening to the original recordings by the original artists is, of course, wonderful, but that's not what this album is about. It is an amazing tribute to some of the most influential trumpet players of the 20th century. This album is Arturo Sandoval's salute to many of those who have inspired him over the years. The fact that Sandoval can play in this many different styles with such technical ability is a real tribute to him as a musician. This album is a wonderful example of the range of the trumpet as an instrument and a good addition to the collection of any serious jazz listener.

I'll keep this short and concise, Trumpet Evolution is now on my list of the five recordings I would want to have when stranded on a desert island. His talent in covering so many diverse styles of trumpet is unmatched. A pure "10", buy it today!

I was reading some reviews about this album, and somebody asked the question, why?. Well, I think Arturo not only wanted to pay tributes to legendary trumpeters, (who inspired him to be who he is and play like he plays,) he wanted to show the world how beautiful the trumpet sound and styles have been this last century. It was his idea, no other trumpeter could have come close to what he's done, and he deserves all the credit in the world. The album is filled with some of the greatest titles ever to represent the jazz world and solo trumpet. I highly recommend this CD and satisfaction is guaranteed. Arturo truly is an important link to the evolution of trumpet.

Arturo Sandoval may not be an orginial voice like Satchmo, Bix, Lips Page, Frankie Newton, Dizzy or Miles Davis, but come on, he not only has chops to burn, but who do you know can do a credible Bix, Satchmo, bebop, plunger, classical and latin styles? He does get the many varied nuances of the different eras of jazz vocabulary, and is very good at these different styles. In the old days one would see him as an expert studio musician (Manny Klien anyone?). Yes, this particular project lacks the creative spirit of the many great jazzmen he emulates, but that is not the point here, he has proved that he improvises, and besides as a fellow trumpet player I wished I could play half as well as he can (and I usually gush over trad cats like Natty Dominique or Frankie Newton, so this is a high compliment)! Give him 4 stars for great chops and ears, and for not making horrible insipid tripe like Chris Botti does (can't stand what I heard of Botti), here's to hoping a blowing session in different genres is his next jazz outing, bet he would prove to all of us that he can improv in any style he wants to (and if you really wanted creative improv of the 21st century, I hope you are checking out Dave Douglas), altogether a fun CD.

All I can say is "Arturito, you did a fantastic job on this CD"... Arturo is the only trumpet player that can play in these styles as if they were his own. Just listen to the Miles Davis piece.... Everyone who knows Arturo knows his style is rapid, fluid and precise. On this album he slowed it down a bit.. to the point that you can really see the magic in his art. Very bluesy, nice authentic feel to the music. Arturo is not only the best trumpet player on the jazz arena today ( even quincy jones can attest to that :-)
but Arturo is also a real friend and very humble man for the amount of talent he has... Oh.. and hes a great motorcycle rider too, keep up the great work Arturito.. your friend .. Johnny, cuquito jr.. >>