Missing disc, 20 Nov 2008
Not so much a review - just wondering if anyone else's set is missing the fifth disc containing additional music and interviews? Bizarrely, there doesn't appear to be room in the outer cardboard box to contain a fifth disc! Unless it's supposed to be tucked inside the fourth disc's individual packaging - in which case, where's the track listing?
VERY frustrating! I shall, of course, be returning it and hope to receive a COMPLETE replacement...!

This is gonna be great! Cheaper elsewhere though!, 10 Oct 2008
Everyone knows the theme. But music lovers know that John Williams belts out the most memorable scores around. Between Star Wars, Superman, E.T. and Indiana Jones he has done some of his best work.
I already own the released soundtracks and they are all great but as per usual when you watch the films you think why was that piece not included. When they finally, after years of waiting, got round to releasing the complete Star Wars CD's they were fantastic, and it was all there. Even though I already own all the Indiana Jones OST's I shall still be buying this. Those little snippets previously unreleased are just the lost treasure Indy himself would be after.
Agree with everyone else though.
AMAZON WHAT'S WITH THE PRE RELEASE PRICE?!?!?!
Having looked it is available on pre order for up to £15 less in the UK not to mention the US price on Amazon's own .com site.
Still for any soundtrack music lover this is one not to miss. Sure to be a collector's item in years to come.


UK Release, 09 Oct 2008
Looks like I will be getting one of my American pals to order this and send it over here, as stated £47 is almost $100 dollars, which is crazy.
That said, this is something we've all waited an age for so it will be worth the extra hassle to get hold of, cannot wait!

Why so expensive in the UK?, 05 Oct 2008
This is a must buy set but why is the British customer paying almost twice as much for the same set, £43.49, as the US customer, $47.99,? Can someone please explain this?

The Wait Is Over!, 25 Sep 2008
Before christmas looms this will be the most anticipated release for any soundtrack film collector! For almost ten years there had been rumours of releases of these extended scores...then began Raiders.
Now from Concord Records they have managed to find the forgotten master tapes and have created a great complete package consisting of original material not heard or released for sometime!
John Williams is a 'wonderkind marvel' who creates a magical world thru his music. And so to relive those exciting serial pictures Indiana Jones is fighting again, not in pictures but within your mind and your heart!
Go Buy Them!

This is the one jazz record owned by people who don't listen to jazz, and with good reason. The band itself is extraordinary (proof of Miles Davis's masterful casting skills, if not of God's existence), listing John Coltrane and Julian "Cannonball" Adderley on saxophones, Bill Evans (or, on "Freddie Freeloader", Wynton Kelly) on piano, and the crack rhythm unit of Paul Chambers on bass and Jimmy Cobb on drums. Coltrane's astringency on tenor is counterpoised to Adderley's funky self on alto, with Davis moderating between them as Bill Evans conjures up a still lake of sound on which they walk. Meanwhile, the rhythm partnership of Cobb and Chambers is prepared to click off time until eternity. It was the key recording of what became modal jazz, a music free of the fixed harmonies and forms of pop songs. In Davis's men's hands it was a weightless music, but one that refused to fade into the background. In retrospect every note seems perfect, and each piece moves inexorably towards its destiny. --John Szwed

Missing disc, 20 Nov 2008
Not so much a review - just wondering if anyone else's set is missing the fifth disc containing additional music and interviews? Bizarrely, there doesn't appear to be room in the outer cardboard box to contain a fifth disc! Unless it's supposed to be tucked inside the fourth disc's individual packaging - in which case, where's the track listing?
VERY frustrating! I shall, of course, be returning it and hope to receive a COMPLETE replacement...!

This is gonna be great! Cheaper elsewhere though!, 10 Oct 2008
Everyone knows the theme. But music lovers know that John Williams belts out the most memorable scores around. Between Star Wars, Superman, E.T. and Indiana Jones he has done some of his best work.
I already own the released soundtracks and they are all great but as per usual when you watch the films you think why was that piece not included. When they finally, after years of waiting, got round to releasing the complete Star Wars CD's they were fantastic, and it was all there. Even though I already own all the Indiana Jones OST's I shall still be buying this. Those little snippets previously unreleased are just the lost treasure Indy himself would be after.
Agree with everyone else though.
AMAZON WHAT'S WITH THE PRE RELEASE PRICE?!?!?!
Having looked it is available on pre order for up to £15 less in the UK not to mention the US price on Amazon's own .com site.
Still for any soundtrack music lover this is one not to miss. Sure to be a collector's item in years to come.


UK Release, 09 Oct 2008
Looks like I will be getting one of my American pals to order this and send it over here, as stated £47 is almost $100 dollars, which is crazy.
That said, this is something we've all waited an age for so it will be worth the extra hassle to get hold of, cannot wait!

Why so expensive in the UK?, 05 Oct 2008
This is a must buy set but why is the British customer paying almost twice as much for the same set, £43.49, as the US customer, $47.99,? Can someone please explain this?

The Wait Is Over!, 25 Sep 2008
Before christmas looms this will be the most anticipated release for any soundtrack film collector! For almost ten years there had been rumours of releases of these extended scores...then began Raiders.
Now from Concord Records they have managed to find the forgotten master tapes and have created a great complete package consisting of original material not heard or released for sometime!
John Williams is a 'wonderkind marvel' who creates a magical world thru his music. And so to relive those exciting serial pictures Indiana Jones is fighting again, not in pictures but within your mind and your heart!
Go Buy Them!


Estate Agents and other coffee-tablists: This is not the be-all and end-all of jazz!, 21 Nov 2008
It has already been said here that this album is usually found in non-jazz fans' collections alongside Bob Marley's greatest hits and most probably David Gray's entire ouvre. Perhaps it stands sentry there unplayed, just so its spine can be read, head tilted sideways, begging to impress upon whoever it is browsing through their collection some ill-gotten measure of sophistication? Perhaps they did play it once then decided no, they were right about jazz all along?

Modal, understated, and (aaargh!) cool, or tedious, cicuitous and under-cooked? Amongst aficionados, the most fiercely debated issue with the session is whether you are appreciating it at the correct pitch (an issue with the tape playback speed when it was mastered). That sums up the excitement levels for you. Hardly a dynamic recording to bolster enthusiasm for a novice jazz listener.

Personally, I feel sad for Bobby Timmons. Who? The pianist in Art Blakey's Jazz Messengers who wrote 'Moanin'' the year previous to this release. If he had had the temerity to just repeat the head to that tune up a semitone and then back down again as Miles practically does here (on 'So What'), it would be that album redundantly nestling in millions of style magazine-reading cretins' cd collections rather than this (somehow I picture Robert Elms owning 2 dozen copies). I find modal jazz to be a device that is prone to being abused as a way to stretch out lame ideas for twice as long as they need to be, and Miles was always fond of waiting until the cab ride to the studio to write the material. Just saying.

Just so this is not completely written off as a Davis-hating rant, here are my pointers for a few other jazz albums (from the exact same time frame as this: 1958-9) for the uninitiated to peruse rather than this stultifyingly obvious choice. Beware neophytes; no one musical genre can be defined by (and thus written off by) one album and I really do want to encourage more people to listen to jazz. These just strike me as being as accessible as Kind Of Blue.

Art Blakey & The Jazz Messengers - Moanin'
Horace Silver - Blowin' The Blues Away
Sonny Clark - Cool Struttin'
Lou Donaldson - Gravy Train
Gil Evans - The Complete Pacific Jazz Sessions
Bennie Green - Soul Stirrin'

My noted Blue Note bias is definitely a factor in this list. But from my own experience, being compelled to study this album as a rock-loving music student, I was put off jazz for several years by its meandering pace and lack of excitement. It took me another 5 years to discover there was more to jazz than Miles.

Before he went funny, 07 Nov 2008
I can understand why fans of Davis' jazz fusion, jazz rock and electric stuff may find this bland since it was recorded before he decided to explore that newer territory (which I find weird and disappointing). It represents just one part of his journey from the Rhumboogie Orchestra in 1944, via bop and Gill Evans, to the synthesizer-enhanced(?) din he was making towards the end of his career. Only a few days after this session was recorded Coltrane cut "Giant Steps", which is a fair indication of the direction he was a taking.

However, for me and thousands of others this is a beautiful record, with all the musicians performing at their (then) peak. Even Coltrane makes a beautiful sound and they all swing mightily when that is appropriate to the mood of the number. Yes, it is cool (although there is warmth, too) but that was what the mood required. Incidentally, in his autobiography, Davis denies that Bill Evans composed (or co-composed) any of the pieces in "Kind of Blue" although he admits Evans' influence on his approach to the work.

Whether it is "the best jazz record ever" I am not qualified to judge although it is surely among the best. But how do you compare it with King Oliver, Bechet's "Out of the Galleon" or with Bird at his best?
Such comparisons are pointless as well as impossible. Just enjoy it for what it is.


