Search - Johann Sebastian Bach :: Jazz Sebastian Bach, Vol. 1

Vol.1 Jazz Sebastian Bach

Igor Catic | Zagreb Croatia | 04/28/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Dear Sirs! > I have not intention to buy the CD version of Jazz Sebastian Bach one of the highlights of the Swingle Singers. This is more testimony, but very, very rare, than professional review of one CD. But this text can be may be useful for your buyers. My English is not the best, so you fill free to rewrite this text in the way appropriate for you buyers.Text of reviewIt was in Paris, France, probably on June 8th 1964. For the first time four ladies and four mans on stage in Cite Universite as vocal group Les >Swingle Singers. They open his first public appearance with Fugue in D Minor. Thirty seven years later I am seeing very clear those shine faces of artists, joyful that his project vocalize J. B. Bach is a true. I am hearing now one of the best singers in Europe, not only at that time, Christiane Legrand (sister of famous composer, conductor, piano player an even excellent singer M. Legrand). Hers voice in Aria is simply fantastic. I have the chance to hear this group on his second concert in Paris, several months later. This was also an excellent concert, but without unforgettable fire of the first one. I have 12 LP of this group even this performed by the group called Swingle II. If you hear the CD Jazz Sebastian Bach you would understand what told ones Charlie Parker. J. S. Bach is the greatest composer in the history of mankind. You would understand one other miracle, why last year Bobby McFerrin were able to improvise on Bach and at the same time the public on the square in Dresden sings Gounod's Ave Maria. > Igor Catic, Zagreb Croatia From time to time jazz presenter on Croatian broadcasting systems."

I've been looking for this for a LONG time...

Scout Leader | Irvine, CA United States | 06/18/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I loved listening to this with my Dad in the 60's and 70's and had always wanted a "clean" copy of my own. I have the original LP, but the pops and hisses now mar the recording and let's face it, a CD is a lot easier to listen to. This is NOT the title or album cover of the LP issued in the US, but IS the same recording as the "Bach's Greatest Hits" LP released here in 1963 (or 1964) with the white album cover and grey line drawings of Bach et al. It is just as I remebered it. What a nice memory."

Swinging Bach

Booker T. | 12/30/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"When the Swingle Singers take on Bach's polyphony at full speed, it's exhilarating. Very cleanly done, very fun, and the jazz drums and bass add nicely to the sound.

Like many people, I have a soft spot for this group because my parents listened to them. (Next time your favorite retro-hipster starts in, pop this disk in, followed by a little Switched-On Bach, and let the love/hate debate begin.)

I could have done without a few of the slow Bach chestnuts featured here (maybe the "Wachet Auf" wasn't overdone in 1963), but the strong numbers, such as the mini-epic "Sinfonia", with a great soprano solo, carry the album to a higher plane. The drummer overplays in a few spots, but overall this record just plain works.

Recommended."