Best Traditional Jazz & Ragtime
Recorded during his memorable run for Capitol Records in the 1950s, the songs here are more than just his best, they're often the definitive recordings: "I Get a Kick out of You," "Young at Heart," "Witchcraft," "The Lady Is a Tramp," "In the Wee Small Hours," and "I've Got You Under My Skin."
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"The music is great, but the case is cracked."
"There will always be only one Frank."
"A digitally remastered compilation of "Old Blue Eyes'" greatest hits; what more could one say or ask for!"
"Again, bought for my mom."
"Sinatra songs from 1953 - 1960."
"It's Sinatra!"
"Its Frank Sinatra."
1999 compilation featuring 20 holiday classics.
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"Love it."
"great cd .....perfect condition and pretty fast in the mail ."
"This is a very good Christmas album starting with the holiday one that Nat made famous The Christmas Song."
"Nice CD with all the old style Christmas music I grew up with as a kid."
"The BEST CD of Christmas songs ever!"
Produced with the blessing of his estate, this disc is a thorough survey of his timeless genius--all recorded on the Capitol label. It captures his sumptuous and soothing tenor voice crooning on the pop tunes he made famous, like the ethereal "Nature Boy," the melancholy "Mona Lisa," and the bouncy "Straighten Up and Fly Right," and "Route 66."
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"Only a handful of songs are in stereo, so the rest sound sort of flat in my car with 9 speakers."
"What more could you possibly say about the incomparable Nat King Cole."
"How could you not love the best of NKC."
"Still one of the best of all time."
"Nat King Cole has a wonderful way about him that you feel when listenening to him sing."
Best Boogie-Woogie
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"Its interesting, and fun, to listen to the old music and hear songs that are early versions of music we still hear today."
"As I write this in mid-2006, the above retrospective box set is now long out of print and is fetching between $70 to $120 from Amazon's 2nd tier vendors. It is quite doubtful that it will be reissued in the near future.There is a myriad of selections, eclipsing The Anthology of American Folk Music in running time, years covered as well as musical styles- so this is still not a overpriced purchase at the above prices."
"The long box format includes a large, well written and illustrated booklet that is almost worth the cost all by itself!"
"This set is actually exactly what I expected and hoped that set to be: foot tappin' music which evocatively brings to mind fond thoughts of a simpler and more visceral era in American life. The Anthology of Amercian Folk Music may have some profound academic significance which escapes me, but if you want great music with a lot of mood and attitude, I don't think you can do much better than this Retrospective set."
"But oink oink what a money grubber to ask 299.00 for this set."
Best Ragtime
The epic sweep of Ragtime is captured in its opening prologue, a nine-minute kaleidoscope of fictional characters mingling with historical figures from the early 20th century as originally captured in E.L. Doctorow's sprawling novel . Stephen Flaherty and Lynn Ahrens ( Once on This Island ) mix marches, cakewalks, and of course ragtime to create a rich, compelling score, including Sarah's song to her baby, "Your Daddy's Son," her soaring duet with Coalhouse, "Wheels of a Dream," Mother's self-revealing "Back to Before," and numerous set pieces, all performed by a perfect cast.
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"This was supposed to be the later full cast recording, when I went to download the MP3 it was the earlier version that eliminated much of the dialog, e.g., the opening number is only 3 minutes rather than the 5 to 8 minutes it should be for a full version."
"Marin Mazzie sings the remarkable "Back To Before" and Audra MacDonald "Your Daddy's Hands" making them songs that will stand as monuments to theatre the way that "People" does for Streisand, "Rose's Turn" For Merman, "Hello Dolly" for Carol Channing. The songs themselves are spectacular; each piece develops and we do hear character development themes; each repeated motif in a song has thickened and developed along with the character, so we never ever feel as though the score was written hastily."
