Search - Hanna-Fontana Band, Jake Hanna, Carl Fontana :: Hanna-Fontana Band Live at Concord

Spirited performance by seasoned pros

James A. Vedda | Alexandria, VA USA | 01/19/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This album preserves a great performance by a rare gathering of players, with drummer Jake Hanna and trombonist Carl Fontana as the headliners. Fontana, one of the top jazz soloists on his instrument, is featured on the first two tracks, "A Beautiful Friendship" and "Sweet and Lovely." Tenor sax and trumpet are added for the rest of the tunes, except the ballad "Old Folks" which features the tenor alone with the rhythm section. The soloist is Plas Johnson, a star in his own right, who is perhaps most widely remembered for his famous Pink Panther solo with Henry Mancini.

Jake Hanna was not a flashy drummer in the style of Buddy Rich, but he knew how to lead a rhythm section with the beauty and precision of the proverbial Swiss watch. For that he shares the credit with legendary players Dave McKenna on piano and Herb Ellis on guitar.

I have the original 1975 LP and was pleased to discover that it had been released on CD, with the original cover design and liner notes. However, I'm dismayed at how high the price has climbed. I bought a good used copy for $8.99, ordered at the beginning of 2008. As I write this just a couple of weeks later, the 7 copies listed on Amazon from alternate vendors range in price from $58 to $137. The 49 minutes of music offered here are great stuff, but the high prices are absurd. I hope some vendors will start offering this CD in a sensible price range again so more people can enjoy it."

Must-Have for Trombonists

Robert C. Stoneback | Whitehall, PA USA | 12/09/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This CD captures Carl Fontana at his finest: lightning-fast and lyrical at the same time. The way he builds his chorus on "Beautiful Friendship" is superb. I insist on all my students obtaining this recording.



I agree some vendors are charging a bit too much, but it is out of print."