Jazz Giant

Jazz Giant

ASIN: B00000471S

Editorial Reviews
Amazon.com
This CD combines trio sessions from 1949 and 1950, a time when Bud Powell was at the brief peak of his powers, creating some of the definitive piano recordings of modern jazz. At its best, Powell's work represented one of those rare moments when technique, creative vision, and the historical situation combine to create masterpieces. Drawing elements of his inspiration from Art Tatum, Charlie Parker, and Thelonious Monk, Powell was the one bop pianist able to hold his own as a soloist with the greatest horn players. The earlier recordings have Powell accompanied by Ray Brown on bass and Max Roach on drums, and as potent a rhythm section as that is, Powell provides much of the momentum. Ideas fly from the pianist's fingers on standards like "Cherokee" and his own "Tempus Fugit." It's apparent from "Celia" and the moving "I'll Keep Loving You" that Powell is one of the neglected composers of jazz. On the later session, with Roach and bassist Curly Russell, there's more emphasis on Powell's ballad playing, and while the shifting approaches can suggest Tatum, there's a depth to "Body and Soul" that is Powell's alone. Shades of Monk's skewed rhythms appear in the bounce tempo "So Sorry Please," but they arise in the midst of Powell's distinct linear invention. Jazz piano has rarely reached these heights. --Stuart Broomer

Jazz Giant,Bud Powell,Polygram Records,Bop,Jazz,Jazz Music,Pop

Giant Steps
Average customer rating:

the album that leaps

more great jazz from coltrane.

Essential for any jazz collection

Essential, and very convenient for beginners.

Great album and "easy" for beginners to groove to...

Giant Steps
John Coltrane
Manufacturer: Atlantic / Wea
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B000002I4S
Release Date: 1990-10-25

Tracks:

Giant Steps
Cousin Mary
Countdown
Spiral
Syeeda's Song Flute
Naima
Mr. P.C.
Giant Steps
Naima
Cousin Mary
Countdown
Syeeda's Song Flute

Amazon.com essential recording

Released in January 1960, John Coltrane's first album devoted entirely to his own compositions confirmed his towering command of tenor saxophone and his emerging power as a composer. Apprenticeships with Dizzy, Miles, and Monk had helped focus his furious, expansive solos, and his stamina and underlying sense of harmonic adventure brought Coltrane, at 33, to a new cusp--the polytonal "sheets of sound" that distinguished his marathon solos were offset by interludes of subtle, concise lyricism, embodied here in the tender "Naima." That classic ballad is a calm refuge from the ecstatic, high-speed runs that spark the set's up-tempo climaxes, which begin with the opening title song, itself a cornerstone of modern jazz composition. This exemplary reissue benefits from eight alternate takes of the original album's seven stellar tracks, excellent remastering of the original tapes, and an expanded annotation. --Sam Sutherland

Customer Reviews:

the album that leaps.......2007-04-18

The 1960 release of Atlantic's `Giant Steps' was the first album featuring Coltrane performing all original compositions. Listeners become absorbed into the marvelous sheets of sound he belted out with such professional ease. Speedy execution and marksman-like precision brought Coltrane the envy of both his peers and fans. Sweeping solos spout from Coltrane's horn on here, accomplishing what a lesser musician plainly could not. `Giant Steps' races to the borders of harmony while the ballad `Naima' slows the mood down and heats things up. This CD version includes bonus alternate takes which Coltrane had rejected in favor of those featuring Tommy Flanagan.

Personnel for the tracks `Giant Steps', `Cousin Mary', `Countdown', "Spiral', `Syeeda's Song Flue' and `Mr. P.C.' on the original LP:

John Coltrane (ts), Tommy Flanagan (p), Paul Chambers (b), Art Taylor (d).

Personnel for the track `Naima' on the original LP:

John Coltrane (ts), Wynton Kelly (p), Paul Chambers (b), Jimmy Cobb (d).

Many of the alternate takes that never made their way on the album feature Cedar Walton on piano and Lex Humphries on drums.

more great jazz from coltrane........2007-02-15

to live a proper life you will of course need lots of john coltrane music. this album is an absolute must. from the saxophone pyrotechnics on the title track and the jazz lightning of "mr p.c.," on through to the great melodics of "cousin mary" and "syeeda's song flute," this is pure jazz magic. "naima" is a another standout; a piece of beauty, another coltrane classic. this was my first coltrane album, way back at the tender age of 20 (up to 45 now, i am), and it was the start of something very good in my life. coltrane's music has been a big part of my soundtrack ever since. life has been a richer journey for it, too.

Essential for any jazz collection.......2006-11-30

When people who are just getting into listening to jazz ask me which albums they should start with, I always recommend "Kind of Blue", and "Giant Steps". While this may not be Coltrane's most pure recording, it nonetheless is one of the finest jazz albums ever recorded. I'm not going to go into the specifics of his "sheets of sound" approach, other than to say that when he really gets going such as on the title track, his playing is absolutely breathtaking. It is important to mention however that aside from Coltrane's exceptional chops and phrasing, I find his tone on this disc to be one of warmest sounding I've ever heard on the instrument. If you don't own this CD, buy it!

