Search - Charlie Christian :: Genius of the Electric Guitar

Great collection of a true jazz pioneer

Joe Sixpack -- Slipcue.com | ...in Middle America | 03/18/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Although musicians throughout the United States were experimenting with amplification during the Great Depression -- notably in the fields of country, blues and jazz -- Charlie Christian is often acknowledged as the first great electric guitar virtuoso. A member of Benny Goodman's top-flight 1930s swing ensemble, Christian both popularized the new instrument and helped define a new stylistic vocabulary for how to play it. Other musicians, working in nightclubs and honkytonks, simply wanted something that would be loud enough for people to hear in the noisy environments. Christian, however, wanted to explore sonic textures and dynamics that became possible only through electrification.



This 4-CD set authoritatively covers Christian's groundbreaking work with the Goodman band, in both small and large ensembles. In addition to classic 78s and studio recordings, there are a number of live performances and outtakes. Perhaps the most interesting material is a set of longer, in-studio jam sessions that demonstrate an introspective style quite unlike what most swing players laid down back in the golden era of the 1930s and '40s... Very cool tones and textures on Christian's part, as well! If you're interested in checking out this legendary stylist, this is a great collection, with great sound quality (straight from the label) and a wide variety of material. It's pretty cool. (DJ Joe Sixpack, Slipcue music reviews)"

Amazing sound quality, changes everything!

Kay Emm Gee | 08/11/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Take it from me, a person who owns almost every Charlie Christian CD ever released, this box set is the best! It's just mind boggling how great these remastered recordings sound. The restored sound quality gives these old recordings the energy, excitement, and dignity that they deserve. This improved sound quality really makes these recording listenable, they really swing. For the first time I really understand the rock-star like appeal Benny Goodman, Lionel Hampton, and Charlie Christian had, they were revolutions, they rocked!!!"