Search - Rafael Mendez :: Trumpet Spectacular

A lot of fun

D. Jack Elliot | Omaha, Nebraska | 12/01/2006

(4 out of 5 stars)

"People called Rafael Mendez "the World's Greatest Trumpeter" in his time, and if they meant the best mariachi trumpeter that must have been true. He plays half of this album in that style, and it's really great. The sound quality of these recordings is very good, the tunes are all hummable and a lot of fun, and to be sure, Mendez had an impressive virtuosity. Most of these tunes are in fact trios, Mendez overdubbing tracks of his own playing.



As for the Haydn concerto, though... he just didn't cultivate the right kind of sound for a classical piece. It reminds me of the album of Michael Bolton singing opera arias: using a sound and style developed for popular songs to play classical music is just as bizzare and laughable and out-of-place as the Wagnerian soprano (the "fat lady") rapping, or singing country music. Actually, Mendez isn't quite THAT far out of his element here, but still, for all the enthusiasm of his reading, you'll find the cut pretty gauche and tasteless if you're familiar with any good readings of the piece by real classical soloists.



But if you like trumpet playing, you'll really enjoy this album! It's worth your dollar."