COMPLETE BLACK HAWK IN ONE BOX SET
Stuart Jefferson | San Diego,Ca | 01/07/2010
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Four discs-70,70,67,71 minutes each approximately. The sound is as good as the latest individual releases. The bass is where it should be,the piano isn't shrill sounding,the horns have presence,and the drums are clean and crisp without being overstated. This set contains ALL the known music recorded at this time/venue by this group,and is presented in chronological order of playing. The booklet is very informative-reproducing the four individual liner notes from the original releases (except the portion from Vol. 3,which has the "origin of jazz" paragraphs,not pertaining to this band,deleted),and the original "DOWNBEAT MAGAZINE" review,along with several photographs of the band members. Don't go by the AMAZON track listing as to what is on what disc-its INCORRECT.
These recordings,arguably,represent the epitome of the "West Coast sound" of jazz in the 50's,and perhaps beyond. For anyone wishing to hear some of the finest jazz from this,or any era,no matter what the locale,this will fit the bill nicely. Why this set isn't listed as a perennial jazz favorite/purchase on Amazon,much like some of Miles Davis' and Coltrane's recordings is a mystery to me. This music transcends enjoyable listening,and enters the realm of essential listening. This group-Shelly Manne-drums,Joe Gordon-trumpet,Victor Feldman-piano,Richie Kamuca-tenor sax,and Monty Budwig-bass,together have recorded some of the finest,most swinging,straight-ahead jazz in history.
By now most jazz listeners are familiar with these recordings,so pointing out highlights is useless. Suffice to say that this music,even the (at the time) previously unissued tracks,are all of equal worth. If for some reason you haven't heard this music (or have heard only snippets),this set needs to go on your short-list of jazz sets to purchase,and I envy you on your first hearing this music.
This is timeless music,and the fact that it's recorded in front of a live audience (the first time this group had done so),elevates the playing to an even higher plain. The individual releases have been in circulation for a long time,but to have everything in chronological order of playing,in one box set,with the original notes,makes this set valuable in it's own right. Again,if you're new to this music,for more great live jazz from the same era,check out "Live At The Jazz Hole" volumes under Manne's name. Some of the players are different,but the music is almost as good as the "Black Hawk" recordings.
This is music that will live on forever. Not only as an example of "jazz",but as an example of music played at the highest levels of professionalism and creativity. But the real test of great music is-will it get you to thinking about just what great music really is,and will it get your toe to tapping and put a smile on your face? This music will do that and maybe more.
"
The most underrated drummer in jazz
JPF | 03/27/2010
(5 out of 5 stars)
"The original recordings of this music have long been considered one of the best live jazz recordings ever made, as far as the sound quality is concerned (and of course, the music). This set not only retains that quality, it actually improves on it - if that's possible. Don't be worried, as I was when I was ordering this item, that this box set wouldn't be as good as the originals; it is, plus the tunes are now in chronological order. An excellent set."
Outstanding music
Alfonso Livianos | USA | 03/24/2010
(5 out of 5 stars)
"The Complete live at the Blackhawk is worth every second of it. Magnificient music, excellent sound, you can feel the magic of the live event through the 4 cds. It is totally complete (the 5 original cd's are comprised in 4 Cd's) and comes with a nice booklet. It is in the top 20 in my 750 cd's jazz collection. To me it is essential music, and I was glad when I saw that the Penguin Guide gives it the maximum rating."
Track Listings (7) - Disc #1