"This great work would have made it on the music alone, but when you factor in some of the best voices in the business, it's incredible. The musical focuses more strongly on the black-and-white race relationships than the original novel, and this works to the advantage. The juxtaposition of cultures makes for not only great storytelling, but variety in musical numbers, keeping the boredom factor at bay. An example of this occurs when the Irish Fireman--after a blatant display or racism--claims, "They'll get used to it the way we had to," pointing out the fact that at one time the Irish were not treated so well in this country. The cons: This is not a short musical."
"An excellent cast performs an excellent musical."
"I forgot how good the show was and how great the voices of the cast are on the recording."
"THIS 2 DISC CD BRINGS IT TO LIFE...."
"This music is incredible."
Best Stride Piano
If you set out to create a single anthology that charted all the twists and tributaries of that uniquely American river we call jazz, you couldn't do better than this companion set to the PBS series-94 tracks on 5 CDs licensed from virtually every important label in the history of the music. Includes The Pearls Jelly Roll Morton; Charleston James P. Johnson; West End Blues Louis Armstrong & His Hot Five; The Mooche Duke Ellington; Singin' the Blues Frankie Trumbauer & His Orchestra featuring Bix Beiderbecke; Moten Swing Benny Moten's Kansas City Orchestra; Strange Fruit Billie Holiday; Three Little Words Art Tatum; Body and Soul Coleman Hawkins; In the Mood Glenn Miller; Take Five Dave Brubeck; So What Miles Davis; Giant Steps John Coltrane; Desafinado Stan Getz & Charlie Byrd, and many more classics.
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"It is easy to list regrettable omissions from this set (and many reviewers have done so) and just as easy to point out how impossible it is to do full justice to a century of music that had multiple sources and spread rapidly to a plethora of sub-genres (and many reviewers have done that too). The British Trad Jazz that took hold in the early 50s and is still going strong (Chris Barber, Kenny Ball and their followers) is another indispensible part of Jazz history that finds no place in this collection."
"That being said, each of the four better discs in the set leaves much to be desired as a "listening experience." With such different styles and aesthetics encompassed on each disc, you're not likely to just put one on and enjoy the whole thing-and none of the discs are, or even could have been, arranged as coherent sets."
"Best $5.00 I have spent on some great music.Yes,it was a used CD set but plays perfect and everything was included."
"the best way to learn about most styles of 20th century jazz!"
"This 5-CD set is a great introduction to jazz music."
"terrific music, it's been a long time sense I heard original jazz."
Best New York Blues
On September 25, 2012, internationally renowned guitar superstar Joe Bonamassa will release the highly anticipated JOE BONAMASSA: BEACON THEATRE LIVE FROM NEW YORK on CD, showcasing the stunning sold-out two-night performance at New York City s legendary Beacon Theatre. He kicks it off with Slow Train, from 2011's solo album Dust Bowl and rolls through a number of fan-favorites including: Cradle Song, Dust Bowl, When The Fire Hits The Sea, Bird On A Wire, Blue & Evil, Mountain Time, and many more.
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"Best cover of that song that I have heard and I think that Moore would agree."
"Great music and performances."
"Product as described."
"The only way to see him is live."
"Joe Bonamassa ...Nuff said!"
Best Vocal Jazz
One of the most popular and beloved holiday albums of all-time now available for the very first time on collectable green vinyl!
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"This is worth it even if you are not a Charlie Brown fan (hard to believe) because of the incredible jazz talent of Guaraldi."
"Just be aware that 99% of them are strictly instrumental, I believe only 1 song has actual singing."
"Used to listen to this when I was a kid at Christmas time, and it’s still great to listen to I’m so glad I found it on Amazon!"
"Original songs magnificent!."
"If you're fond of the Christmas Charlie Brown cartoon video you'll love all the original music in this CD; a true classic."
"Nothing says "Christmas" more than "A Charlie Brown Christmas"."
"Who doesn't like Charlie Brown."
"Great album and a reasonable price (for brand new) and the green special edition is cool."
Best Latin Jazz
It went on to sell over 21 million copies worldwide, earning critical acclaim, as well as considerable controversy and protest from groups such as GLAAD for its homophobic and violent lyrics.18 tracks.