Essential, and very convenient for beginners........2006-11-08

In this Coltrane's classic record, three songs help us to put it in perspective. First, "Naima", a sont that will be played by Coltrane all his career long, showing his deep feeling in a melodic way, easy to approach for the beginner and to compare with the many versions of it recorded by him. Second, "Giant Steps", where the long 'sentences' and the armonics still remind the be-bop days, as if Coltrane were leaving that period. And third, "Mr P.C", where Coltrane shows his future 'shaken' way of playing, using a structure of two consecutive notes, high and low, up and down, each of them following a diferent line but, by this 'lateral playing', opening between those two lines an empty and free space where the melody is heard without being played. This is the Coltrane what will be found later in his marvellous album "My Favourite Things".
As well, in this record, Coltrane is forgetting that 'deadpan' jazz who followed the cool period. Always without falling in sentimentality, Coltrane starts to fill that free and open space of his music with feelings. What is trully amazing is how love made him rebellious, and how it showed him the way to push modern jazz out of its ensconced position.
To finish: don't miss "Countdown", a burst of technical power.

Great album and "easy" for beginners to groove to..........2006-11-06

I noticed that a lot of hardcore jazz folks have written extensively about the arcane virtues of this album, so I just want to chime in that this is also really fun and accessible music! a few reviewers have warned that it might be "difficult" to listen to-- as a fairly UNsophisticated listener who knows nothing about music theory, I'd have to strongly disagree.
The album features Coltrane playing original compositions in his mature style, but the songs are catchy and concise, with very infectious hooks. It's the perfect first Coltrane record for anyone who's just getting into modern jazz and wants a representative example of his work-- comparable to Miles' "Kind of Blue" and Brubeck's "Time Out".

Average customer rating:

Pretty good stuff (but check out the followup)
one of best
The changing of the guard redux
Vacation over
Some Bands Age well some don't...

Two Against Nature
Steely Dan
Manufacturer: Giant Records / Wea
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B00004GOXS
Release Date: 2000-02-29

Tracks:

Gaslighting Abbie
What A Shame About Me
Two Against Nature
Janie Runaway
Almost Gothic
Jack Of Speed
Cousin Dupree
Negative Girl
West Of Hollywood

Amazon.com essential recording

Never so much a band as the slyly crafted specter of one, Steely Dan's mid-1990s "return" to live performance was as surprising as it was perverse. They'd previously toured only once, round about the era of Watergate, pet rocks, and Shaft. A half-decade after their concert comeback and a mere 19 years after Gaucho seemingly closed out their recording career, the jazz-pop conceit of Walter Becker and Donald Fagen deliberately dropped back into a recording landscape where they weren't so much seasoned vets as alien ambassadors. Two Against Nature, indeed. The tack is instantly familiar: a musical/lyrical reconciliation of Monk and Newman, with familiar harmonic flourishes, nimble studio chops, and an icy, world-class cool, as willfully insulated from hip-hop and techno as it was from disco and Top 40. Less concerned with melodic hooks than a canny sophistication of mood and manner, Becker and Fagen never let a trite melody get in the way of a good story, whether their protagonists are plotting some nefarious obliquity ("Gaslighting Abby"), Southern-fried incest (the deliciously funky "Cousin DuPree"), or bleakly confronting dashed expectations ("What a Shame About Me"). A little more musically languorous perhaps, its trademark cynicism now undercut by hints of sadness and regret, this is nonetheless a Steely Dan album worthy of the name, and like the best of them, one whose subtle charms reveal themselves in surprising ways. -Jerry McCulley

Customer Reviews:

Pretty good stuff (but check out the followup).......2007-06-14

As we all know, Steely Dan is one of just a few really legendary bands in music history. As such, no matter what they release, fans will grab it up, and most critics will praise. Yes, this is a very good Steely Dan album, winner of the 2000 Best Album Of the Year at the Grammy's. Maybe partly because it was so long awaited and highly anticipated. It's deviation in sound from classic Steely Dan is a welcome new experiment. While it still retains that cool jazzy funk, it takes on a more modern sound in keeping with the times, all the while compromising nothing, which shows character. I can't nor will not say that it is an overrated album, but I will say that Steely Dan's followup "Everything Must Go" is better. It shows more maturity. I listen to both regularly, and this album has a greener character, a Summertime kind of quality. You could almost say that this one is more fun that the followup, especially with the 5 star track "Cousin Dupree". If any of these songs were to be offered as a single, they would either be this one or title track "Two Against Nature". Two of the best we have here.

"What a Shame About Me" pulls weight too, getting back to the roots of Steely Dan, telling suburban tales the way "The Caves Of Altamira" and "Everything You Did" used to, while resembling "Hey Nineteen" slightly. "Almost Gothic" is one of my other favorite tracks here, smooth and cool, the way alot of their material is these days. But it doesn't slide into the category of filler material. Old Steely Dan fans will feel right at home when the recognize the familiar saxaphone, ever present in the classic stuff. Following is "Jack Of Speed", also to be recognized. The last highlight is 8 and 1/2 minute track "West Of Hollywood". You remember how good the old songs that were this long were, like "Bodhisattva" or "Time Out Of Mind"? Well this is a repeat. It took me a few listens to appreciate it and understand it for what it is, but it soon became a favorite. The lyrics end about half way through the song and the rest is just the signature Steely Dan beat with the long saxaphone solo we've come to love, so its a good listen.

I wouldn't offer this to those not familiar with Steely Dan as there is better stuff out there. Afterall this is a 4 star album compared to Steely's usual 5 star sound, but it is not to be overlooked. Worth the buy for those of us who love Steely Dan.

But do check out "Everything Must Go".

one of best.......2007-05-25

this cd is one of the best by steely,great grooves,lyrics,what the hell took so long

The changing of the guard redux.......2007-04-18

This is one of the most amazingly disappointing cds I have ever bought.I have been a Dan fan almost since the inception. While the sound of this anemic collection of tunes is Steely Dan, all the wit and brilliance that once gave this band its unique appeal is gone. There are no soaring insturmental solos, no polished satiric lyrics. While the additude of ripe debauchery that this band espoused in ts early work appears rakish on one still in youth, the very over indulgent lifestyle celibrated by this band has dulled the razor sharp neural edge that made them so outstanding. The cd is dull and witless, not quite a stinker but almost.

