Search - Victor Feldman :: Arrival of Victor Feldman (Mlps)

A Jazz Gem!

James E. Scalise | Downers Grove, IL | 11/04/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I have enjoyed this LP for many years now. It was recorded in 1958

and these three GREAT musicians are no longer with us: the virtuoistic VICTOR FELDMAN/Piano & Vibes, the rock solid bassist SCOTT LAFARO and the impeccable STAN LEVY on drums. This is much more than a casual listen and is HIGHLY RECOMMENDED."

He arrives and, with no little help from the peerless LaFaro

Samuel Chell | Kenosha,, WI United States | 12/19/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Although I wouldn't have minded fewer tunes and longer solos, count this recording a win-win. Les Koenig's Contemporary label made beautifully "imaged" recordings--not the dimensionless, "flat," in-your-face Van Gelder sound of the East Coast Blue Note label but three-dimensional, spacious, inviting sound that captures a piano or acoustic bass as well as any recordings made in 2008.



Listen to the grit and gristle of each note played by Scottie LaFaro (today, practically all acoustic bass players sound the same--lots of volume and little personality or character, whether due to the player's set-up, studio equipment, or the mixing). Feldman's piano is not as developed as his vibes work at this early stage in his career, so there's lots of space (and solo room) for LaFaro's majestic sound and unstoppable drive. In fact, it's probably no exaggeration to say the date is as much Scottie's as Victor's. The latter makes a favorable impression; the former puts on a clinic! Not to be missed by any acoustic bass player or admirer (the recorded sound of the bass at Contemporary records is, as usual, unequalled).



Feldman shows why he was considered a prodigy, someone who was quickly welcomed on competitive American soil, where he quickly found employment in the L.A. studios as well as with groups such as those of Cannonball and Miles. He's supremely melodic, with fresh voicings and a unique take on Red Garland's block-chorded style (it's unfortunate the latter was given few opportunities outside the studios of Blue Note and Prestige). This is a "musician's album," meant to impress the kind of listener who can appreciate a great solo by Bird, Diz, or Bud."