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"One of his better albums (there are many)."
"Came as expected!"
"Love Em."
"For those who have never heard this album, if you’re an Eminem fan (new or old) pick this up."
"Since this isn't really a review about the musical content of the vinyl (as anyone purchasing this has undoubtedly heard the MMLP already), I will say that it was packaged perfectly."
"Got here on time, works perfectly fine."
"©® Bowden's Masonry/Another Day Music/Designing By Grace."
Best Orchestral Jazz
Grammy winning trumpeter Chris Botti has returned in top form with Italia, his most lushly romantic and expressive album to date.
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"That said, I still give it 4 stars because so many of the other cuts are stellar... including "Nessun Dorma", "Estaté", and the two Ennio Morricone compositions, "Gabriel's Oboe"and "Deborah's Theme.""
"I absolutely love this CD."
"I keep searching for something by Chris Botti (along with Andrea Bocelli at his best!)."
"I bought this CD for my wife she loves Jazzshe likes Chris Bodie loves his music Seen him in concert it's a great CD I would recommend the seller CD arrive when was told it would thank you."
"Several years ago I saw/heard Chris Botti's performance on Public Television and immediately ordered the combo CD/DVD."
"If you like Botti, you'll like this one."
Best Brazilian Jazz
But this collection really surveys his interpretations of pop tunes of the day, some of which were never hits for Mendes.
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"The music is highly recommended for anyone who enjoys good smooth jazz versions of selected pop classics and popular latin rhythms. Best renditions are "Mais Que Nada", "Scarborough Fair", "Like a Lover", "The Fool on the Hill", "So Many Stars" and "Pretty World"."
"I thoroughly enjoy this compilation of hits, especially the Beatles covers."
"I have taken delivery of my recent CD purchase Sergio Mendes & Brasil 66 Greatest Hits."
"Lead singer lani Hall (also wife of Herb Alpert) has a heavenly voice."
"Some of the cuts on "Sergio Mendes & Brasil '66--Greatest Hits" sound as fresh as they did 40 years ago."
"One of my all time favorites."
Best Cool Jazz
One of the most popular and beloved holiday albums of all-time now available for the very first time on collectable green vinyl!
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"This is worth it even if you are not a Charlie Brown fan (hard to believe) because of the incredible jazz talent of Guaraldi."
"Just be aware that 99% of them are strictly instrumental, I believe only 1 song has actual singing."
"Used to listen to this when I was a kid at Christmas time, and it’s still great to listen to I’m so glad I found it on Amazon!"
"If you're fond of the Christmas Charlie Brown cartoon video you'll love all the original music in this CD; a true classic."
"Nothing says "Christmas" more than "A Charlie Brown Christmas"."
"Who doesn't like Charlie Brown."
"Great album and a reasonable price (for brand new) and the green special edition is cool."
"Not enough stars to give for this always appropriate holiday cd."
Best Jazz Fusion
Head Hunters was a pivotal point in Herbie Hancock's career, bringing him into the vanguard of jazz fusion.
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"Sounds superb says its an import anyone know from where?"
"You have to like jazz and jazz fusion music to begin with, and if you do this is a CD you should down."
"This album really illustrates or highlights the intro to fusion."
"Purchased as a gift."
"One of my favorites from my younger days."
"Warning - there is a stereo only version and a stereo/multichannel version of this as a Super Audio CD (SACD)."
"This is one of Herbie Hancock's classic albums."
Best Soul-Jazz & Boogaloo
Rapture is the second album by the American vocalist Anita Baker.
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"true jazz the way only Anita could do it!"
"Good price."
"Classic Anita - great music !"
"Old school Anita."
