Search - Al Hirt :: Live

A True Legend, Yet Past His Prime

02/01/1999

(2 out of 5 stars)

"I hesitate writing this review because I'm a big Al Hirt fan, but as a service to fellow fans and CD buyers I think it's only fair to say I was disappointed by this CD. I recently pulled my copy of "Al Hirt's All Time Greatest Hits" CD off the shelf for a listen, and enjoyed it so much I decided it was time to expand my collection of this legendary player. Unfortunately his performance bears only a slight resemblance to his former greatness. While there are no accompanying liner notes(a bad sign), this CD was published in 1996, which I assume was close to the time it was recorded. Unlike his unforgetable performances from the 1960's, most tunes on this CD actually de-emphasize Al's playing due to an apparent lack of stamina and control. Again, it hardly seems fair to make statements like this considering Al is nearly 70 years of age, a full 35 years after he hit the scene as a technical master and interpreter of song. As a former trumpeter myself, I can fully appreciate the difficulty of maintaining your chops, which I assume is a losing battle once you enter your 60's-70's. This is especially true of players that tend to be very physical players, As proof, the same could be said of the late great Diz, and the still incredible, yet diminished Maynard. So, if you're looking for a disk with more of the legendary Al Hirt in his prime, this isn't the CD for you. If you haven't got it yet, I my suggestion to you would be to buy a copy of the aforementioned "All-time Greatest Hists," which contains Al's most legendary performances from the '60's, when he was at his peak. But if you're a fan regardless, and want an average dixie-land recording from an average band, the price of this "Live" collection certainly is right. Just understand up front what you're getting!"