Modal Jazz begginings, 29 Sep 2008
Miles Davis and his band ( and what a band ) explore modes in this record beggining a new era in jazz improvisation previously based in chord changes.
That was quite a big step .First , it gave greater freedom.Second, you must knew what to do with the freedom to avoid a musical disaster.
The truth is that this is one of this exceptional albums that you can listen to 1000 times and discover new layers and rewarding musical moments.
I mean , if you want to understand Jazz after 1950 buy this and if you want to listen to exceptional music buy it too.

The Master, 12 Sep 2008
Don't waste your time reading anymore reviews -just buy the album. Better jazz than this is hard to imagine! Put it on, listen and relax.

this is a superb jazz album classic!!, 28 Aug 2008
im open to all music mainly eccept rap hip hop dance not my kind of thing each to there own!! but this is a classic jazz album its fab im not a massive jazz lover but love some jazz charles mingus,countbasie,frank sinatra,nat king cole,ray charles,duke ellington i like jazz thats simple not too all over the place eg john coultrane a love supreme its good in parts but goes off in places its awfull in parts i like this album more simple buy it!! classic!!

Missing disc, 20 Nov 2008
Not so much a review - just wondering if anyone else's set is missing the fifth disc containing additional music and interviews? Bizarrely, there doesn't appear to be room in the outer cardboard box to contain a fifth disc! Unless it's supposed to be tucked inside the fourth disc's individual packaging - in which case, where's the track listing?
VERY frustrating! I shall, of course, be returning it and hope to receive a COMPLETE replacement...!

This is gonna be great! Cheaper elsewhere though!, 10 Oct 2008
Everyone knows the theme. But music lovers know that John Williams belts out the most memorable scores around. Between Star Wars, Superman, E.T. and Indiana Jones he has done some of his best work.
I already own the released soundtracks and they are all great but as per usual when you watch the films you think why was that piece not included. When they finally, after years of waiting, got round to releasing the complete Star Wars CD's they were fantastic, and it was all there. Even though I already own all the Indiana Jones OST's I shall still be buying this. Those little snippets previously unreleased are just the lost treasure Indy himself would be after.
Agree with everyone else though.
AMAZON WHAT'S WITH THE PRE RELEASE PRICE?!?!?!
Having looked it is available on pre order for up to £15 less in the UK not to mention the US price on Amazon's own .com site.
Still for any soundtrack music lover this is one not to miss. Sure to be a collector's item in years to come.


UK Release, 09 Oct 2008
Looks like I will be getting one of my American pals to order this and send it over here, as stated £47 is almost $100 dollars, which is crazy.
That said, this is something we've all waited an age for so it will be worth the extra hassle to get hold of, cannot wait!

Why so expensive in the UK?, 05 Oct 2008
This is a must buy set but why is the British customer paying almost twice as much for the same set, £43.49, as the US customer, $47.99,? Can someone please explain this?

The Wait Is Over!, 25 Sep 2008
Before christmas looms this will be the most anticipated release for any soundtrack film collector! For almost ten years there had been rumours of releases of these extended scores...then began Raiders.
Now from Concord Records they have managed to find the forgotten master tapes and have created a great complete package consisting of original material not heard or released for sometime!
John Williams is a 'wonderkind marvel' who creates a magical world thru his music. And so to relive those exciting serial pictures Indiana Jones is fighting again, not in pictures but within your mind and your heart!
Go Buy Them!


Estate Agents and other coffee-tablists: This is not the be-all and end-all of jazz!, 21 Nov 2008
It has already been said here that this album is usually found in non-jazz fans' collections alongside Bob Marley's greatest hits and most probably David Gray's entire ouvre. Perhaps it stands sentry there unplayed, just so its spine can be read, head tilted sideways, begging to impress upon whoever it is browsing through their collection some ill-gotten measure of sophistication? Perhaps they did play it once then decided no, they were right about jazz all along?

Modal, understated, and (aaargh!) cool, or tedious, cicuitous and under-cooked? Amongst aficionados, the most fiercely debated issue with the session is whether you are appreciating it at the correct pitch (an issue with the tape playback speed when it was mastered). That sums up the excitement levels for you. Hardly a dynamic recording to bolster enthusiasm for a novice jazz listener.

Personally, I feel sad for Bobby Timmons. Who? The pianist in Art Blakey's Jazz Messengers who wrote 'Moanin'' the year previous to this release. If he had had the temerity to just repeat the head to that tune up a semitone and then back down again as Miles practically does here (on 'So What'), it would be that album redundantly nestling in millions of style magazine-reading cretins' cd collections rather than this (somehow I picture Robert Elms owning 2 dozen copies). I find modal jazz to be a device that is prone to being abused as a way to stretch out lame ideas for twice as long as they need to be, and Miles was always fond of waiting until the cab ride to the studio to write the material. Just saying.

Just so this is not completely written off as a Davis-hating rant, here are my pointers for a few other jazz albums (from the exact same time frame as this: 1958-9) for the uninitiated to peruse rather than this stultifyingly obvious choice. Beware neophytes; no one musical genre can be defined by (and thus written off by) one album and I really do want to encourage more people to listen to jazz. These just strike me as being as accessible as Kind Of Blue.

Art Blakey & The Jazz Messengers - Moanin'
Horace Silver - Blowin' The Blues Away
Sonny Clark - Cool Struttin'
Lou Donaldson - Gravy Train
Gil Evans - The Complete Pacific Jazz Sessions
Bennie Green - Soul Stirrin'

My noted Blue Note bias is definitely a factor in this list. But from my own experience, being compelled to study this album as a rock-loving music student, I was put off jazz for several years by its meandering pace and lack of excitement. It took me another 5 years to discover there was more to jazz than Miles.

Before he went funny, 07 Nov 2008
I can understand why fans of Davis' jazz fusion, jazz rock and electric stuff may find this bland since it was recorded before he decided to explore that newer territory (which I find weird and disappointing). It represents just one part of his journey from the Rhumboogie Orchestra in 1944, via bop and Gill Evans, to the synthesizer-enhanced(?) din he was making towards the end of his career. Only a few days after this session was recorded Coltrane cut "Giant Steps", which is a fair indication of the direction he was a taking.

However, for me and thousands of others this is a beautiful record, with all the musicians performing at their (then) peak. Even Coltrane makes a beautiful sound and they all swing mightily when that is appropriate to the mood of the number. Yes, it is cool (although there is warmth, too) but that was what the mood required. Incidentally, in his autobiography, Davis denies that Bill Evans composed (or co-composed) any of the pieces in "Kind of Blue" although he admits Evans' influence on his approach to the work.

Whether it is "the best jazz record ever" I am not qualified to judge although it is surely among the best. But how do you compare it with King Oliver, Bechet's "Out of the Galleon" or with Bird at his best?
Such comparisons are pointless as well as impossible. Just enjoy it for what it is.


Modal Jazz begginings, 29 Sep 2008
Miles Davis and his band ( and what a band ) explore modes in this record beggining a new era in jazz improvisation previously based in chord changes.
That was quite a big step .First , it gave greater freedom.Second, you must knew what to do with the freedom to avoid a musical disaster.
The truth is that this is one of this exceptional albums that you can listen to 1000 times and discover new layers and rewarding musical moments.
I mean , if you want to understand Jazz after 1950 buy this and if you want to listen to exceptional music buy it too.

The Master, 12 Sep 2008
Don't waste your time reading anymore reviews -just buy the album. Better jazz than this is hard to imagine! Put it on, listen and relax.

this is a superb jazz album classic!!, 28 Aug 2008
im open to all music mainly eccept rap hip hop dance not my kind of thing each to there own!! but this is a classic jazz album its fab im not a massive jazz lover but love some jazz charles mingus,countbasie,frank sinatra,nat king cole,ray charles,duke ellington i like jazz thats simple not too all over the place eg john coultrane a love supreme its good in parts but goes off in places its awfull in parts i like this album more simple buy it!! classic!!

Love it, 04 Apr 2008
Keeps-you-smiling music! One of the best voices that ever graced the music business. My 17 year old thinks she's as amazing as I do.

Fantastic chill out for xmas, 05 Dec 2007
Simply brilliant....perfect for wrapping pressies, stressed cooking & cleaning and general xmas prep, just the best chill out & put a smile on your face album I've listened to in ages. Love it love it love it. Just the best compilation.

Did I mention that I love it!


A good place to start, 27 Aug 2007
This is a great album to start if you're new to Nina Simone. It provides a good selection of her music and shows how eclectic she could be. Her voice is amazingly smooth and will give you goosebumps. Perfect for late at night and those times when you want to kick back and chill out. There are some tracks missing which I'd say were essential Nina, but for a first dip into her music you could do a lot worse than this fine collection.