"Following Anita Baker's 1983 debut lack of success,Anita Baker realized that her husky and rangy vocal approach required a broader musical base. And the end of this story not only made Anita Baker a huge vocal giant of her day,but may have energized a certain approach to music a little as well. On this album,the ingredient less evident on Anita's debut album came into full focus: her complete focusing of the soul/gospel vocal approach through the harmonic range of jazz. Bringing in people such as bassist Freddie Washington,who'd worked with everything from Stevie Wonder to Patrice Rushen as well as session musicians that had spanned the 70's and 80's such as Rufus's John Robinson,EWF's Don Myrick,Paul Jackson Jr and Greg Phillinganes helped bring that harmonically expansive jazziness of Anita's vocal approach onto the instrumental stage of this album as well."
"Incredible CD---Anita's voice is amazing!!!"
Best Jazz Jam Bands
John Scofield - A Go Go - Cd.
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"I have long admired his back up work with numerous artists, but he bops along real well on this CD. Just when I think he is about to enter the Herb Albert OMG world, it changes direction and gets down to the smoke filled Jazz club of 3am."
"John's compositions on this album are inventive and refreshing, and the playing of MM&W is reigned in to create an absolutely fantastic musical joyride."
"Great ensemble playing, great tunes, great grooves, an edgy approach without being too way out."
"An instant favorite."
"I was hooked by a song I heard on our local Jazz Station, 88.3, and thought I would download that song, but saw the whole album was only $5. Mostly the jams are simple patterns building on each other, but the end result is a very satisfying & intelligent song."
"Good stuff."
"An unexpectedly good album."
Best Dixieland Jazz
When sold by Amazon.com, this product will be manufactured on demand using CD-R recordable media. Band leader and lounge kingpin Louis Prima will be best be known for the classic, "Just a Gigolo," immortalized by David Lee Roth for a whole new generation of swingers.
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"One thing that I would like to add is this: you can just tell how crazy about each other they were! I mean, Good Lord, who would think of something like blowing music into here (the mouthpiece), and then it goes round and round and down, and comes out here (the bell)."
"Along with wife/singer Keely Smith and tenor saxman Sam Butera "and the Witnesses" (sidemen), this infectious blend of post-big band music and R&B virtually defined Las Vegas music of the Fifties and is still going strong."
"Louis Prima in his time was quite famous as a jazz trumpet player (he had also studied violin), singer, dancer (he was called the King of Swingers), actor etc."
"In listening to Prima sing some jazz standards, including "Basin Street Blues," "I've Got You Under My Skin," and "St. Louis Blues," you can hear how another New Orleans-born jazz master, Louis Armstrong, influenced him."
"Where was "he" when I grew up & went to Las Vegas."
"When I don't want to be bothered with the stress in my life I play one of Louis Prima's cd's and I'm good for the rest of the day."
"Everyone should take a listen you’ll be hooked no matter your age amazing music."
"The funny singer we use to hear at my work The one and only Louis Prima."
Best Swing Jazz
Recorded during his memorable run for Capitol Records in the 1950s, the songs here are more than just his best, they're often the definitive recordings: "I Get a Kick out of You," "Young at Heart," "Witchcraft," "The Lady Is a Tramp," "In the Wee Small Hours," and "I've Got You Under My Skin."
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"The music is great, but the case is cracked."
"There will always be only one Frank."
"A digitally remastered compilation of "Old Blue Eyes'" greatest hits; what more could one say or ask for!"
"Again, bought for my mom."
"Sinatra songs from 1953 - 1960."
"It's Sinatra!"
"Its Frank Sinatra."
Best Acid Jazz
'Travelling Without Moving' [1996] intentionally offers more of what Jamiroquai does best: highly addictive funky grooves with a social consciousness that is matched by front man Jay Kay's charisma.
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"First of all I cannot believe how amazing this CD was even though it is 10 years old."
"Fantastic sound, I love this type of period work."
"Album Comes With Great Bonus Track and an amazing Booklet.Cosmic Jay's Voice Is Godlike."
"Brilliant work, the music is cool, chill, relaxing, happy, original, you just want to jump and dance during some songs and sit and relax with a glass of wine watching the sunset with the others."
"The live tracks and extra tracks are enjoyable too."
"Obviously, Jay Kay's most commercial and appreciated album."
