Customer Reviews

The Very Best of Doc Severinsen

5 star:		(10)
4 star:		(1)
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Doc Severinsen was at the height of his abilities when this was recorded. (I think this album is made up of selections from some albums cut with the Tonight Show orchestra in the mid-1980's).

The album is a hallmark of clean, clear "lead" trumpet playing -- Doc was always great at that kind of 50's/60's Big Band romping lead trumpet playing, and this album features him at his peak. There are a number of fun songs here, with great charts and playing by real pros.

You have to like stomping big bands to like the music on this album, and if you do, you'll like the album.

Doc Severinsen is the greatest trumpeter of all time, and this CD proves why. One only needs to listen closely to the way Doc interacts with the band to realize that The Tonight Show Band was a one-of-a-kind ensemble that provided a perfect showcase for Doc's leadership and talent. Pay attention to the unique arrangements, and you will hear a re-composition of these classic tunes. Melody lines and rythmic harmonies are passed around among the sections so cleverly that I delight in these arrangements every time I hear them, and I listen to them a lot! This is particularly true of "Begin the Beguine", "Honeysuckle Rose", and "Take the A-Train". This CD truely IS the very best of Doc Serverinsen's Tonight Show Band Vol. I and II releases, and those were two of the best CDs ever made! By the way, see if you can catch something interesting near the end of "Begin the Beguine"... a phantom trill by Doc that they must have changed their minds about and re-recorded his solo. Some of the original trill, however, must have bled over and was picked up by the mics for the rest of the band. Interesting, but by no means detracting from the piece.

This is the greatest collection of Doc songs i've ever heard. Doc is one of the greatest trumpet players to ever live. This is a must have album for you jazz lovers!

This CD is a consolidation of a couple of the Tonight Show Band albums released in the 80's and the Facets recording from the early 1990's. Severinsen soars over the band with gorgeous sound and clean, forceful playing. The band performs all selections with the competence we came to expect from this group while watching the Tonight Show. The recording underscores the great musical void we now face with the late night bands of Letterman, O'Brien, and Leno.

This recording is comprised primarily of late recordings with the old Tonight Show Band. Fine musicianship throughout. Doc, in his sixties at the time of these recordings, shows why he is considered by educated trumpeters as the best player in the world. That statement is made by a person well aware of Wynton, Maynard, Dizzy, Sandoval, etc.

I always loved Doc Severinsen and the NBC Orchestra. This cd is awesome and really brings back those Tonight Show memories.

Severinsen on this CD shows why he's the greatest trumpet player to come along in several generations.

On this album, Doc amply demonstrates why he is arguably the greatest lead trumpet player of all time. Truly the gold standard -- incredible range...incredible sound!

I have several albums by other great trumpet players such as Maynard Ferguson, but I keep coming back to this one when I want to hear solid lead jazz trumpet.

Every song on this CD is wonderful!!! In the Mood is the best arrangement I've ever heard. Georgia on My Mind has masterful improv. This version of One O'Clock Jump makes every other arrangement sound like it's only 12:15. Doc and his band are solid on this one. You MUST add it to your collection

Doc Severinson makes the another half: his magic cornet is surrounded of magical efluvies: he is not only a virtuoso player but also an expressive and lyrical musician. He plays more sounds that you are capable to listen.

This album will be one your favorite ones, once you get it. You have my word!