Vacation over .......2007-03-05

How exciting was it when you read that Steely Dan was releasing a new recording after twenty years on the shelf? The only problem could be expectations raised to a level that no human could meet them. Oh, yeah, Becker and Fagen run counter to humanity..... they can do it!

There is humanity and more in " Two Against Nature". Always in search of obscure references, the disc begins with a song written as a skeleton of the old Charles Boyet film " Gaslight". " Gaslighting Abby" kicks things off with the quirky tunings we are used to, even some added sass. " What a Shame About Me" should become the official anthem for Yuppies everywhere who didn't quite fulfill their dreams. It's a great piece of music, but it's character is cloying. Perfect.

" Almost Gothic" and " Negative Girl" are both studies in how to become obsessed with obsession. Each portrait is of a female who is bewitching and dangerous. " Cousin Dupree" is so much fun it practically jumps off the disc. This one swings with a withering take on southern mores. " West of Hollywood" contains an extended instrumental exit, but the musicianship makes it welcome.

The vacation worked. Creativity abounds in this fantastic return. Observations are readily available, and these two will always twist them into a delicious musical adventure.

Some Bands Age well some don't..........2007-02-23

Steely Dan has maintained their creativity over the years. Some of the reviewers appear to have just gotten old. The - they don't make em like they used to mentality.. Its Sad really...This CD is everything you could want in a Steely Dan record - One of the reviewers cites many of its strengths and then says don't expect another Katy Lied! The only Album Becker and Fagan can't listen to due to the way it got screwed up by faulty DBX Noise reduction! Skewering them for being boring...or for lyrics that are sleazy? Listen to I got the news or Josie - talk about sleazy lyrics - and they were great songs. My only complaint about this album is that some of the instrumentals were a little too safe. But - that can be forgiven since the whole is greater than the sum of the parts. and Chris Potter's solo in west of Hollywood is one of the best horn solos since Wayne Shorter in Aja. Please ignore any advice to skip this album and make your own judgements it is terrific stuff (I'd rank it up with countdown and the Royal Scam (bested only by Aja and Nightfly)

New York Rock & Soul Revue: Live At The Beacon

Average customer rating:

i dunno, too much white soul
A CD for the ages
waiwaiwaiwai...!
This is a fine live album!
A great live collection of songs

New York Rock & Soul Revue: Live At The Beacon
The New York Rock and Soul Revue
Manufacturer: Giant Records / Wea
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B000002L0E
Release Date: 1991-10-29

Tracks:

Intro - Boz Scaggs
The Madison Time - Donald Fagen
Knock On Wood - Michael McDonald, Phoebe Snow
Green Flower Street - Donald Fagen
Shakey Ground - Phoebe Snow
At Last - Phoebe Snow
Lonely Teardrops - Michael McDonald
Drowning In The Sea Of Love - Boz Scaggs
Drifting Blues - Charlie Brown
Chain Lightning - Donald Fagen
Groovin' - Eddie And David Brigati
Minute By Minute - Michael McDonald
People Got To Be Free - Full Cast
Pretzel Logic - Donald Fagen
Madison Reprise - Donald Fagen

Customer Reviews:

i dunno, too much white soul.......2006-12-24

michael mcdonald, it;s his singing voice, unfortunately.
if you like him you will like this.
i don;t, didn;t.

charles brown, brigati brothers, boy they really didn;t do anything for me.
fast forward city.

what did i like?
i really liked phoebe snow doing 'at last'.

boz scaggs was ok.

fagen, i can take or leave.
his performances here didn;t add anything to the original, for me.

wle.

A CD for the ages .......2006-08-13

While Donald Fagen dates this CD by mentioning the wrap-up of Gulf War I, the music holds up, giving this gem a charm all its own. The selection of guest musicians is first rate, with Phoebe Snow and Michael McDonald giving it all they have on their rendition of " Knock on Wood", while Fagen himself provides a less electronic, more standard jazz version of " Greenflower Street", a number off his first solo album. Boz Scaggs delivers with " Drowning in the Sea of Love", conveying just the right amount of poetic desperation ensconced in lovely musical arrangement. This was released when I was already a devoted Steely Dan/Donald Fagen fan, and open to the interpretations of oldies by acts that had already stood the test of time. It's hard to believe that this CD is sweet sixteen, but the beauty is the timeless sound.

waiwaiwaiwai...!.......2005-10-15

I listened to this CD because a friend at work insisted on loaning it. Donald Fagen did his usual wonderful job of being Donald Fagen, Boz Scaggs did his usual great job of being Boz, and Charles Brown didn't have to be anyone but himself anyway. The band is as tight as The JBs. *However*...
Screaming Phoebe does nothing else but that, and her attempt at Etta James is just pitiful. Michael McDonald likewise. I would rather he sit quietly and listen to what Solomon Burke and Jackie Wilson are doing, or just leave it alone. I am willing to give Johnny Otis credit as the original Blue-Eyed Soulman, but the Old Rascals - not.
Look, peeps. Belushi and Ackroyd were kidding!

This is a fine live album!.......2005-09-06

This album features Steely Dan's Donald Fagen, Mike Mc Donald, Phoebe Snow, Boz Scaggs, Charles Brown. This is the best white man soul music show there has ever been. I highly recommend it.

