Search - Bob Brookmeyer :: Blues Hot & Cold/7 X Wilder

At Long Last!

bluejazz | 02/01/2010

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Simply put, Bob Brookmeyer is an American Treasure. Not content to be merely an iconic improviser on the valve trombone, Brookmeyer is also an engaging pianist and as of the last four decades, a brilliant composer and arranger. While these days, his primary interest may be focused upon composing for large ensembles -- notably, his remarkable New Art Ensemble -- Brookmeyer continues to play the trombone and the piano, and continues to evolve as a master instrumentalist.



Which brings us to this CD. Recorded in 1960 (The Blues Hot & Cold) and 1961 (7 x Wilder), the two quartets here shine and shimmer. Back in those days, Brookmeyer's trombone style was at its most irrepressible (listen, for example, to his raunchy yet lyrical reading of "On the Sunny Side of the Street"). His half-valve, vocalized techniques brought warmth and humor to both of these dates, originally issued on Verve Records (Shame on them for failing to re-issue these gems on the label today!). There is much empathy throughout and in the case of Brookmeyer's partnering with guitarist Jim Hall on the record celebrating the music of Alec Wilder, the empathetic borders on the telepathic.



The release of this CD is not merely a stroll down memory lane; the music is timeless and as enjoyable today as it was fifty years ago. A must for any jazz fan from any era of music. Bob Brookmeyer is our Bach and Bartok and Basie and Ellington. And yet, he is purely himself: a true genius.



Listen and Enjoy!"