Customer Reviews

Do You Long for Oolong

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

 

 

THIS CD IS THE REASON WHY JAZZ EXISTS.THE ENSEMBLE PLAYING OF THE QUARTET IS REMARKABLE AND THE SOLO PLAYING IS FURIOUS. FOR ANYONE WHO WANTS TO KNOW THE HOW-TO'S AND WHY'S OF JAZZ, YOU NEED GO NO FURTHER THAN THIS RECORD.REMEMBER, THEY WERE DOING THIS IN 1946! IF YOU THINK I AM CRAZY, AND YOU ARE A MUSICIAN, TRY IT YOURSELF.

This is five-star stuff. I've enjoyed many of these selections on a 10"-LP in poor condition for years, not improving the condition any by the repeated plays over the decades. To be able to get it now in a clean CD format is marvelous. I heard Joe in person several times--in New York, Washington, DC, Fort Lauderdale--and talked with him at length on a couple of those occasions. [He was a racanteur, as well as singer, pianist, organist, accordionist, and a very sweet man.] Joe had a way with a song, as if he started inside it and gave it a spin. Songs on this album like "From Monday On" and the A.A.-anthem "Have Another One, Not Me" are priceless. I'm only sorry his version of Sinatra's "Nancy" was not transferred to this CD, a wonderful interpretation it was. Also consider purchasing the double-album of "The Happiness...[and] Greatness of Joe Mooney," both of which I've long enjoyed on 12"-LPs. Why he never got his due, I can't speculate, but for me, it's two thumbs-up for Joe Mooney anytime. -- Vance

Joe Mooney has been the singer's singer for so many years and all without any recognition. Sinatra and Tony Bennett have always raved about Joe Mooney but the public has never been exposed to this great artist. This release is full of his old Decca releases and more (a live WNEW session with Art Ford). If you are a fan of "off beat" but wonderful vocalists (if you like Woody Herman singing) you will love this and play it over and over.

Mooney's LP was selected by Downbeat as Best Jazz Vocal of the year!

One of the best voices in the biz! Too bad he's forgotten!

If you like cool jazz from the 1950's and 60's spiced with a little hip humor, Joe Mooney is for you. I had some of these songs on 78 rpm vinyls and was happy to be able to replace them on CD. I'm gone on oolong.