A great live collection of songs.......2005-01-08

With a lineup that kicks into high gear with McDonald and Snow's version of 'Knock on Wood', you KNOW that you are in for a treat. Not content with just covers, Fagen and co. do great versions of 'Greenflower St' and 'Pretzel Logic'. I drive a lot, and this is required listening along with the 'Nightfly' CD...Totally enjoyable without being too 'Dan-ish'.

Average customer rating:

The Dan don't do covers
BIGDANFAN
Excellent
What a Find!
Just As They Predicted....

Alive in America
Steely Dan
Manufacturer: Giant Records / Wea
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B000002L42
Release Date: 1995-10-17

Tracks:

Babylon Sisters
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Bodhisattva
Reelin' In The Years
Josie
Book Of Liars
Peg
Third World Man
Kid Charlemagne
Sign In Stranger
Aja

Amazon.com

The eagerly awaited return of the Becker/Fagan axis was widely viewed as an anticlimax in concert, and the same faults that dogged these 1993/94 tour dates--predictable repertoire, play-it-safe arrangements--are reprised here. It's fine as a tour memento, but these dozen classics sound tired and lackluster next to their still-potent studio counterparts. Nice choice, though, as an Christmas present for the pony-tailed dad on junior's shopping list. --Jeff Bateman

Customer Reviews:

The Dan don't do covers.......2007-06-27

Although surprises are few, this is an interesting album not only for Dan fans, but for beginners as well. The band is really good, and Donald Fagen's vocals are excellent. Walter Becker? Well, you can actually hear him singing on one song, Book of liars from his solo album. Not bad.

So, what's the deal with Alive in America? Well, like any live album, it's kind of a greatest hits collection. But this time without quite a few of the expected ones. Among omitted songs are Do it again, Rikki don't lose that number and Doctor Wu, which for many fans rank among the top ten Steely Dan songs. These omissions pave the way for less salient songs to shine, such as Sign in stranger and the magical version of Third world man. It's done somewhat slower than on Gaucho, and Fagen's vocals are more intense.

in general, though, the songs sound much like the original studio versions. The three concluding albums from the original Dan run dominate, with two songs from Gaucho, three from Aja, and three from The royal scam. These are the most conceptual, held-together albums, and possibly the ones Fagen and Becker are the most satisfied with. So Alive in America could be seen as their own choice of great Steely Dan songs, which differs in several ways from collections like Gold or A decade. This makes the album well worth owning, not only for long-time fans, but definitely for newcomers too.

BIGDANFAN.......2007-06-11

Read the reviews some not so great.They were wrong. Great album. The guitar solo on Peg one of the best.I think even better than Larry Carlton on Kid Charlemane from the Royal Scam album.Also usually not a big drum fan but the drums on the album really nice.

Excellent.......2007-05-10

This CD captures the skill and talent of Steely Dan and the band members in their mastery of their instruments. Very entertaining to listen to and compare with their studio works. The only reason I gave it a 4 star is not enough songs. They could have added more since it was a compilation of their live performance over a period of time.

What a Find!.......2007-04-13

I was looking around in a used music shop for some Donald Fagan albums a couple of months ago when I happened upon this little gem. Being a devoted Steely Dan fan, I decided to give it a try, and boy am I glad I did. I've now listened to it a number of times and it just gets better every time I hear it. That cool, jazzy sound that is inevitably Steely Dan is wonderfully accomodating for a live album such as this, with subtle variations on old favorites like "Reelin' In The Years", and a delightfully spontaneous drum solo in "Josie". Steely Dan generates a cool energy for this live album, and Walter Becker proves that Fagen is not the only one who can tear the roof off the sucker in his vocal performance of "Book Of Liars", my personal favorite.
This album is not just for the hardcore Steely Dan listeners. I would recomend it to anyone brand new to the funky, arcanic world of Steely Dan. And for those who already own every album, well, you can never have too much Steely Dan. A welcome new addition to any collection

