Search - Chuck Mangione :: Chuck Mangione - Greatest Hits

Potentially Misleading

Samuel Chell | Kenosha,, WI United States | 06/09/2003

(4 out of 5 stars)

"[Please look at the comment appended below by Mr. Pinkard. I appreciate the correction and defer to his knowledge about the recording, though the characterization of my comments as "WAY wrong" seems a bit overstated. As my title should imply, along with the observation that this disc is a compilation of various performances, "Greatest Hits" is neither a collection of the original studio mixings (limited to 3-4 minutes each due to the 45 rpm format) nor is it a single complete concert. For the latter, listeners should check out the "Live at the Hollywood Bowl" album referenced by Mr. Pinkard; for a collection of the original, shorter studio tracks, listeners might look for the early A&M title, "The Best of Chuck Mangione." The scarce documentation included with the tracks and the liberal use and interchanging of labels and album titles, especially for collections aimed at a broad popular market, make it difficult to be absolutely sure about the precise contents (dates, times, personnel) on any of these recordings, so it may take some careful research and trial and error to be assured of obtaining versions that are not duplicates.]



These are not the original "hit" recordings but concert versions from the mid-eighties. The good part is that things are a bit looser, the solos more extended, the proceedings just a trifle more jazz-oriented. The bad part is that the playing is not as tight and polished as on the original studio versions.



I prefer these versions, if only because of my familiarity with a couple of the musicians in Chuck's group at this time. What annoys me most is the attempt, even in the liner notes, to disguise the actual circumstances of recording, including names of musicians on the sessions (in the interest of full disclosure, the drummer is Joe Bonadio)."

A not-so-great Greatest Hits package

Archie Mercer | Yorba Linda, CA | 03/17/2002

(2 out of 5 stars)

"Chuck Mangione is a skilled flugelhorn player. But his real strengths are his songwriting and arrainging abilities. He has the talent to take basic themes and turn them into wonderful musical experiences. He also has attracted some of the best soloists out there to participate in his vision. That is what makes this CD such a disappointment. This package just highlights the main melodies and not any of the solos. "Feel so Good" was the break thru hit for him and of course the studio version is included here. We're then treated to a watered down version of "Hill Where the Lord Hides". Probably, though, what really sets me off here is how can any Chuck Mangione Greatest Hits CD not include the vocal arraingement of "Land of Make Believe"??? Instead we get a live version of it from the Live at the Hollywood Bowl CD, which was also a great rendition, EXCEPT they cut ALL the solos out. What was a approximately 10 minute song ended up just over 4 minutes. What were they thinking????I would not recommend this to anyone interested in finding out what Mangione is all about. I would instead suggest buying the Live at the Hollywood Bowl CD. Many of these songs are included there, and are so much better represented."

Feels So Bland

G. J Wiener | Westchester, NY USA | 08/23/2001

(2 out of 5 stars)

"Chuck Mangione does play a pleasant trumpet.And the songs on this collectiona re reasonably soothing as background music. However, in Chuck's form of Jazz, there is very little pizazz. Like lets say Herb Alpert per se. Occasionally Chuck adds an inflection in his trumpet playing style but for the most part he toots along quite softly.The songs are kind of bland with a few interesting melodies but nothing that grabs and shakes you. The band of musicians on this compilation rarely distinguish themselves. A good guitar solo on Feels So Good and a few slick arrangements on Fun And Games and Belavia. Otherwise, the band just does not break out into anything special.All in all, I'll pass on this compilation."