Customer Reviews

Vince & Bola

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

 

 

This is a very nice CD which combines two of the three albums Vince and Bola recorded together. The first five tracks were done in the studio with the remaining tracks being recorded live. I was somewhat disappointed that Bola only appears in two of the last six tracks, but pleased, none-the-less, being a Vince Guaraldi fan.

Fans of the Vince Guaraldi trio will not be disappointed by the addition of Bola's guitar to Vince's piano and the trio's bass and drums. Vince and Bola shine brilliantly whether serving as accompanists to one another or as soloists. The quartet as a whole are smooth, cool and tight with nothing feeling out of place. The live tracks tend to showcase Vince and Bola's excellent solo skills more than the studio tracks.

It's difficult for me to pick a favorite selection. I'd have to say the first five tracks. I like to keep this one close by when I'm ready to unwind. Check it out, throw it on, kick back and relax. This CD is as refreshing as a cool summer breeze.

If you enjoy well played Bossa Nova get this one and the sound is very good, plus you get to hear Vince "if your're not familiar with his music " from the side door...

"Vince & Bola" combines two LPs ("Vince Guaraldi, Bola Sete & Friends" and "Live at El Matador") on one CD. While economical, the combination is musically unfortunate. "...& Friends" is one of Guaraldi's weaker recordings; his lively keyboard work is often overwhelmed by the easy-listening samba sound. By contrast, "El Matador" is a very strong live recording, featuring live interpretations of "Black Orpheus" classics, along with Guaraldi's poignant take on the Beatles' "I'm a Loser."

In other words, buy this disc for the second half, but you may fall asleep during the first.

The sound quality is exceptional for an album originally recorded in the sixties. And the performances are stellar. The interplay between Vince and Bola is something seldom heard; a symbiosis that is elevated to tonal excellence.

Kudos should be given to Kirk Felton, who remastered the recording in 2000. This album is a showpiece for anyone with a good sound system. The piano from the left speaker, the guitar from the right speaker. The performance sounds as if it were alive in my living space. I doubt if MP3s could duplicate the sound quality of the CD.