Just As They Predicted...........2007-04-06

Having listened to the music of Steely Dan for some 30-plus years since their first commercial releases back in the early 1970's; I found the numerous reviews of the "Alive In America" CD most interesting as fans express their reactions(both 'pro' and 'con')to live versions of some of the songs presented during their 'reunion' tour that began in 1993 and extended into 1994. I never had the opportunity to meet up with them during my years of working in the music industry; but having listened to and read numerous interviews they've acquiesced to over the years; I found their personal observations from one particular magazine interview that 'previewed' that 1993/94 reunion tour most fascinating and quite insightful; especially in comparison with reviews of this post-tour CD which documents some of the 'highlights' of their first live outing in almost 19 years. Although Steely Dan began as an actual band built around the musical compositions of Walter Becker & Donald Fagen; it wasn't until they became fed up with the grind of live touring and performing that they finally settled into their most creative musical period and produced what critics(and fans)consider the pinnacle of their work. Before they decided to once again take their show 'on the road' the obvious questions were put to them: 1)Why tour now after so long a lapse? Their true answer: Because live touring finally had become sophisticated enough so as to actually make it enjoyable instead of a torturous ordeal. 2)Is this really a reunion of sorts? The answer: Not really. The tour was conceived to coincide with Donald Fagen's second solo album 'Kamakiriad'; produced by Becker and released early in 1993. But manager Irv Azoff convinced them it could be promoted a lot better as 'An Evening With Steely Dan'. 3)Who were the players going to be(since Steely Dan pretty much ceased to be a band after the 'Pretzel Logic' release)? Their answer: Basically; who was available - that we could get, on such short notice(Dennis Chambers was one of their first considerations for the drummer's chair at the outset but he was already committed that year to a Brecker Brothers tour if I remember correctly - they were able to get him in '94). But Peter Erskine's name came up and it just so happened that he wasn't already booked with anyone for that year. Plus Warren Bernhardt(piano/keys)had worked with Erskine in Steps Ahead so they were already tight musically. And they had Drew Zingg from the NYR&S Review; who pulled off an amazing feat - recreating the sound and 'feel' of Larry Carlton & Steve Khan's studio work on the live stage! Then, for me; the crowning touch was Bill Ware on vibes and percussion; adding the 'spice' they got from the late Victor Feldman in the studio! So that '93 tour group was without a doubt the best of all the packages they were able to assemble through the years. I saw their live shows - in '93(along with my wife); with my brother in '94; plus the '96, '98, 2000 & 2006 shows that featured different lineups of players(I made crib notes on each gig). I also was handed a bootleg of one of the tour nights from 1993 that has nearly the entire show on it(boy, what a deal,eh?)! As far as the selections that went on the final CD; it essentially came down to their favorite choices from everything that was available to pick from. I was told by a buddy of mine who knew one of the road crew members that Roger Nichols recorded virtually every night and that the musical arrangements for certain songs were actually modified as the tour continued. So, they were progressively tightening things up musically, as they went along. On some of the earliest dates; particularly with the '93 tour there were some serious flubs by Fagen and Becker as well as other players(you'll hear them on the bootlegs)and that's the reason why certain tunes didn't make it to the final CD. The live version of 'Aja' that closes the 'album' out was taken from the second night of two dates they played at Irvine, California in 1994 - the show my brother and I attended together(we're unofficially on the 'record'- in the 'applause' during the turnaround section - screaming - before they go back to the 'top' of the arrangement)! But actually, they opened that show(surprising almost everyone)performing 'Aja' right after the warmup instrumental overture, which contained snippetts from "Here At The Western World"(which I thought was kind of appropos for the Cali shows)! The previous night though; I was told; they did close with 'Aja' - but they sounded a little 'flat'. So they likely chose to move it up to the front on the next night - while they were fresh. And my brother and I both agreed - they were 'on' it that night! Given their penchant for perfection in times past - should we have expected anything different here? And as far as fans reactions to their live presentations of their past works - they fully anticipated that there might be some backlash since those studio concoctions are so highly revered and treasured among 'Danheads'. But they felt no real constraint to have to live up to anyones' preconceived notions in their concerts - especially since most of their repertoire had never been performed live anyway prior to that time. So they resolved to take it all in stride and I'm fairly certain they managed to enjoy themselves in the process and to continue laughing together 'all the way to the bank!' And that's "Steely Dan" - you gotta love 'em!!!

Average customer rating:

the album that leaps
more great jazz from coltrane.
Essential for any jazz collection
Essential, and very convenient for beginners.
Great album and "easy" for beginners to groove to...

Giant Steps
John Coltrane
Manufacturer: Atlantic / Wea
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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A Love Supreme
My Favorite Things
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ASIN: B000003489
Release Date: 1998-03-03

Tracks:

Giant Steps
Cousin Mary
Countdown
Spiral
Syeeda's Song Flute
Naima
Mr. P.C.
Giant Steps (Alternate Version 1)
Naima (Alternate Version 1)
Cousin Mary (Alternate Take)
Countdown (Alternate Take)
Syeeda's Song Flute (Alternate Take)
Giant Steps (Alternate Version 2)
Naima (Alternate Version 2)
Giant Steps (Alternate Take)

Amazon.com essential recording

Customer Reviews:

the album that leaps.......2007-04-18

more great jazz from coltrane........2007-02-15

Essential for any jazz collection.......2006-11-30

Essential, and very convenient for beginners........2006-11-08

Great album and "easy" for beginners to groove to..........2006-11-06

Stan Getz and the Lighthouse All-Stars Live

Average customer rating:

Review?

Stan Getz and the Lighthouse All-Stars Live
Stan Getz , and The Lighthouse All-Stars
Manufacturer: Giant Steps UK
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Cool Jazz | Jazz | Styles | Music

General | Jazz | Styles | Music

Traditional Jazz General | Traditional Jazz & Ragtime | Jazz | Styles | Music
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Live in Saint Louis 1956
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Momento

ASIN: B000NVLEZG
Release Date: 2007-05-07

Tracks:

I Only Have Eyes for You [Live]
Jive at Five [Live]
Moonlight in Vermont [Live]
Love Me or Leave Me [Live]
So Long Broadway [Live]
Topsy [Live]
Four Others [Live]
All the Things You Are [Live]
Cr de Menthe [Live]
Viva Zapata! [Live]
Bernie's Tune [Live]
Solitaire [Live]

Tracks:

Morgan Davis [Live]
Soncailli [Live]
Luau [Live]
Comin' Thru the Rye Bread [Live]
Taking a Chance on Love [Live]
Big Top [Live]
Duke You Say! [Live]
Sunset Eyes [Live]
Witch Doctor No. 2 [Live]
Round 'Bout Midnight [Live]
Mood for Lighthouse [Live]
Blind Man's Bluff [Live]
Lady Jean [Live]
Casa de Luz [Live]

Album Description

The shore-front Lighthouse Café at Hermosa Beach was the hub of the L.A. Jazz scene throughout the '50s. From 1949 until 1961, this Californian beach front niterie may have hosted everyone from Miles to the MJQ, Lee Morgan to Cannonball Adderley, The Jazz Messengers to The Jazz Crusaders but it is for its resident (Light) House Band that this venue is fondly remembered. Mainly comprised of former Stan Kenton soloists, The Lighthouse All-Stars boasted such stars as Shorty Rogers, Maynard Ferguson, Shelly Manne, Jimmy Giuffre, Bud Shank, Bob Cooper, Frank Rosolino, Conte Candoli and many more. . On this Giant Steps release, it's Stan Getz plus Teddy Charles (vibraphone) who are in the spotlight. In doing so, it recaptures some of the magic that was unique to those nightly sessions at The Lighthouse back in the day. Giant Steps.

