Search - Bill Coleman :: Bill Coleman 1936 1938

Incredible

movieman56 | 05/29/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"While thumbing through a book about trumpet players, I read a highly rated review of this CD and decided to buy it. All I can say is...Wow. The first track, "What's the reason I'm not pleasin'you?"- transported me back to a time long before I was born. Coleman's swinging, lyrical trumpet and the overall ambiance of these small group recordings are exceptional. Kentucky born Coleman spent his most creative years in Europe, where he was more famous. Many sides feature American pianist, Herman Chittison, jazz violinist, Stephane Grappelly and the great Django Reinhardt-among many others, all contributing excellent accompaniment. Too many great songs to mention, but there a two versions of "After You've Gone" that will knock your socks off. The 1936 take has the most amazing trumpet breaks I've ever heard. The '37 version has Coleman sharing the spotlight with Grappelly; two giants of jazz unleashing their improvisational virtousity. Firing on all cylinders, they swing like mad, right up to the song's thrilling climax. Sublime!"