If I could give this 10 stars I would, 02 Aug 2007
There is nothing not to like in this compilation of very well known hits by the great Nina Simone. Fabulous 'Mr Bojangles' is one of my all time favourates, but they are all fantastic anyway and will have you joining in in no time. Nina was a complex character and it shows in her amazingly emotional and quite unusual voice. If you haven't started a collection yet this one is a good begining.

Excellent, 11 Apr 2007
A fabulous example of the brilliant vocal gymnist that is Nina Simone. Accompanied by some marvellous piano, she brings to life her gift and her incredible improvisation piano solos, particularly in "My Baby just Cares for Me".
This CD is certainly a magnificent piece of work, an if your'e a first time listener to Nina Simone, or an all-time fan, this album is surely going to either spurge off a love for her or to merely extent your knowledge of her musical genius.

C Maguire Age:13

Missing disc, 20 Nov 2008
Not so much a review - just wondering if anyone else's set is missing the fifth disc containing additional music and interviews? Bizarrely, there doesn't appear to be room in the outer cardboard box to contain a fifth disc! Unless it's supposed to be tucked inside the fourth disc's individual packaging - in which case, where's the track listing?
VERY frustrating! I shall, of course, be returning it and hope to receive a COMPLETE replacement...!

This is gonna be great! Cheaper elsewhere though!, 10 Oct 2008
Everyone knows the theme. But music lovers know that John Williams belts out the most memorable scores around. Between Star Wars, Superman, E.T. and Indiana Jones he has done some of his best work.
I already own the released soundtracks and they are all great but as per usual when you watch the films you think why was that piece not included. When they finally, after years of waiting, got round to releasing the complete Star Wars CD's they were fantastic, and it was all there. Even though I already own all the Indiana Jones OST's I shall still be buying this. Those little snippets previously unreleased are just the lost treasure Indy himself would be after.
Agree with everyone else though.
AMAZON WHAT'S WITH THE PRE RELEASE PRICE?!?!?!
Having looked it is available on pre order for up to £15 less in the UK not to mention the US price on Amazon's own .com site.
Still for any soundtrack music lover this is one not to miss. Sure to be a collector's item in years to come.


UK Release, 09 Oct 2008
Looks like I will be getting one of my American pals to order this and send it over here, as stated £47 is almost $100 dollars, which is crazy.
That said, this is something we've all waited an age for so it will be worth the extra hassle to get hold of, cannot wait!

Why so expensive in the UK?, 05 Oct 2008
This is a must buy set but why is the British customer paying almost twice as much for the same set, £43.49, as the US customer, $47.99,? Can someone please explain this?

The Wait Is Over!, 25 Sep 2008
Before christmas looms this will be the most anticipated release for any soundtrack film collector! For almost ten years there had been rumours of releases of these extended scores...then began Raiders.
Now from Concord Records they have managed to find the forgotten master tapes and have created a great complete package consisting of original material not heard or released for sometime!
John Williams is a 'wonderkind marvel' who creates a magical world thru his music. And so to relive those exciting serial pictures Indiana Jones is fighting again, not in pictures but within your mind and your heart!
Go Buy Them!


Estate Agents and other coffee-tablists: This is not the be-all and end-all of jazz!, 21 Nov 2008
It has already been said here that this album is usually found in non-jazz fans' collections alongside Bob Marley's greatest hits and most probably David Gray's entire ouvre. Perhaps it stands sentry there unplayed, just so its spine can be read, head tilted sideways, begging to impress upon whoever it is browsing through their collection some ill-gotten measure of sophistication? Perhaps they did play it once then decided no, they were right about jazz all along?

Modal, understated, and (aaargh!) cool, or tedious, cicuitous and under-cooked? Amongst aficionados, the most fiercely debated issue with the session is whether you are appreciating it at the correct pitch (an issue with the tape playback speed when it was mastered). That sums up the excitement levels for you. Hardly a dynamic recording to bolster enthusiasm for a novice jazz listener.

Personally, I feel sad for Bobby Timmons. Who? The pianist in Art Blakey's Jazz Messengers who wrote 'Moanin'' the year previous to this release. If he had had the temerity to just repeat the head to that tune up a semitone and then back down again as Miles practically does here (on 'So What'), it would be that album redundantly nestling in millions of style magazine-reading cretins' cd collections rather than this (somehow I picture Robert Elms owning 2 dozen copies). I find modal jazz to be a device that is prone to being abused as a way to stretch out lame ideas for twice as long as they need to be, and Miles was always fond of waiting until the cab ride to the studio to write the material. Just saying.

Just so this is not completely written off as a Davis-hating rant, here are my pointers for a few other jazz albums (from the exact same time frame as this: 1958-9) for the uninitiated to peruse rather than this stultifyingly obvious choice. Beware neophytes; no one musical genre can be defined by (and thus written off by) one album and I really do want to encourage more people to listen to jazz. These just strike me as being as accessible as Kind Of Blue.

Art Blakey & The Jazz Messengers - Moanin'
Horace Silver - Blowin' The Blues Away
Sonny Clark - Cool Struttin'
Lou Donaldson - Gravy Train
Gil Evans - The Complete Pacific Jazz Sessions
Bennie Green - Soul Stirrin'

My noted Blue Note bias is definitely a factor in this list. But from my own experience, being compelled to study this album as a rock-loving music student, I was put off jazz for several years by its meandering pace and lack of excitement. It took me another 5 years to discover there was more to jazz than Miles.

Before he went funny, 07 Nov 2008
I can understand why fans of Davis' jazz fusion, jazz rock and electric stuff may find this bland since it was recorded before he decided to explore that newer territory (which I find weird and disappointing). It represents just one part of his journey from the Rhumboogie Orchestra in 1944, via bop and Gill Evans, to the synthesizer-enhanced(?) din he was making towards the end of his career. Only a few days after this session was recorded Coltrane cut "Giant Steps", which is a fair indication of the direction he was a taking.

However, for me and thousands of others this is a beautiful record, with all the musicians performing at their (then) peak. Even Coltrane makes a beautiful sound and they all swing mightily when that is appropriate to the mood of the number. Yes, it is cool (although there is warmth, too) but that was what the mood required. Incidentally, in his autobiography, Davis denies that Bill Evans composed (or co-composed) any of the pieces in "Kind of Blue" although he admits Evans' influence on his approach to the work.

Whether it is "the best jazz record ever" I am not qualified to judge although it is surely among the best. But how do you compare it with King Oliver, Bechet's "Out of the Galleon" or with Bird at his best?
Such comparisons are pointless as well as impossible. Just enjoy it for what it is.


Modal Jazz begginings, 29 Sep 2008
Miles Davis and his band ( and what a band ) explore modes in this record beggining a new era in jazz improvisation previously based in chord changes.
That was quite a big step .First , it gave greater freedom.Second, you must knew what to do with the freedom to avoid a musical disaster.
The truth is that this is one of this exceptional albums that you can listen to 1000 times and discover new layers and rewarding musical moments.
I mean , if you want to understand Jazz after 1950 buy this and if you want to listen to exceptional music buy it too.

The Master, 12 Sep 2008
Don't waste your time reading anymore reviews -just buy the album. Better jazz than this is hard to imagine! Put it on, listen and relax.

this is a superb jazz album classic!!, 28 Aug 2008
im open to all music mainly eccept rap hip hop dance not my kind of thing each to there own!! but this is a classic jazz album its fab im not a massive jazz lover but love some jazz charles mingus,countbasie,frank sinatra,nat king cole,ray charles,duke ellington i like jazz thats simple not too all over the place eg john coultrane a love supreme its good in parts but goes off in places its awfull in parts i like this album more simple buy it!! classic!!

Love it, 04 Apr 2008
Keeps-you-smiling music! One of the best voices that ever graced the music business. My 17 year old thinks she's as amazing as I do.

Fantastic chill out for xmas, 05 Dec 2007
Simply brilliant....perfect for wrapping pressies, stressed cooking & cleaning and general xmas prep, just the best chill out & put a smile on your face album I've listened to in ages. Love it love it love it. Just the best compilation.

Did I mention that I love it!


A good place to start, 27 Aug 2007
This is a great album to start if you're new to Nina Simone. It provides a good selection of her music and shows how eclectic she could be. Her voice is amazingly smooth and will give you goosebumps. Perfect for late at night and those times when you want to kick back and chill out. There are some tracks missing which I'd say were essential Nina, but for a first dip into her music you could do a lot worse than this fine collection.

If I could give this 10 stars I would, 02 Aug 2007
There is nothing not to like in this compilation of very well known hits by the great Nina Simone. Fabulous 'Mr Bojangles' is one of my all time favourates, but they are all fantastic anyway and will have you joining in in no time. Nina was a complex character and it shows in her amazingly emotional and quite unusual voice. If you haven't started a collection yet this one is a good begining.