Customer Reviews:

Review?.......2007-05-09

I certaintly would indeed like to review this music. But since you have seen fit not to permit us to listen to samples of the offering, it can not be realisticly done.

Thanks anyways,

Artiedoes

Average customer rating:

FUNKY JAZZ FUSION!!

Keyboard Giant

ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Jazz | Styles | Music

Jazz | Imports | Stores | Music
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The Collection

ASIN: B000OCZ7Q6
Release Date: 2007-06-19

Customer Reviews:

FUNKY JAZZ FUSION!! .......2007-07-08

This selection, from 1973-1976 is TIMELESS!! The recording quality is perfect, the musicianship is the best. George, as the CD title says, is a keyboard giant... AND a great composer and vocalist! Frank Zappa suggested George get into the moog synth funky, soulful jazz rock thing which he does so, so well. The musos with Mr Duke include John Heard or Alphonso Johnson on bass, Ndugu on drums, Airto on percussion and others. Don't for a minute think this stuff is dated - it ain't. I've been waiting for some time for those 70's album's, like Liberated Fantasies and Feel to be re-released on CD, but to no avail. This CD is an excellent selection, with material from both those albums and others. This is as good as it gets.. and better! Great fun!! Real FUNKY!!

Average customer rating:

All the stars of the Universe
The best Powell in the studio
Tempus Fugit and So Does Bud
A definitive collection of the master's work
Bud at his best

Jazz Giant
Bud Powell
Manufacturer: Polygram Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Bebop General | Bebop | Jazz | Styles | Music

General | Jazz | Styles | Music
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Sonny Side Up

ASIN: B000058A19
Release Date: 2001-02-06

Tracks:

Tempus Fugue-It (Tempus Fugit)
Celia
Cherokee
I'll Keep Loving You
Strictly Confidential
All God's Chillun Got Rhythm
So Sorry, Please
Get Happy
Sometimes I'm Happy
Sweet Georgia Brown
Yesterdays
April In Paris
Body And Soul

Amazon.com

This CD combines trio sessions from 1949 and 1950, a time when Bud Powell was at the brief peak of his powers, creating some of the definitive piano recordings of modern jazz. At its best, Powell's work represented one of those rare moments when technique, creative vision, and the historical situation combined to create masterpieces. Drawing elements of his inspiration from Art Tatum, Charlie Parker, and Thelonious Monk, Powell was the one bop pianist able to hold his own as a soloist with the greatest horn players. The earlier recordings have Powell accompanied by Ray Brown on bass and Max Roach on drums, and as potent a rhythm section as that is, Powell provides much of the momentum. Ideas fly from the pianist's fingers on standards such as "Cherokee" and his own "Tempus Fugit." It's apparent from "Celia" and the moving "I'll Keep Loving You" that Powell is one of the neglected composers of jazz. On the later session, with Roach and bassist Curly Russell, there's more emphasis on Powell's ballad playing, and while the shifting approaches can suggest Tatum, there's a depth to "Body and Soul" that is Powell's alone. Shades of Monk's skewed rhythms appear in the bounce tempo "So Sorry, Please," but they arise in the midst of Powell's distinct linear invention. Jazz piano has rarely reached these heights. The Verve Master Edition presents these essential recordings with sparkling 24-bit remastering and adds new liner notes by Powell biographer Peter Pullman. --Stuart Broomer

Customer Reviews:

All the stars of the Universe.......2007-04-24

All the stars of the Universe is my rating for this album from Bud. Bud together with Monk and probably Tadd Dameron, is bebop piano. Period. This album shooted Bud on the top stairs of bebop pantheon. I can't judge this album ... it's a masterpiece of the twenthieth century, how could you rate it simply "five stars". We are way over here. In this album you'll find some of Bud wildest interpretations of standard tunes and some of his wonderful compositions such as Celia or The Fruit. This is something that has to be pointed out clearly, Bud was not only the greatest bop pianist but a fantastic composer too. He has been one of the few who has equalled Parker and Dameron in the bop lines writing. Bouncing with Bud, Dance of the infidels (not presented here), Hallucinations, Tempus fuge it, Celia, The fruit and many more form alltogether the picture of an impressive composer with an unlimited fantasy and creativity (not mentioning the monster chops Bud had at the piano). I can suggest this album to every jazz lover, but in particular to those so in love with the new generation of pianists ... all the Bill Evans and Keith Jarrett "alumni" from scandinavia. Come back to the root. Bud is the man. A strange fact. I have a version of this album made for the sudamerican market which has 20 tunes. There are 7 more tunes after Body and soul, they are taken from different sessions and actually they are published in the "The Genius of Bud Powell" album on Verve. Those tunes are: Oblivion, Dusk in sandi, Hallucinations, The fruit, A Nightingale sang in Berkley square, Just one of those things, Last time I saw Paris. The booklet doesn't say almost anything about these tunes (some of them are Bud alone), but the quality of this music I can Judge by myself .... stellar. Jazz giant is a masterpiece, buy it don't esitate.

The best Powell in the studio.......2005-09-10

This is music that sounds better every day. Mysterious, elemental, intellectual.

