Jazz Memories [Box]

Performer: Various Artists
Producer: Alan Douglas (Compilation)
Distributor: Ryko Distribution

Notes: JAZZ MEMORIES includes a 70-page booklet of photographs by the famed jazz photographer Herman Leonard. Includes liner notes by Ross Firestone. Jazz Memories is a multimedia companion set that features two CDs and a beautiful 72-page book filled with exceptional photography by the brilliant photographer Herman Leonard. Each of the 35 photographs depicts the artistry and humanity of jazz greats at various times during their careers and all of them brilliantly emote and etch those priceless moments on one's jazz conscience. Ross Firestone's intimate session stories accompany each photograph. Thirty-one songs comprise the two discs. Disc one features 16 priceless jazz standards performed by such legends as Louis Armstrong, Charlie Parker, Dinah Washington, Billie Holiday, and Thelonious Monk. Included on this excellent compilation is a duet rendition of Armstrong's 1930 recording of "Dear Old Southland," which he re-recorded in 1956 as part of a four-LP musical autobiography. Also featured is Dinah Washington's timeless 1955 rendition of "Easy Living" as accompanied by Wynton Kelly on piano, Keter Betts on bass, and Jimmy Cobb on drums. Arrangements by a young Quincy Jones add to the historical significance of this enduring composition. Billie Holiday's 1948 and definitive rendition of "My Man" exudes the vulnerability and sexuality amid her musicianship that was rhythm and melody, not voice. Disc two features 15 songs performed by such jazz legends as Dizzy Gillespie, Coleman Hawkins, Miles Davis, and Duke Ellington. The inclusion of two rarely heard versions of "Tune Up" and "When Lights Are Low" by Davis' classic quintet of John Coltrane, Red Garland, Paul Chambers, and Philly Joe Jones makes this disc a standout for any avid jazz listener. A priceless solo version of "Lotus Blossom" performed by Duke Ellington (captured by the engineer after Ellington had completed recording his tribute album of all Billy Strayhorn compositions) closes the collection. Jazz Memories is a magnificent collection of jazz history and one any collector, student, educator, or jazz enthusiast would appreciate having in their collection. A must-have. ~ Paula Edelstein

Down Beat (May 2002, p.58) - 3.5 out of 5 stars - "...[The disc] mirrors each image with a corresponding music track....an excellent period overview and is quite moving..."

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