Excellent, 11 Apr 2007
A fabulous example of the brilliant vocal gymnist that is Nina Simone. Accompanied by some marvellous piano, she brings to life her gift and her incredible improvisation piano solos, particularly in "My Baby just Cares for Me".
This CD is certainly a magnificent piece of work, an if your'e a first time listener to Nina Simone, or an all-time fan, this album is surely going to either spurge off a love for her or to merely extent your knowledge of her musical genius.

C Maguire Age:13

If you want just one or two of Ella's CDs..., 05 Sep 2007
If you want just one or two of Ella's CDs ... then it should be this "Gold - All her Greatest Hits" and "Ella and Louis Together" (and if you can have the third, please make it "Ella in Berlin [Live] - Mack The Knife")

I have most of her CDs, and I can tell that the person who assembled "Gold - All her Greatest Hits" and "Ella and Louis Together" loves Ella so deeply. The songs he picked and the song order are of the absolute perfection. If you are after compilation CDs of Ella, look no further.

This "Gold - All Her Greatest Hits" is a wonderful CD if you want music that has full of passion, elegance and serenity at the same time. Specially. her 'Manhattan' is the best of all (naturally). I have heard this song by many other singers, but no one has ever matched her performance (even my hot favourite Stacey Kent...I hate to admit this). You can sense Ella's love for New York, and her soft voice makes you long to be there.

Open your fridge and pour yourself a glass of nice cold beer. Open the window, and sit by the window. Close your eyes, and flow with the music. All the troubles you have in your mind will be washed away. Be content for now.

'S Wonderful, Magical and Elegant, 24 Oct 2005
It doesn't get any more elegant than this in the world of music. Everything about this album is so beautiful and magical you'll fall in love with it instantly. Ella's vocals are easily some of the most beautiful, distinctive and memorable ever heard in the 20th Century. There is plenty of variety here too - from the upbeat to the moving, this Double CD has it all. This is definatley the best Ella compilation you can buy, and she is such an all time great that any music lover should treat themselves with this rare gem.

Ella is just so amazing, 15 Aug 2005
I have been putting my CDs onto my iPod - have been listening to Heifitz - Bach on Violin and Cello - Bob Dylan Albums and Dire Straits and loads of others - but the only album that stopped me dead in my tracks and forced me to listen - and brought me to tears was this one.

Ella's voice is like gold - the greatest of songs she sings and she makes each and everyone hers.

Any person who loves music just must buy and own this album - it is just amazing.

Musical magic, 25 Feb 2005
This is a fantastic double album featuring 39 tracks sung by the incomparable Ella Fitzgerald. From the upbeat 'Get Happy' and 'Puttin' on the Ritz' to the hauntingly lovely 'Summertime' sang with the equally talented Louis Armstrong.
There's something here for every taste and every mood. This is a 'must have' for any lover of Jazz/Blues or indeed anyone who just loves music. Lay back, close your eyes and enjoy.

The best Ella compilation, 05 Oct 2004
Ella's career was slow to get going but she long ago became a legend. This compilation of some of her best music contains some of her finest music from her peak years. Most of Ella's songs were not originals, but were covers of classics written by Irving Berlin, Cole Porter and other famous songwriters of their generation.

The set includes two classic duets with Louis Armstrong (Summertime, They can't take that away from me) and many other songs that Ella is remembered for, among them being Let's fall in love, Every time we say goodbye and Manhattan.

I only have eyes for you, originally written in the thirties, later became a rock'n'roll hit for the Flamingos in the fifties and a pop hit for Art Garfunkel in the seventies. Georgia on my mind, written by Hoagy Carmichael in the thirties, became much more popular when Ray Charles revived it in the sixties. Blue moon was revived by Elvis Presley in the fifties and again by the Marcels in the sixties.

Other famous songs include A fine romance, The very thought of you, Cheek to cheek, Lady is a tramp, I get a kick out of you, I love Paris, But not for me, Blue skies, Someone to watch over me, I've got you under my skin, Stormy weather, Bewitched, Night and day, Let's face the music and dance and many others.

Ella's versions of all these songs are brilliant. I'm sure that the compilers of this set must have had a difficult job deciding what to leave out but all the essentials are here. As an introduction to Ella's music, this is outstanding.

Missing disc, 20 Nov 2008
Not so much a review - just wondering if anyone else's set is missing the fifth disc containing additional music and interviews? Bizarrely, there doesn't appear to be room in the outer cardboard box to contain a fifth disc! Unless it's supposed to be tucked inside the fourth disc's individual packaging - in which case, where's the track listing?
VERY frustrating! I shall, of course, be returning it and hope to receive a COMPLETE replacement...!

This is gonna be great! Cheaper elsewhere though!, 10 Oct 2008
Everyone knows the theme. But music lovers know that John Williams belts out the most memorable scores around. Between Star Wars, Superman, E.T. and Indiana Jones he has done some of his best work.
I already own the released soundtracks and they are all great but as per usual when you watch the films you think why was that piece not included. When they finally, after years of waiting, got round to releasing the complete Star Wars CD's they were fantastic, and it was all there. Even though I already own all the Indiana Jones OST's I shall still be buying this. Those little snippets previously unreleased are just the lost treasure Indy himself would be after.
Agree with everyone else though.
AMAZON WHAT'S WITH THE PRE RELEASE PRICE?!?!?!
Having looked it is available on pre order for up to £15 less in the UK not to mention the US price on Amazon's own .com site.
Still for any soundtrack music lover this is one not to miss. Sure to be a collector's item in years to come.


UK Release, 09 Oct 2008
Looks like I will be getting one of my American pals to order this and send it over here, as stated £47 is almost $100 dollars, which is crazy.
That said, this is something we've all waited an age for so it will be worth the extra hassle to get hold of, cannot wait!

Why so expensive in the UK?, 05 Oct 2008
This is a must buy set but why is the British customer paying almost twice as much for the same set, £43.49, as the US customer, $47.99,? Can someone please explain this?

The Wait Is Over!, 25 Sep 2008
Before christmas looms this will be the most anticipated release for any soundtrack film collector! For almost ten years there had been rumours of releases of these extended scores...then began Raiders.
Now from Concord Records they have managed to find the forgotten master tapes and have created a great complete package consisting of original material not heard or released for sometime!
John Williams is a 'wonderkind marvel' who creates a magical world thru his music. And so to relive those exciting serial pictures Indiana Jones is fighting again, not in pictures but within your mind and your heart!
Go Buy Them!


Estate Agents and other coffee-tablists: This is not the be-all and end-all of jazz!, 21 Nov 2008
It has already been said here that this album is usually found in non-jazz fans' collections alongside Bob Marley's greatest hits and most probably David Gray's entire ouvre. Perhaps it stands sentry there unplayed, just so its spine can be read, head tilted sideways, begging to impress upon whoever it is browsing through their collection some ill-gotten measure of sophistication? Perhaps they did play it once then decided no, they were right about jazz all along?

Modal, understated, and (aaargh!) cool, or tedious, cicuitous and under-cooked? Amongst aficionados, the most fiercely debated issue with the session is whether you are appreciating it at the correct pitch (an issue with the tape playback speed when it was mastered). That sums up the excitement levels for you. Hardly a dynamic recording to bolster enthusiasm for a novice jazz listener.

Personally, I feel sad for Bobby Timmons. Who? The pianist in Art Blakey's Jazz Messengers who wrote 'Moanin'' the year previous to this release. If he had had the temerity to just repeat the head to that tune up a semitone and then back down again as Miles practically does here (on 'So What'), it would be that album redundantly nestling in millions of style magazine-reading cretins' cd collections rather than this (somehow I picture Robert Elms owning 2 dozen copies). I find modal jazz to be a device that is prone to being abused as a way to stretch out lame ideas for twice as long as they need to be, and Miles was always fond of waiting until the cab ride to the studio to write the material. Just saying.

Just so this is not completely written off as a Davis-hating rant, here are my pointers for a few other jazz albums (from the exact same time frame as this: 1958-9) for the uninitiated to peruse rather than this stultifyingly obvious choice. Beware neophytes; no one musical genre can be defined by (and thus written off by) one album and I really do want to encourage more people to listen to jazz. These just strike me as being as accessible as Kind Of Blue.

Art Blakey & The Jazz Messengers - Moanin'
Horace Silver - Blowin' The Blues Away
Sonny Clark - Cool Struttin'
Lou Donaldson - Gravy Train
Gil Evans - The Complete Pacific Jazz Sessions
Bennie Green - Soul Stirrin'

My noted Blue Note bias is definitely a factor in this list. But from my own experience, being compelled to study this album as a rock-loving music student, I was put off jazz for several years by its meandering pace and lack of excitement. It took me another 5 years to discover there was more to jazz than Miles.