Tempus Fugit and So Does Bud.......2004-04-19

It would be difficult indeed to think of a jazz piano tune as exciting as the principal track on this CD, "Tempus Fugue-it." If there was ever any doubt in anyone's mind about Bud Powell's position in the jazz piano pantheon, this track should clear that up. It is simply a perpetual motion cascade of ideas presented with crystal clarity. It is as stirring a performance by a jazz pianist as you will ever hear.

As an observation, compare the track with Horace Silver's "Safari," also a magnificently moving solo piece, on his first Blue Note album, "The Horace Silver Trio," which captures a similar mood through a different approach, that is part barrelhouse, part Bud. In the end, Bud was, and is, the man!

A definitive collection of the master's work.......2001-07-11

This collection of tracks, as much as any other, captures Bud Powell at the top of his form. Powell was the overlooked equal of Parker in terms of sheer musical importance and artistry, and pianistically more than a match for Art Tatum. These early Verves are sublime, almost inhumanly so.

Bud at his best.......2001-03-25

this new cd release confirms Bud's place in the greats of jazz music. While his presence was reduced in the recent Ken Burn's epic on the history of jazz, (not Bud did not even get a "greatest hits" cd in that series), here he proves his status as one of the archetics of be-bop, and earns a place in the trinity of bop along with Dizzy and Bird. Bud's music, influenced by his early study of classical music, especially Baroque, layers rythems and melodies into a complex web of sound. Bud was one of the best and the selections on this cd will please and delight any fan of jazz, new or old. A true classic and (in this day of Kenny G), one of the best reissues of the year.

A Guitar Supreme: Giant Steps in Fusion Guitar

Average customer rating:

Disappointment...
arrangements unworthy of the players
just a bunch of scott henderson clones
Wow, its true
Giant steps?

A Guitar Supreme: Giant Steps in Fusion Guitar
Various Artists
Manufacturer: Tone Center
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Jazz | Styles | Music

Jazz Fusion | Jazz | Styles | Music

General | Compilations | Jazz | Styles | Music

General | Rock | Styles | Music

General | Rock Guitarists | Rock | Styles | Music

Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music

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Live!

ASIN: B0002VGROU
Release Date: 2004-09-28

Tracks:

Resolution
Afro Blue
Crescent
Giant Steps
My Favorite Things
Naima
Mr Syms
Central Park West/Your Lady
Equinox
Village Blues
Lazy Bird
Satellite

Album Description

John Coltrane's musical virtuosity not only influenced sax players, but also composers and soloists on other instruments. "A Guitar Supreme" brings together guitarists Mike Stern, Larry Coryell, Eric Johnson, Steve Lukather, Greg Howe, Jeff Richman, Frank Gambale and more in a guitar tribute to one of the most influential jazz musicians of all time.

Customer Reviews:

Disappointment..........2006-05-27

A bunch of great guitarists dealing with John Coltrane's complex harmonies. Quite every jazz player considers Coltrane as one of the most rappresentative and influential musician in the world; I love all the musicians playing in this album, they all have the harmony knowledge to play on the intricate Coltrane's chord changes, BUT...it seems they never listened to his songs, to his sounds, to the magic athmosphere he was able to create on his albums. That dreamy sensation is the main thing lacking here in my opinion. Playing in a Coltrane tribute is NOT ONLY playing over Coltrane chords! Here it's like some good guitar players practising...where's the Tribute??
Besides, in Giant Steps (soloist: Greh Howe) why mix a kind of Hendrix's Foxy Lady in the main theme???
I would have expected something more, considering skill of such guitarsits.
Maybe a too commercial project?

arrangements unworthy of the players.......2006-05-18

Not a bad idea, but there are already a million (maybe more?) Coltrane tribute recordings out there, so the bar has already been set very high. The arrangements are what hold this project back. I haven't heard enough of Richman's work to say that he's a bad arranger, but he has no business arranging these tunes. He bit off more than he could chew, and really should've hired an accomplished arranger. These are very challenging tunes to arrange, because they really need very little arranging. The original material is so strong, that you better be a damn good arranger - and have a couple good ideas - before you start tinkering. The result here is not Fusion, but Fuzak. The tunes all have a lame LA milquetoast sound, as if arranged for Kenny G. Rough edges have been smoothed and sanitized. But, to keep things 'spicy', almost every tune has at least one odd-time signature measure!! That makes it fusion, right? Give me a break.
FWIW, my favorite recent Trane tribute recording is probably Conrad Herwig's 'The Latin Side of John Coltrane'.

just a bunch of scott henderson clones.......2006-05-12

Sounds like everyone here is trying to be a Scott Henderson clone, but he already did this kind of stuff years ago much better than these players. Just get all the Tribal Tech CD's instead.

