Search - Gene Krupa :: Big Noise from Winnetka

One of the BEST Krupa Offerings!!

F. Barton | Newport, WA USA | 07/29/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This live recording from '59 at the London House, is first rate in everything. The sound, the performances, and most of all the remastering, which can take your breath away!It's likely to envelop you in a wonderous array of softer sounds, while still showing why Krupa was the best drummer of the time. The title song, starts off a cool spell of mystery, and the audience is incredibly respectful of the group, which was much smaller than Krupa's earlier big band days. However, they can still blow out your speakers with "Some of These Days" and "Drum Boogie." The microphones were so well placed, that the sounds of the audience do not interfere with the playing, and that makes it exceptional to listen to. "Take the "A" Train" and "Don't Be That Way" are startling to listen to, especially when you know them from the '40s recordings.It seems that Gene never stopped evolving, and the musicians on this set are top notch as well. All in all, I can easily say that this is my favorite single lp of Gene Krupa, or it is in the top three. It's worth every penny to track it down, you will not be sorry..........and it's doubtful that if will be off your player for months!!A must have for ANY Gene Krupa fan. Verve was not noted for it's great sound, but they have redeemed themselves with this release, great separation and fidelity. Top notch!!!"

Top Notch Krupa

Gertrude | New York USA | 01/04/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I was absolutely thrilled to find this CD. This is a classic disc of Krupa playing with his small group in 1959. Tasteful playing by the whole group and fine arrangements give Krupa yet another spotlight to show what a great drummer he was with his quartet. This CD is a real winner."

This Is Real Krupa

J. Vetrano | Chicago, IL | 10/04/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Gene was a personal friend. I borrowed this LP from him back in the 60's and loved it then. It's one of those albums on a short list I've had, and have continued to check on over the years for a re-issue.



As far as I'm concerned, this is the real Gene Krupa, certainly the player I knew, instead of the guy way up top on a big stage.



By the time this was recorded Gene had many years of small group playing behind him. As a small group player, he played in venues where you could walk up to him and talk with him off or on the bandstand.



This CD absolutely portrays that intimacy and Gene's personality. From knowing him, I can tell he was excited to be home in Chicago and at The London House which was a favorite venue of his.



The recording quality is such that you are listening from on the bandstand instead of in front of it. You aren't in the audience. You are standing next to Gene while he plays. If you're a drummer you'll hear exactly what Gene was playing and how his equipment sounded.



If you are a fan, you simply won't be disappointed because Gene was truly at his best technically, and projected every bit of his personality in the music. You'll know Gene "personally" after listening just one time.



"