Before he went funny, 07 Nov 2008
I can understand why fans of Davis' jazz fusion, jazz rock and electric stuff may find this bland since it was recorded before he decided to explore that newer territory (which I find weird and disappointing). It represents just one part of his journey from the Rhumboogie Orchestra in 1944, via bop and Gill Evans, to the synthesizer-enhanced(?) din he was making towards the end of his career. Only a few days after this session was recorded Coltrane cut "Giant Steps", which is a fair indication of the direction he was a taking.

However, for me and thousands of others this is a beautiful record, with all the musicians performing at their (then) peak. Even Coltrane makes a beautiful sound and they all swing mightily when that is appropriate to the mood of the number. Yes, it is cool (although there is warmth, too) but that was what the mood required. Incidentally, in his autobiography, Davis denies that Bill Evans composed (or co-composed) any of the pieces in "Kind of Blue" although he admits Evans' influence on his approach to the work.

Whether it is "the best jazz record ever" I am not qualified to judge although it is surely among the best. But how do you compare it with King Oliver, Bechet's "Out of the Galleon" or with Bird at his best?
Such comparisons are pointless as well as impossible. Just enjoy it for what it is.


Modal Jazz begginings, 29 Sep 2008
Miles Davis and his band ( and what a band ) explore modes in this record beggining a new era in jazz improvisation previously based in chord changes.
That was quite a big step .First , it gave greater freedom.Second, you must knew what to do with the freedom to avoid a musical disaster.
The truth is that this is one of this exceptional albums that you can listen to 1000 times and discover new layers and rewarding musical moments.
I mean , if you want to understand Jazz after 1950 buy this and if you want to listen to exceptional music buy it too.

The Master, 12 Sep 2008
Don't waste your time reading anymore reviews -just buy the album. Better jazz than this is hard to imagine! Put it on, listen and relax.

this is a superb jazz album classic!!, 28 Aug 2008
im open to all music mainly eccept rap hip hop dance not my kind of thing each to there own!! but this is a classic jazz album its fab im not a massive jazz lover but love some jazz charles mingus,countbasie,frank sinatra,nat king cole,ray charles,duke ellington i like jazz thats simple not too all over the place eg john coultrane a love supreme its good in parts but goes off in places its awfull in parts i like this album more simple buy it!! classic!!

Love it, 04 Apr 2008
Keeps-you-smiling music! One of the best voices that ever graced the music business. My 17 year old thinks she's as amazing as I do.

Fantastic chill out for xmas, 05 Dec 2007
Simply brilliant....perfect for wrapping pressies, stressed cooking & cleaning and general xmas prep, just the best chill out & put a smile on your face album I've listened to in ages. Love it love it love it. Just the best compilation.

Did I mention that I love it!


A good place to start, 27 Aug 2007
This is a great album to start if you're new to Nina Simone. It provides a good selection of her music and shows how eclectic she could be. Her voice is amazingly smooth and will give you goosebumps. Perfect for late at night and those times when you want to kick back and chill out. There are some tracks missing which I'd say were essential Nina, but for a first dip into her music you could do a lot worse than this fine collection.

If I could give this 10 stars I would, 02 Aug 2007
There is nothing not to like in this compilation of very well known hits by the great Nina Simone. Fabulous 'Mr Bojangles' is one of my all time favourates, but they are all fantastic anyway and will have you joining in in no time. Nina was a complex character and it shows in her amazingly emotional and quite unusual voice. If you haven't started a collection yet this one is a good begining.

Excellent, 11 Apr 2007
A fabulous example of the brilliant vocal gymnist that is Nina Simone. Accompanied by some marvellous piano, she brings to life her gift and her incredible improvisation piano solos, particularly in "My Baby just Cares for Me".
This CD is certainly a magnificent piece of work, an if your'e a first time listener to Nina Simone, or an all-time fan, this album is surely going to either spurge off a love for her or to merely extent your knowledge of her musical genius.

C Maguire Age:13

If you want just one or two of Ella's CDs..., 05 Sep 2007
If you want just one or two of Ella's CDs ... then it should be this "Gold - All her Greatest Hits" and "Ella and Louis Together" (and if you can have the third, please make it "Ella in Berlin [Live] - Mack The Knife")

I have most of her CDs, and I can tell that the person who assembled "Gold - All her Greatest Hits" and "Ella and Louis Together" loves Ella so deeply. The songs he picked and the song order are of the absolute perfection. If you are after compilation CDs of Ella, look no further.

This "Gold - All Her Greatest Hits" is a wonderful CD if you want music that has full of passion, elegance and serenity at the same time. Specially. her 'Manhattan' is the best of all (naturally). I have heard this song by many other singers, but no one has ever matched her performance (even my hot favourite Stacey Kent...I hate to admit this). You can sense Ella's love for New York, and her soft voice makes you long to be there.

Open your fridge and pour yourself a glass of nice cold beer. Open the window, and sit by the window. Close your eyes, and flow with the music. All the troubles you have in your mind will be washed away. Be content for now.

'S Wonderful, Magical and Elegant, 24 Oct 2005
It doesn't get any more elegant than this in the world of music. Everything about this album is so beautiful and magical you'll fall in love with it instantly. Ella's vocals are easily some of the most beautiful, distinctive and memorable ever heard in the 20th Century. There is plenty of variety here too - from the upbeat to the moving, this Double CD has it all. This is definatley the best Ella compilation you can buy, and she is such an all time great that any music lover should treat themselves with this rare gem.

Ella is just so amazing, 15 Aug 2005
I have been putting my CDs onto my iPod - have been listening to Heifitz - Bach on Violin and Cello - Bob Dylan Albums and Dire Straits and loads of others - but the only album that stopped me dead in my tracks and forced me to listen - and brought me to tears was this one.

Ella's voice is like gold - the greatest of songs she sings and she makes each and everyone hers.

Any person who loves music just must buy and own this album - it is just amazing.

Musical magic, 25 Feb 2005
This is a fantastic double album featuring 39 tracks sung by the incomparable Ella Fitzgerald. From the upbeat 'Get Happy' and 'Puttin' on the Ritz' to the hauntingly lovely 'Summertime' sang with the equally talented Louis Armstrong.
There's something here for every taste and every mood. This is a 'must have' for any lover of Jazz/Blues or indeed anyone who just loves music. Lay back, close your eyes and enjoy.

The best Ella compilation, 05 Oct 2004
Ella's career was slow to get going but she long ago became a legend. This compilation of some of her best music contains some of her finest music from her peak years. Most of Ella's songs were not originals, but were covers of classics written by Irving Berlin, Cole Porter and other famous songwriters of their generation.

The set includes two classic duets with Louis Armstrong (Summertime, They can't take that away from me) and many other songs that Ella is remembered for, among them being Let's fall in love, Every time we say goodbye and Manhattan.

I only have eyes for you, originally written in the thirties, later became a rock'n'roll hit for the Flamingos in the fifties and a pop hit for Art Garfunkel in the seventies. Georgia on my mind, written by Hoagy Carmichael in the thirties, became much more popular when Ray Charles revived it in the sixties. Blue moon was revived by Elvis Presley in the fifties and again by the Marcels in the sixties.

Other famous songs include A fine romance, The very thought of you, Cheek to cheek, Lady is a tramp, I get a kick out of you, I love Paris, But not for me, Blue skies, Someone to watch over me, I've got you under my skin, Stormy weather, Bewitched, Night and day, Let's face the music and dance and many others.

Ella's versions of all these songs are brilliant. I'm sure that the compilers of this set must have had a difficult job deciding what to leave out but all the essentials are here. As an introduction to Ella's music, this is outstanding.

EST - the last post, 13 Oct 2008
Just magnificent! A wonderful tribute to the work of a trio who pushed the boundaries of jazz. A wall of sound for the 21st century.

A new era stopped abruptly, 11 Oct 2008
And to think I was getting a bit worried after the repetition and creative stagnation of the more pop oriented "Viaticum" and "Tuesday Wonderland". Thank God , this is a brilliant work and was definately going to lead the most important piano trio , into new uncharted territory , where different styles ,various influences would blend the future with the bop tradition into a new language . A legacy indeed and one of the most important jazz records of our times.

