Search - Clifford Brown :: Memorial Album

What a mess

Bomojaz | South Central PA, USA | 04/05/2005

(4 out of 5 stars)

"There are 2 different recording sessions included on this CD, one from June 9, 1953, the other from Aug. 28, 1953. Now, the order of the tunes on the CD is NOT the same order as listed on the tray card. The CD actually begins with "Bellarosa" (listed as track 10 on the tray card), proceeds through "Carvin' the Rock" (alt. tk.), then plays "Wail Bait" through "Hymn of the Orient." Fortunately, the music is much better than the listing details. "Carvin' the Rock" is especially good. These Blue Note sides are not as consistently good as his later EmArcy recordings, but Brownie is one of those guys who never made a bad record."

These are mono, but still great early Brownie...

douglasnegley | Pittsburgh, Pa. United States | 09/12/2003

(4 out of 5 stars)

"I read in the 'Remastered' version review that there was an audible hum on the second date represented on this two date Blue Note compilation. If there is one, I am unable to hear it at all on this one - not 'Remastered'. Frankly, these sound great to me, and there are plenty of alternate takes here, too. The first session, with Gigi Gryce, Charlie Rouse, John Lewis, Percy Heath, and Art Blakey is a great one, with Brownie cooking, and showing obvious mastery and genious. Gryce and Rouse are a good team to showcase, as well as blow on their own. The second date is with Lou Donaldson, Elmo Hope, Percy Heath, and Philly Joe Jones. While, as I said, the sound is fine, I am partial to the group with Gryce and Rouse. Brownie is just as good on both, but the first group simply compliments him better. As to the one comment about "passing this one by for Brown and Roach" - don't. Get them both if you can. This is a great CD...maybe better than the 'Remastered" edition..."