Buy the EmArcy collection instead...
lisa caplan | Toronto, Ontario Canada | 11/18/2003
(4 out of 5 stars)
"Best Coast Jazz is a collection of not just one, but TWO full songs from a session with some West Coasters. (Hence the name) Coronado is simply an up-tempo blues that everybody really stretches on. It is quite good for transcribing the solos from - they all make sense. Unfortunately, no true virtuosity is displayed from any of the performers here. Still a good tune, and there is also the added benefit of a rehearsal take, so you can hear how it was put together. The real treat on this CD is the near 20-minute rendition of "You Go To My Head". The saxes dominate, blowing the melody and a couple of choruses back and forth for the first few minutes, but all is silent when Clifford comes in with a beautifully constructed solo that reaches just past the six minute mark. The saxes play some harmonies over the recapitulation of the melody just near the end, and Clifford plays a beautiful cadenza to end the tune. While this tune is very difficult to find in it's entirety, it is well represented here. My suggestion is to buy the 'Complete Recordings of Clifford Brown' collection on EmArcy. If you have the pocket money for it, it's a winning buy. It includes 10 CD's containing many rare recordings, including the ones on this CD. Either one you purchase, make sure you get your hands on these tunes - they contain a wealth of knowledge, and are rudimentary stepping stones for budding jazz listeners. Enjoy!"
SUPERB LEGENDARY ALL STAR BLOWING SESSION
RBSProds | Deep in the heart of Texas | 07/01/2005
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Clifford Brown: "Best Coast Jazz" is the Five Star bookend session to "Clifford Brown All Stars", both having been recorded at the same session in Los Angeles in 1954. On the vinyl LP, each song took up a side, allowing for plenty of blowing room. "BCJ" would be released in 1955. One year later, Clifford Brown (and pianist Richie Powell) would be dead from a car wreck on the Penn Turnpike during a snowstorm. Thus altering the course of jazz trumpet history in one tragic act. "CBAS" would be hurriedly released following the accident and we would once again shake our heads at the tremendous loss of trumpet genius Clifford Brown.
The excellent group on this CD consists of Brown on trumpet, Max Roach on drums, Herb Geller and Joe Maini both on alto, Walter Benton on tenor, Curtis Counce on bass and Kenny Drew on piano. And they were ready to rip'!!
On "You Go To My Head", the players are relaxed but inspired. Drew's extended solo intro gives way to Geller's fabulous altoism. I must say that Geller is on fire during both recordings and it carries over to the ballads. But all of the participants get off interesting ideas on what had to be a jazz man's dream. Playing with the legendary Brown and Roach and given long solos to boot. And they make the most of the opportunity. And Clifford's entrance sets off an increase in intensity that is a beauty to hear. Great Cut!!
"Coronado" is the supreme up-tempo blowing session and the enthusiasm is apparent by the shouts of encouragement evident from the non-soloing musicians. Benton in particular sets them off. This recording underscores how much we lost when Clifford died. He would have affected the trajectory of jazz by further wedging his way between Dizzy and Miles with his distinct style and beautiful tone.
(Note: can we get some one, anyone, to compile "Best Coast Jazz" and "Clifford Brown All Stars" into one CD at a sensible price, say $15? That would be great.)"
Track Listings (3) - Disc #1