A Masterpiece, 23 Sep 2008
Sometimes it is necessary for musicians to push the boat out as on this album. Its radically different from anything est have done before and unfortunately and sadly will never be doing again. However, what a legacy. To me its a mixture of jazz and heavy rock with some abstract electronica throuwn in. The rhythms are powerful, dark and foreboding, yet the piano soars above the nocturnal bass and drums whether creating passages of melody or simple repetitive intonations. There are extraordinarily beautiful moments coupled with downright uncomfortable edgy passages. The overall effect is stunning and mindblowing but its not going to be to everyone's taste. People who like MoR jazz or pop are not going to dig this. But hey, without musicians willing to take risks there would be no progress in music as in anything else. A fitting epitaph for a maestro and a legend

Creative musicians at work......., 22 Sep 2008
How should we think of this album? It's clearly impossible for us now to see it outside the context of the band's last release before the untimely death of Esbjorn Svensson. However, it must also be clear that the band themselves weren't thinking of it in anything like that context when they recorded it. Is there anything here that we haven't heard them do before? My personal view is that I don't think so. It's just that there's more of some of the things they're good at and less of some of the others, so how you view the album will depend on how you view these different aspects of their creativity. If you're looking for their marvellous touch with a melody then you may end up dissatisfied but if you like the way they can mix electronics with a piano trio to make a real heavy-metal sound then you'll love it. And that's been a part of their playing for ages. This is them just getting together to play and recording what happens, and that seems to me to be in the best spirit of jazz - somewhere between the carefully-rehearsed studio recording and the spontaneity of a live performance. We don't get to know what the band could have given us to follow this album, but I for one am glad they gave us this.

Leucocyte, 21 Sep 2008
I am a thoroughgoing fan of e.s.t. but for me it stopped with Tuesday Wonderland.

Whatever happened to the melody? This is a very disappointing album, weighed down with SFX, and not very inspiring. It's relatively unimportant, however, as we are left with an overall superb legacy of material. You win some, you lose some.

Missing disc, 20 Nov 2008
Not so much a review - just wondering if anyone else's set is missing the fifth disc containing additional music and interviews? Bizarrely, there doesn't appear to be room in the outer cardboard box to contain a fifth disc! Unless it's supposed to be tucked inside the fourth disc's individual packaging - in which case, where's the track listing?
VERY frustrating! I shall, of course, be returning it and hope to receive a COMPLETE replacement...!

This is gonna be great! Cheaper elsewhere though!, 10 Oct 2008
Everyone knows the theme. But music lovers know that John Williams belts out the most memorable scores around. Between Star Wars, Superman, E.T. and Indiana Jones he has done some of his best work.
I already own the released soundtracks and they are all great but as per usual when you watch the films you think why was that piece not included. When they finally, after years of waiting, got round to releasing the complete Star Wars CD's they were fantastic, and it was all there. Even though I already own all the Indiana Jones OST's I shall still be buying this. Those little snippets previously unreleased are just the lost treasure Indy himself would be after.
Agree with everyone else though.
AMAZON WHAT'S WITH THE PRE RELEASE PRICE?!?!?!
Having looked it is available on pre order for up to £15 less in the UK not to mention the US price on Amazon's own .com site.
Still for any soundtrack music lover this is one not to miss. Sure to be a collector's item in years to come.


UK Release, 09 Oct 2008
Looks like I will be getting one of my American pals to order this and send it over here, as stated £47 is almost $100 dollars, which is crazy.
That said, this is something we've all waited an age for so it will be worth the extra hassle to get hold of, cannot wait!

Why so expensive in the UK?, 05 Oct 2008
This is a must buy set but why is the British customer paying almost twice as much for the same set, £43.49, as the US customer, $47.99,? Can someone please explain this?

The Wait Is Over!, 25 Sep 2008
Before christmas looms this will be the most anticipated release for any soundtrack film collector! For almost ten years there had been rumours of releases of these extended scores...then began Raiders.
Now from Concord Records they have managed to find the forgotten master tapes and have created a great complete package consisting of original material not heard or released for sometime!
John Williams is a 'wonderkind marvel' who creates a magical world thru his music. And so to relive those exciting serial pictures Indiana Jones is fighting again, not in pictures but within your mind and your heart!
Go Buy Them!


Estate Agents and other coffee-tablists: This is not the be-all and end-all of jazz!, 21 Nov 2008
It has already been said here that this album is usually found in non-jazz fans' collections alongside Bob Marley's greatest hits and most probably David Gray's entire ouvre. Perhaps it stands sentry there unplayed, just so its spine can be read, head tilted sideways, begging to impress upon whoever it is browsing through their collection some ill-gotten measure of sophistication? Perhaps they did play it once then decided no, they were right about jazz all along?

Modal, understated, and (aaargh!) cool, or tedious, cicuitous and under-cooked? Amongst aficionados, the most fiercely debated issue with the session is whether you are appreciating it at the correct pitch (an issue with the tape playback speed when it was mastered). That sums up the excitement levels for you. Hardly a dynamic recording to bolster enthusiasm for a novice jazz listener.

Personally, I feel sad for Bobby Timmons. Who? The pianist in Art Blakey's Jazz Messengers who wrote 'Moanin'' the year previous to this release. If he had had the temerity to just repeat the head to that tune up a semitone and then back down again as Miles practically does here (on 'So What'), it would be that album redundantly nestling in millions of style magazine-reading cretins' cd collections rather than this (somehow I picture Robert Elms owning 2 dozen copies). I find modal jazz to be a device that is prone to being abused as a way to stretch out lame ideas for twice as long as they need to be, and Miles was always fond of waiting until the cab ride to the studio to write the material. Just saying.

Just so this is not completely written off as a Davis-hating rant, here are my pointers for a few other jazz albums (from the exact same time frame as this: 1958-9) for the uninitiated to peruse rather than this stultifyingly obvious choice. Beware neophytes; no one musical genre can be defined by (and thus written off by) one album and I really do want to encourage more people to listen to jazz. These just strike me as being as accessible as Kind Of Blue.

Art Blakey & The Jazz Messengers - Moanin'
Horace Silver - Blowin' The Blues Away
Sonny Clark - Cool Struttin'
Lou Donaldson - Gravy Train
Gil Evans - The Complete Pacific Jazz Sessions
Bennie Green - Soul Stirrin'

My noted Blue Note bias is definitely a factor in this list. But from my own experience, being compelled to study this album as a rock-loving music student, I was put off jazz for several years by its meandering pace and lack of excitement. It took me another 5 years to discover there was more to jazz than Miles.

Before he went funny, 07 Nov 2008
I can understand why fans of Davis' jazz fusion, jazz rock and electric stuff may find this bland since it was recorded before he decided to explore that newer territory (which I find weird and disappointing). It represents just one part of his journey from the Rhumboogie Orchestra in 1944, via bop and Gill Evans, to the synthesizer-enhanced(?) din he was making towards the end of his career. Only a few days after this session was recorded Coltrane cut "Giant Steps", which is a fair indication of the direction he was a taking.

However, for me and thousands of others this is a beautiful record, with all the musicians performing at their (then) peak. Even Coltrane makes a beautiful sound and they all swing mightily when that is appropriate to the mood of the number. Yes, it is cool (although there is warmth, too) but that was what the mood required. Incidentally, in his autobiography, Davis denies that Bill Evans composed (or co-composed) any of the pieces in "Kind of Blue" although he admits Evans' influence on his approach to the work.

Whether it is "the best jazz record ever" I am not qualified to judge although it is surely among the best. But how do you compare it with King Oliver, Bechet's "Out of the Galleon" or with Bird at his best?
Such comparisons are pointless as well as impossible. Just enjoy it for what it is.


Modal Jazz begginings, 29 Sep 2008
Miles Davis and his band ( and what a band ) explore modes in this record beggining a new era in jazz improvisation previously based in chord changes.
That was quite a big step .First , it gave greater freedom.Second, you must knew what to do with the freedom to avoid a musical disaster.
The truth is that this is one of this exceptional albums that you can listen to 1000 times and discover new layers and rewarding musical moments.
I mean , if you want to understand Jazz after 1950 buy this and if you want to listen to exceptional music buy it too.

The Master, 12 Sep 2008
Don't waste your time reading anymore reviews -just buy the album. Better jazz than this is hard to imagine! Put it on, listen and relax.

this is a superb jazz album classic!!, 28 Aug 2008
im open to all music mainly eccept rap hip hop dance not my kind of thing each to there own!! but this is a classic jazz album its fab im not a massive jazz lover but love some jazz charles mingus,countbasie,frank sinatra,nat king cole,ray charles,duke ellington i like jazz thats simple not too all over the place eg john coultrane a love supreme its good in parts but goes off in places its awfull in parts i like this album more simple buy it!! classic!!

Love it, 04 Apr 2008
Keeps-you-smiling music! One of the best voices that ever graced the music business. My 17 year old thinks she's as amazing as I do.

Fantastic chill out for xmas, 05 Dec 2007
Simply brilliant....perfect for wrapping pressies, stressed cooking & cleaning and general xmas prep, just the best chill out & put a smile on your face album I've listened to in ages. Love it love it love it. Just the best compilation.

Did I mention that I love it!


