The Best Single Charlie Box
MF | Chicago | 12/19/2007
(5 out of 5 stars)
"If you want to own every single note recorded by Charlie Christian, this set is a poor choice as there is nothing on it that will not be duplicated in your search. However, if you just want the very best of Christian, I think this reasonably priced box-set is your best choice.
The first two discs contain the master takes of all of Charlie's major studio recordings. Little of what he recorded with Lionel Hampton and none of what he recorded with singer Ida Cox are included, but Christian receieved very little solo space in these sessions. This box does include the Goodman sessions with Count Basie and Lester Young, and the recordings Charlie made with The Edmond Hall Celeste Quartet.
Discs three and four have, I think, the best of Charlie's live recordings and jams, including all 5 tracks from the "After Hours" jams at Monroe's and Minton's, and the famous "Minneapolis" jam.
The sound quality is good throughout, and the package includes an informative (if basic) booklet, and a paper slipcover for each disc.
This box set may be too little for the completist and too much for the merely curious, but I believe for most it is the perfect selection."