Customer Reviews

Van Damme Sound / Martini Time

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

 

 

My father has played Accordian since he was a very small child. He played in a polka band when he became old enough to play in bars. After hours he would go down town and sit in with the local jazz musicians. My father always had some vinyl of some great player on the turn table most every night while i was growing up. Monk, Diz, Bird, Miles and Art. It may seem funny sounding to you, But Art Van Damme is the king of his instrument and just as great an artist. He could play great ballads like Miles. Dizzying hot upbeat tunes like Bird or foot taping latin beats like Dizzy. I personally am greatful I had a chance to know who he was and am Very glad his work is coming out on CD.

art fingers the accordian like goodman plays the clarinet...and that is fantastic. there should be more albums available to the jazz loving public.

After trying to find any Van Damme recordings in our local stores I was delighted to find the excellect rendition on line. All the selections are presented with typical aplomb and unmistakable style.

The CD brings back *the* jazz accordionist of the 50's and 60's. Too many people dismiss the accordion as a toy, but in talented hands, it is a very much a musical instrument. Give it a listen and get ready for fun.

Every hotel lounge, bar mitzvah, wedding, late nite bar & grille,housewarming and corporate gig of pre-dope days had this group as the signature sound of the 40's & 50's. This album, in particular, was theme music of my childhood. This album was responsible for me not to go a day without an extra dry vodka martini with a twist since I was old enough to ride a bike.

Xylophones and accordians give synergy to the feeling of those one dimensional days after WW2.

I highly recommend any of the Art Van Damme recordings as some of the best fifties jazz quintet you will ever find. Arts accordion style with his unique tunings are a treat for those interested in a very clean crisp (non mussette ) tonal quality.

This CD is a prime example of the pluralism of our Internet age and it is a rare gem.

If you enjoy listening to a master accordianist and the other musicians who made up the Art Van Damme Qunitet: a vibraphonist, a bassist, a guitarist and a drummer, you definitely will enjoy this CD:"The Art Van Damme Sound: Martini Time". The selections played are what I would call "standards"; some might call them "oldies". I heard these on the radio in my youth: the 1950's and '60's, enjoyed them then and still do. When I heard an interview with Mr. Van Damme on a local NPR talk show:"Insight" on KXJZ, broadcasting from CSU Sacramento, and listened to excerpts from his "heyday" performances, I looked for and found this and another CD on Amazon.com They are wothwhile buys.

Riccardo Giuseppi

Well, hereit is. Art Van Damme is the only guy I ever heard of who played jazz music on the accordian. If you like lounge music or exotica, thenyou will enjoy this CD. At times it sounds as if you're strolling down the aisles at Home Depot, but other times the music really swings. Interesting.