A good place to start, 27 Aug 2007
This is a great album to start if you're new to Nina Simone. It provides a good selection of her music and shows how eclectic she could be. Her voice is amazingly smooth and will give you goosebumps. Perfect for late at night and those times when you want to kick back and chill out. There are some tracks missing which I'd say were essential Nina, but for a first dip into her music you could do a lot worse than this fine collection.

If I could give this 10 stars I would, 02 Aug 2007
There is nothing not to like in this compilation of very well known hits by the great Nina Simone. Fabulous 'Mr Bojangles' is one of my all time favourates, but they are all fantastic anyway and will have you joining in in no time. Nina was a complex character and it shows in her amazingly emotional and quite unusual voice. If you haven't started a collection yet this one is a good begining.

Excellent, 11 Apr 2007
A fabulous example of the brilliant vocal gymnist that is Nina Simone. Accompanied by some marvellous piano, she brings to life her gift and her incredible improvisation piano solos, particularly in "My Baby just Cares for Me".
This CD is certainly a magnificent piece of work, an if your'e a first time listener to Nina Simone, or an all-time fan, this album is surely going to either spurge off a love for her or to merely extent your knowledge of her musical genius.

C Maguire Age:13

If you want just one or two of Ella's CDs..., 05 Sep 2007
If you want just one or two of Ella's CDs ... then it should be this "Gold - All her Greatest Hits" and "Ella and Louis Together" (and if you can have the third, please make it "Ella in Berlin [Live] - Mack The Knife")

I have most of her CDs, and I can tell that the person who assembled "Gold - All her Greatest Hits" and "Ella and Louis Together" loves Ella so deeply. The songs he picked and the song order are of the absolute perfection. If you are after compilation CDs of Ella, look no further.

This "Gold - All Her Greatest Hits" is a wonderful CD if you want music that has full of passion, elegance and serenity at the same time. Specially. her 'Manhattan' is the best of all (naturally). I have heard this song by many other singers, but no one has ever matched her performance (even my hot favourite Stacey Kent...I hate to admit this). You can sense Ella's love for New York, and her soft voice makes you long to be there.

Open your fridge and pour yourself a glass of nice cold beer. Open the window, and sit by the window. Close your eyes, and flow with the music. All the troubles you have in your mind will be washed away. Be content for now.

'S Wonderful, Magical and Elegant, 24 Oct 2005
It doesn't get any more elegant than this in the world of music. Everything about this album is so beautiful and magical you'll fall in love with it instantly. Ella's vocals are easily some of the most beautiful, distinctive and memorable ever heard in the 20th Century. There is plenty of variety here too - from the upbeat to the moving, this Double CD has it all. This is definatley the best Ella compilation you can buy, and she is such an all time great that any music lover should treat themselves with this rare gem.

Ella is just so amazing, 15 Aug 2005
I have been putting my CDs onto my iPod - have been listening to Heifitz - Bach on Violin and Cello - Bob Dylan Albums and Dire Straits and loads of others - but the only album that stopped me dead in my tracks and forced me to listen - and brought me to tears was this one.

Ella's voice is like gold - the greatest of songs she sings and she makes each and everyone hers.

Any person who loves music just must buy and own this album - it is just amazing.

Musical magic, 25 Feb 2005
This is a fantastic double album featuring 39 tracks sung by the incomparable Ella Fitzgerald. From the upbeat 'Get Happy' and 'Puttin' on the Ritz' to the hauntingly lovely 'Summertime' sang with the equally talented Louis Armstrong.
There's something here for every taste and every mood. This is a 'must have' for any lover of Jazz/Blues or indeed anyone who just loves music. Lay back, close your eyes and enjoy.

The best Ella compilation, 05 Oct 2004
Ella's career was slow to get going but she long ago became a legend. This compilation of some of her best music contains some of her finest music from her peak years. Most of Ella's songs were not originals, but were covers of classics written by Irving Berlin, Cole Porter and other famous songwriters of their generation.

The set includes two classic duets with Louis Armstrong (Summertime, They can't take that away from me) and many other songs that Ella is remembered for, among them being Let's fall in love, Every time we say goodbye and Manhattan.

I only have eyes for you, originally written in the thirties, later became a rock'n'roll hit for the Flamingos in the fifties and a pop hit for Art Garfunkel in the seventies. Georgia on my mind, written by Hoagy Carmichael in the thirties, became much more popular when Ray Charles revived it in the sixties. Blue moon was revived by Elvis Presley in the fifties and again by the Marcels in the sixties.

Other famous songs include A fine romance, The very thought of you, Cheek to cheek, Lady is a tramp, I get a kick out of you, I love Paris, But not for me, Blue skies, Someone to watch over me, I've got you under my skin, Stormy weather, Bewitched, Night and day, Let's face the music and dance and many others.

Ella's versions of all these songs are brilliant. I'm sure that the compilers of this set must have had a difficult job deciding what to leave out but all the essentials are here. As an introduction to Ella's music, this is outstanding.

EST - the last post, 13 Oct 2008
Just magnificent! A wonderful tribute to the work of a trio who pushed the boundaries of jazz. A wall of sound for the 21st century.

A new era stopped abruptly, 11 Oct 2008
And to think I was getting a bit worried after the repetition and creative stagnation of the more pop oriented "Viaticum" and "Tuesday Wonderland". Thank God , this is a brilliant work and was definately going to lead the most important piano trio , into new uncharted territory , where different styles ,various influences would blend the future with the bop tradition into a new language . A legacy indeed and one of the most important jazz records of our times.

A Masterpiece, 23 Sep 2008
Sometimes it is necessary for musicians to push the boat out as on this album. Its radically different from anything est have done before and unfortunately and sadly will never be doing again. However, what a legacy. To me its a mixture of jazz and heavy rock with some abstract electronica throuwn in. The rhythms are powerful, dark and foreboding, yet the piano soars above the nocturnal bass and drums whether creating passages of melody or simple repetitive intonations. There are extraordinarily beautiful moments coupled with downright uncomfortable edgy passages. The overall effect is stunning and mindblowing but its not going to be to everyone's taste. People who like MoR jazz or pop are not going to dig this. But hey, without musicians willing to take risks there would be no progress in music as in anything else. A fitting epitaph for a maestro and a legend

Creative musicians at work......., 22 Sep 2008
How should we think of this album? It's clearly impossible for us now to see it outside the context of the band's last release before the untimely death of Esbjorn Svensson. However, it must also be clear that the band themselves weren't thinking of it in anything like that context when they recorded it. Is there anything here that we haven't heard them do before? My personal view is that I don't think so. It's just that there's more of some of the things they're good at and less of some of the others, so how you view the album will depend on how you view these different aspects of their creativity. If you're looking for their marvellous touch with a melody then you may end up dissatisfied but if you like the way they can mix electronics with a piano trio to make a real heavy-metal sound then you'll love it. And that's been a part of their playing for ages. This is them just getting together to play and recording what happens, and that seems to me to be in the best spirit of jazz - somewhere between the carefully-rehearsed studio recording and the spontaneity of a live performance. We don't get to know what the band could have given us to follow this album, but I for one am glad they gave us this.

Leucocyte, 21 Sep 2008
I am a thoroughgoing fan of e.s.t. but for me it stopped with Tuesday Wonderland.

Whatever happened to the melody? This is a very disappointing album, weighed down with SFX, and not very inspiring. It's relatively unimportant, however, as we are left with an overall superb legacy of material. You win some, you lose some.

Get this Album, 11 Nov 2008
Must have. It's a great album. Not much else to write that has not been written. Great trio and must have album

songs and praises, 23 Oct 2008
As with the case of fellow veteran and former Stenson collaborator Charles Lloyd, 2008 has seen Bobo Stenson release his finest album in at least a decade. "Cantando" has the purity of sound and consistency of 2000's "Serenity" and the diversity of 2005's "Goodbye" but where the latter's mix of originals, classical pieces, the odd standard and Latin numbers was uneven, here it gels wonderfully. Indeed there are few groups who move at all from the elegant tango of Astor Piazolla's "Chiquilin de Bachin" to the extended improvisation of the 13 minute "Pages" to the restless energy of Ornette Coleman's "A Fixed Goal" to the Alban Berg-composed "Liebesode" and none of whom I can think who do such with such verve and ease.

As before, Stenson's piano playing has a crystalline quality, full and inventive without being showy or fussy. Anders Jormin remains the perfect foil deploying his signature use of bowed bass on a number of tracks. Much has been written of young drummer Jon Falt who has performed live in the Stenson trio for a number of years but makes his recording debut follows in the intimidating lineage of Jon Christenson and Paul Motian. Suffice to say that he more than matches his illustrious predecessors.

Despite the sustained excellence, the highlights are the two versions of "Song of Ruth", by Petr Eben who, until his recent death, was the most prominent contemporary Czech composer if not the leading cultural figure in his country. The interpretations of the track originally scored for organ and soprano are full of yearning and atmosphere and provide a perfect snapshot of the interplay between piano, bass and percussion and the fact that the trio never ceases to sing throughout this wonderful release.

