Try something different, 15 Feb 2004
Listening to good music is what it's about, right?
That's why you're on this site.
Wwll, whether you like heavy metal, Rap, classical or Cafe Del Mar, it's the quality of what you like that's important. That's what makes you like it.
Genres are just a convenient index system. don't let them put you off Jazz.
If you want to listen to some new good music, or at least some good music that you've never heard before; try The Hot Club.
It was a band set up in the 20's (I think) by a few talenred musicians.
A guy who is missing several fingers plays guitar with more dexterity than Hendrix. An old guy plays violin so well and with such speed that he could make Johnny, who sold his soul to the devil, have a fight with Nigel Kennedy over who's the boring one.
These two, plus many others in the Hot Club band, used to get together to play jazz and stuff in the 1920's and 30's. I don't know the full history and, to be honest, it doesn't matter.
They jam together, rather than play an album and play some great, lively stuff from lots of different sessions.
Enjoy.
Simple, exciting and enjoyable, 12 Apr 2002
Stuff Smith is not a highly acknowledged jazz violinist but never the less he provides some great jazz, more of an embellisher than an improviser his music is at the same time simple exciting and enjoyable.
This CD is culled from three previously released LP albums. The second of which, previously "Stuff Smith", contains some very nice solos from a guitarist who sadly is not given a credit. On the third Dizzy Gillespie fluctuates from a Harry Edison sound alike to his usual many noted bop style, fun and great trumpet. Oscar Peterson also featured on these two albums is in top form.
The first album previously "Have Violin will Travel" has Carl Perkins on piano, this like all Stuff's music swings like mad. This two-disc CD set is a fine tribute to a little known but worthy jazzman. Sound well up to Verve's usual standard.
