Search - Charlie Barnet :: Everest Years (Exp) (Dig)

It's about time......

Southern Slim | Memphis, USA | 08/01/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Charlie Barnet fans take note: These are the best recordings sound-wise that have ever been released on CD from the big band master. This is Charlie in the late fifties, revisiting his hits for the first time in stereo. Many didn't even know that these records existed - these recordings are not only a huge improvement soundwise, but the updated arrangements and the all star band make these the hippest sessions Mr. Barnet ever recorded. The sound is crisp and dynamic and a must for fans of big band music. A big plus is that no stone was untuned for this comp - a very generous CD encompassing his entire recorded output for the Everest label. I you loved the Cherokee release on Evidence - here's lots more where that came from (double the amount of selections). A must have for all big band fans who always wondered how there favorite bands of the thirties and forties would sound with the benefit of modern recording techniques. Dig this sound - it'll blow you away."

Pretty Swell Stereo Big Band Stuff by Barnet

Doug - Haydn Fan | California | 03/17/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Probably the ONLY drawback to the great Big Bands was the lack of stereo available during their heyday in the thirties and forties. Good as many of the original monorual recordings are they fall short in capturing the unequaled palette of instrumental colors of a full-sized swing orchestra, or produce without distortion the pulsating oomph of those brass sections in full flight.



This CD reissues the complete numbers on two superb Everest stereo records of a Charlie Barnet band recorded between the first of August and the end of September, 1958.



The new arrangements leave enough of the spirit of the original bands for a listener to sense something of the experience of hearing these musical marvels in live concert. It's historically important to have such recordings because contemporary 'swing' bands are far removed from such groups as this in talent and experience. Modern Swing performers are not working at the cutting edge of contempoaray music-making, nor are they made up of the cream of the musicians' pool. Too, the original groups were working out of creativity, talent and endless endless hours of performance. You just can't recreate such a moment in American musical history.



Thus it is that such recordings as these Everest ones for Barnet and Woody Herman and others The Everest Years give us the last and best recorded hearing of the sounds of authentic quality Swing music. Everest's recordings from this period were state of the art analogue stereo, in all ways the equal of the best of that Golden Age of early stereo. I own the originals and all I can add is I wish more old classics received such loving treatment when transferred to CD.



The music speaks for itself, good if not great updated renditions of some old chestnuts of Barnet's great war time bands coupled with new numbers. While I'm not wild about the all the arrangements there's enough left to showcase many of the hallmarks of a genuine swing orchestra. Hearing the impact of these performances through a great system is a real treat and a genuine privilege. About the only drawback is the cover, though one supposes there are Washington Redskin fans who would give it a thumbs-up, I for one think it in poor taste.



Listeners wanting to sample the earlier hey-days of Barnet can find an excellent special and specially priced 2 CD issue at the below Amazon site. It comes complete with a full lengthy 18 page booklet.

Classic Jazz Archive

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The best contemporary swing CD I've ever heard.

D. M. Press | 02/14/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I am COMPELLED to write this review and I'm only on track 14 of my first listen of this CD. Holy cow, this is a MUST HAVE CD for any fan of big band/swing music. I have lot's of swing music; Basie et al, but this is bringing tears of joy to my eyes. Just the first track alone, the 7:00 version of Cherokee/Redskin Rumba is enough to warrant a purchase of this collection, but the hard-driving performances and arrangements that follow are all impeccable. Crisp, 50's stereo sound and separation makes me feel like I'm on the dance floor of the Waldorf Astoria circa 1940. Don't miss this toe tappin' extravaganza - ***** all the way!



ADDED MAY 2009: Just an update to my previous review: although the music is fantastic, it should be noted that this CD is produced from LPs not master tapes - VERY evident in "Can't Get Started"."