On paper, River sounds like a match made in several versions of heaven. Legendary pianist Herbie Hancock re-imagines Joni Mitchell with his hand-picked, star-studded band--including saxophonist Wayne Shorter--in tow. Luminary guests lend vocals to a song apiece: Norah Jones ("Court and Spark"), Tina Turner ("Edith and the Kingpin"), Corinne Bailey Rae ("River"), Luciana Souza ("Amelia"), Leonard Cohen (with an unsettlingly sanguine version of "The Jungle Line"), even Mitchell herself ("Tea Leaf Prophecy"). In the event, though, a few fundamental elements go awry. Hancock plays with almost saccharine understatement throughout, and even Shorter's seminal "Nefertiti" and Duke Ellington's "Solitude" fall into the album's presiding, somnolent surface, though to a lesser degree does the instrumental version of Mitchell's "Sweet Bird." But girding, and in some measure, saving, the proceedings, the lyrics here testify to a subtler wisdom guiding Hancock's set list. The mix includes a continuum from intrepid classics to dusty, fans-only fare, but a distinct reverence for Joni Mitchell the Poet threads them together, and, in the end, this album works best as a sleepy window into one fan's giddy and particular love affair with his source material. Fans of Hancock win out. --Jason Kirk

Missing disc, 20 Nov 2008
Not so much a review - just wondering if anyone else's set is missing the fifth disc containing additional music and interviews? Bizarrely, there doesn't appear to be room in the outer cardboard box to contain a fifth disc! Unless it's supposed to be tucked inside the fourth disc's individual packaging - in which case, where's the track listing?
VERY frustrating! I shall, of course, be returning it and hope to receive a COMPLETE replacement...!

This is gonna be great! Cheaper elsewhere though!, 10 Oct 2008
Everyone knows the theme. But music lovers know that John Williams belts out the most memorable scores around. Between Star Wars, Superman, E.T. and Indiana Jones he has done some of his best work.
I already own the released soundtracks and they are all great but as per usual when you watch the films you think why was that piece not included. When they finally, after years of waiting, got round to releasing the complete Star Wars CD's they were fantastic, and it was all there. Even though I already own all the Indiana Jones OST's I shall still be buying this. Those little snippets previously unreleased are just the lost treasure Indy himself would be after.
Agree with everyone else though.
AMAZON WHAT'S WITH THE PRE RELEASE PRICE?!?!?!
Having looked it is available on pre order for up to £15 less in the UK not to mention the US price on Amazon's own .com site.
Still for any soundtrack music lover this is one not to miss. Sure to be a collector's item in years to come.


UK Release, 09 Oct 2008
Looks like I will be getting one of my American pals to order this and send it over here, as stated £47 is almost $100 dollars, which is crazy.
That said, this is something we've all waited an age for so it will be worth the extra hassle to get hold of, cannot wait!

Why so expensive in the UK?, 05 Oct 2008
This is a must buy set but why is the British customer paying almost twice as much for the same set, £43.49, as the US customer, $47.99,? Can someone please explain this?

The Wait Is Over!, 25 Sep 2008
Before christmas looms this will be the most anticipated release for any soundtrack film collector! For almost ten years there had been rumours of releases of these extended scores...then began Raiders.
Now from Concord Records they have managed to find the forgotten master tapes and have created a great complete package consisting of original material not heard or released for sometime!
John Williams is a 'wonderkind marvel' who creates a magical world thru his music. And so to relive those exciting serial pictures Indiana Jones is fighting again, not in pictures but within your mind and your heart!
Go Buy Them!


Estate Agents and other coffee-tablists: This is not the be-all and end-all of jazz!, 21 Nov 2008
It has already been said here that this album is usually found in non-jazz fans' collections alongside Bob Marley's greatest hits and most probably David Gray's entire ouvre. Perhaps it stands sentry there unplayed, just so its spine can be read, head tilted sideways, begging to impress upon whoever it is browsing through their collection some ill-gotten measure of sophistication? Perhaps they did play it once then decided no, they were right about jazz all along?

Modal, understated, and (aaargh!) cool, or tedious, cicuitous and under-cooked? Amongst aficionados, the most fiercely debated issue with the session is whether you are appreciating it at the correct pitch (an issue with the tape playback speed when it was mastered). That sums up the excitement levels for you. Hardly a dynamic recording to bolster enthusiasm for a novice jazz listener.

Personally, I feel sad for Bobby Timmons. Who? The pianist in Art Blakey's Jazz Messengers who wrote 'Moanin'' the year previous to this release. If he had had the temerity to just repeat the head to that tune up a semitone and then back down again as Miles practically does here (on 'So What'), it would be that album redundantly nestling in millions of style magazine-reading cretins' cd collections rather than this (somehow I picture Robert Elms owning 2 dozen copies). I find modal jazz to be a device that is prone to being abused as a way to stretch out lame ideas for twice as long as they need to be, and Miles was always fond of waiting until the cab ride to the studio to write the material. Just saying.

Just so this is not completely written off as a Davis-hating rant, here are my pointers for a few other jazz albums (from the exact same time frame as this: 1958-9) for the uninitiated to peruse rather than this stultifyingly obvious choice. Beware neophytes; no one musical genre can be defined by (and thus written off by) one album and I really do want to encourage more people to listen to jazz. These just strike me as being as accessible as Kind Of Blue.

Art Blakey & The Jazz Messengers - Moanin'
Horace Silver - Blowin' The Blues Away
Sonny Clark - Cool Struttin'
Lou Donaldson - Gravy Train
Gil Evans - The Complete Pacific Jazz Sessions
Bennie Green - Soul Stirrin'

My noted Blue Note bias is definitely a factor in this list. But from my own experience, being compelled to study this album as a rock-loving music student, I was put off jazz for several years by its meandering pace and lack of excitement. It took me another 5 years to discover there was more to jazz than Miles.

Before he went funny, 07 Nov 2008
I can understand why fans of Davis' jazz fusion, jazz rock and electric stuff may find this bland since it was recorded before he decided to explore that newer territory (which I find weird and disappointing). It represents just one part of his journey from the Rhumboogie Orchestra in 1944, via bop and Gill Evans, to the synthesizer-enhanced(?) din he was making towards the end of his career. Only a few days after this session was recorded Coltrane cut "Giant Steps", which is a fair indication of the direction he was a taking.

However, for me and thousands of others this is a beautiful record, with all the musicians performing at their (then) peak. Even Coltrane makes a beautiful sound and they all swing mightily when that is appropriate to the mood of the number. Yes, it is cool (although there is warmth, too) but that was what the mood required. Incidentally, in his autobiography, Davis denies that Bill Evans composed (or co-composed) any of the pieces in "Kind of Blue" although he admits Evans' influence on his approach to the work.

Whether it is "the best jazz record ever" I am not qualified to judge although it is surely among the best. But how do you compare it with King Oliver, Bechet's "Out of the Galleon" or with Bird at his best?
Such comparisons are pointless as well as impossible. Just enjoy it for what it is.


Modal Jazz begginings, 29 Sep 2008
Miles Davis and his band ( and what a band ) explore modes in this record beggining a new era in jazz improvisation previously based in chord changes.
That was quite a big step .First , it gave greater freedom.Second, you must knew what to do with the freedom to avoid a musical disaster.
The truth is that this is one of this exceptional albums that you can listen to 1000 times and discover new layers and rewarding musical moments.
I mean , if you want to understand Jazz after 1950 buy this and if you want to listen to exceptional music buy it too.

The Master, 12 Sep 2008
Don't waste your time reading anymore reviews -just buy the album. Better jazz than this is hard to imagine! Put it on, listen and relax.

this is a superb jazz album classic!!, 28 Aug 2008
im open to all music mainly eccept rap hip hop dance not my kind of thing each to there own!! but this is a classic jazz album its fab im not a massive jazz lover but love some jazz charles mingus,countbasie,frank sinatra,nat king cole,ray charles,duke ellington i like jazz thats simple not too all over the place eg john coultrane a love supreme its good in parts but goes off in places its awfull in parts i like this album more simple buy it!! classic!!

Love it, 04 Apr 2008
Keeps-you-smiling music! One of the best voices that ever graced the music business. My 17 year old thinks she's as amazing as I do.

Fantastic chill out for xmas, 05 Dec 2007
Simply brilliant....perfect for wrapping pressies, stressed cooking & cleaning and general xmas prep, just the best chill out & put a smile on your face album I've listened to in ages. Love it love it love it. Just the best compilation.

Did I mention that I love it!


A good place to start, 27 Aug 2007
This is a great album to start if you're new to Nina Simone. It provides a good selection of her music and shows how eclectic she c