A live recording classic!
Juan Oliver Colom | San Juan, PR Puerto Rico | 06/16/2005
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I own this record in LP, and have been expecting its release in CD for years! This combines two vintage jazz groups at the top of their form, and stimulated by the live audience and the Newport Jazz Festival aura. Catch Paul Desmond's soaring alto -never underestimate the "dry martini" sound. I'm in a Dancing Mood captures the essence of the early Brubeck sound, in different tempos and moods. As for JJ and Kay, the flawless trombone duet can be appreciated at its fullest in what appears to be an easygoing sound while in effect is a virtuoso performance of two masters of their instruments. Five stars all over! To Columbia Records: please, please reissue this masterpiece!"
Sublime, Cool Jazz
Kenneth J. Nessing | 05/19/2006
(5 out of 5 stars)
"The audience at the 1956 Newport Jazz Festival was certainly lucky. Not only did they witness these performances, there was a recording to support the superlatives they no doubt used describing them; that is, until the recording went out of print. The title of this review simply says it all. I have been listening to this record, my father's LP with pops and clicks, for 40 years. A CD re-release is criminally overdue. Yes, the live "In Your Own Sweet Way" appears on a recent Brubeck "best of" collection but there's more here: the magical atmosphere of the recording is best experienced as a complete work. The listener is caught up in the excitement, e.g. the emcee, while introducting Jay & Kai, mentions that this appearance is likely their last as a duo. You feel lucky to "be there." Their twin trombones soar through their set which opens with "Lover Come Back to Me". Brubeck. Jay & Kai. Both on one live, mid-50's Newport recording. Let's get with it, Columbia."
Another plea for a CD release!
Rn Kerr | Canberra Australia | 07/15/2007
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I join with the other reviewers in everything they say about this great recording. I have been carrying my LP around for 50 years and it still is good to hear. It is LIVE in the real meaning of the word. I am old enough to remember the days when Willis Conover was the DJ on the Voice of America Jazz Hour and his voice together with the enthusiastic audience at the NWPT in 1956 certainly adds to the atmosphere of a classic disc.
Please, somebody re-release it!"
Track Listings (7) - Disc #1