Wow, its true.......2005-11-27

He's not really playing over Giant Steps. Thats depressing cuz i know he can... oh well... Its funny to hear some of the interpretations of these standards. On one hand its nice to hear a varied rendition of each of these tunes from how they were played and even now are general played today, (mostly straight ahead type vibe,) but on the other hand its doesnt feel any where near as fresh as when Coltrane played these songs. I guess what i mean is, is that when Coltrane played these songs, (especially stuff from the mid-later Quartet albums, these songs and they way they were played, (i.e. harmonic approach, comping, the whole "sheets of sound" approach, etc,) were something so completely new and different, it forced the listeners and the surrounding musicians to react and to think and to feel differently then they had prior. It brought music to another level for many people, and it transcended the typical sense of how music was felt. ( Very few musicians ever achieve this type of musical epiphany, hence why they are considered "artist.") But on this record, i dont get the same sense of personal exploration that i got from listening to Coltrane. To honor a great artist by simply getting a bunch of guys to jam on his music i dont think is necessarily the best way to do it. But i digress, im sure that whoever produced it and put it together was on a tight schedule and budget, so they were not going to be able to get enough time to really work with all the musicians on direction and content and approach. I personaly would have loved to see the likes of Kurt Rosenwinkle, Allan Holdsworth, Lage Lund, Dave Gilmore (of the Seve Coleman fame, not Pink Floyd,) or Alex Skolnic, to hear what they would have done with these tunes, but even then theres no guarantee that they wouldnt just slap a band together and blow of Count Down or Crescent. I guess in the end, everyone played rather well on this record, even though the arrangements sound pretty stale to me, bu tim sure that is because of the lack of time and fore thought/ direction. Ultimately, i think the best way to honor any great artist is to take what they have created and go beyond it. I can safely say that this record does not achieve that. In fact, i dont think even on a personal level for these guitarist does this record achieve that. If you have this record, then enjoy it! And if you dont have, thats ok too. Its worth a once through, ( easily memorizable,) but thats about it

Giant steps?.......2005-05-01

The guy really isn't playing Giant steps. Enjoy the Jolt cola and D&D. Rock on!

Average customer rating:

modern jazz, great atmosphere
A worthwhile purchase
Great French Jazz (Jazz Rock?)
An Album
Goes down easy, leaves no trace

Walk of the Giant Turtle
Erik Truffaz
Manufacturer: Blue Note Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Ambient | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music

Electronica | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music

Trance | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music

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General | Jazz | Styles | Music

Modern Postbebop | Jazz | Styles | Music

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Saloua

ASIN: B00008NF5X
Release Date: 2003-05-06

Tracks:

Scody Part I
Scody Part II
King B
Flamingos
Turiddu
Next Door
Belle De Nuit
Wilfried
Seven Skies
The Walk Of The Giant Turtle

Customer Reviews:

modern jazz, great atmosphere.......2005-09-22

GENRE: jazz
STYLE: modern, beat
SOUND: French, warm, dark, running bass, funky drum, filling organ, fragile trumpet; occasinonaly heavy (with guitar)
INSTRUMENTS: trumpet, drum, bass, sounds, organ, piano, guitar
INSTRUMENTALISTS: Truffaz plays fragile, freaky sometimes, sometimes lays accents rather than playing a million notes a second, great bass walking around
TECHNICAL SKILLS: pretty ok
ORIGINALITY IN PERIOD OF MAKING: original
COMPARE TO: Nils Petter Molvaer
BALLS: three (maybe four)
STRIKING: ability to play very smoothly and very loud
WEAKNESSES: not on this album
AND...: Not a lot of jazz of wich it is said it's influenced by dance is worth bying. The mention of dance-music or modern effects sometimes is used to scare of more traditional focused jazzlovers. Truffaz and his band combine a lot of good 'old' atmosphere with new sounds, effects. Tastfully done. Enough for both camps.

FJB/O!-music 2006

A worthwhile purchase.......2005-02-12

This CD was worth the money. I have rather ecclectic listening tastes and this fits perfectly. I heard Truffaz first on his selection The Mask. This tune was grabbing so it prompted me to look for it. Not to be found anywhere,out of print,gone...you get the idea. So I purchased this CD. What good move. It's not hard bop(my favorite) but that's OK. I would describe it as a sophisticated electronic house music(opnions vary,I'll wager) with leanings toward soul jazz.

Great French Jazz (Jazz Rock?).......2003-12-03

To judge by their album The Walk of the Giant Turtle, the French jazz quartet led by trumpeter Eric Truffaz is putting out some of the best modern instrumental jazz today. Starting out with the two-part semi-dissonant "Scody," the band really kicks it into high gear with "King B," a track that some filmmaker is bound to latch onto as a hero theme, and which bassist Marcello Guiliani carries with his thundering fretwork.

Other highlights of the CD are "Flamingos," in which Truffaz is able to really let go and is given excellent note support by keyboardist Patrick Muller. "Next Door" is another foot-tapper that gives drummer Marc Erbetta his chance in the spotlight. But the band as a whole shines on this CD of fine compositions that any Blue Note fan will find blends in well with their current collection. I just kept thinking while I was listening to The Walk of the Giant Turtle that this is what Duke Ellington would have sounded like had he counted rock and roll among his influences.

(The CD also contains an enhanced portion featuring a fifteen minute short film--or "camera freestyle"--directed by Zag of the title track.)

An Album.......2003-08-26

More and more of today's artist (jazz cats included) are releasing records that are merely collections of songs. I suppose the extended length of the CD compared to the LP, as well as the ability to access any track has contributed negatively. But Truffaz and co release albums.

The songs will stand alone, but this is best taken as a single musical dose. It flows from one track to the next bringing the listener straight to the end of the disc.

It's more fusion/electric/acid than traditional jazz, somewhat in the style of moderately late Miles. Is it good? I like it. it keeps me on my listening toes (ear toes, perhaps) from start to finish. it is not background music, but why buy a CD for background music. that's what the radio's for.

Goes down easy, leaves no trace.......2003-06-03

Truffaz marries electric-era Miles Davis with a more ambient, Jon Hassell-style of playing to come up with a CD that, if hardly a contender for intellectual experience of the year, can certainly be an entertaining listen at times. Often the trumpet and keyboards are so heavily processed you can't tell what's what, which is fine because it all makes a grand noise on the CD's rockier cuts. The slower numbers are pretty much all of a piece, with plenty of fine brooding atmosphere without being truly memorable. All of it will leave your brain wrinkle-free and can help pass some of the time on those longer road trips.

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