"Love this album, would recommend it to anyone."
Best Jive Jazz
A spirited 22-song collection that includes The Calloway Boogie; Papa's In Bed with His Britches On; Boo-Wah, Boo-Wah; Hep Cat's Love Song; Foo a Little Bally-Hoo , along with three unreleased tunes!
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"I love his style, zoot suit wearing self, handsome and a sweet, naughty twinkle in his eye, I saw Stormy weather, the film. He even traveled in a private rail train, to avoid Jim Crow, and white only hotels. However, we can dream, and visualize him and his smooth zoot suit, singing and at thw head of his orchestra."
"I was fortunate enough to see Cab Calloway perform at the Hollywood Bowl many years ago and he really knows how to put on a show."
"Love this CD."
"Bought this for one song and like the whole CD."
"Most tracks are very clean; one or two have a more dated sound to the mix, one recorded live, I believe, and another probably the oldest in the collection."
"The mold was broken after Cab came out of it."
"A generous collection of well transferred Cab Calloway favorites with excellent liner notes by Al Quaglieri, who not only informs but provides his notes in the Cab Calloway linguistic style."
Best European Jazz
Britain's greatest pop diva Dusty Springfield was the finest blue-eyed soul singer of her era, and this landmark Atlantic Records album from 1969 is a masterpiece, a perfect marriage of pop and soul.
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"This was no "One Hit Wonder" to be sure and gaining the title of the "Best Female Pop Singer in the WORLD" was no easy feat back then! Her incredibly fine voice, her inimitable style, her impeccable phrasing, her acute musical ear and her production sensibilities were well in advance of her years. When she recorded these songs in Memphis, albeit piecemeal, and released it in 1969, the music world was in flux and she was still being perceived and marketed as a "Teen Pop Singer." Still too young to rest on her laurels and not yet at the stage of being a Bona Fide cabaret singer...combined with not fitting into the current mold of music of the late 1960's, I'm sure they didn't know what to make of her song choices on this album! Close your eyes, and as you listen, hear the remnants of the tried and true Dusty combined with the new in a musical setting that cannot be described as anything short of astounding!"
"Dusty made a debut in the. American South here, The music is exquisite and includes. every superb genre she is so noted for, including the sexy. "Breakfast in Bed", "I Don't Want to Hear It Anymore" with. its haunting back-up vocals, and the sensual dream of "The. Windmills of Your Mind"."
"I keep listening over and over."
"Every song is first rate with a distinctly adult sensibility, and Dusty Springfield wraps her voice around each one with tremendous power and sexy sizzle, transitioning with remarkable ease between the soul-inflected "Son of a Preacher Man" and the night club-ish "Windmills of You Mind," to name but two cuts from this stunning set. This is the timeless essence of woman, laid bare without any tricks or games, authoritative, unpretentious, absolutely honest, not simply of a single era or musical style but for ever and all time."
"O c ourse I heard it back then."
"On time and as described.."
"I returned the lp and will search for a warmer more soothing sounding lp."
Best Smooth Jazz
One of the most popular and beloved holiday albums of all-time now available for the very first time on collectable green vinyl!
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"This is worth it even if you are not a Charlie Brown fan (hard to believe) because of the incredible jazz talent of Guaraldi."
"Just be aware that 99% of them are strictly instrumental, I believe only 1 song has actual singing."
"Used to listen to this when I was a kid at Christmas time, and it’s still great to listen to I’m so glad I found it on Amazon!"
"If you're fond of the Christmas Charlie Brown cartoon video you'll love all the original music in this CD; a true classic."
"Nothing says "Christmas" more than "A Charlie Brown Christmas"."
"Who doesn't like Charlie Brown."
"Great album and a reasonable price (for brand new) and the green special edition is cool."
"Not enough stars to give for this always appropriate holiday cd."
Best New Orleans Jazz
If you set out to create a single anthology that charted all the twists and tributaries of that uniquely American river we call jazz, you couldn't do better than this companion set to the PBS series-94 tracks on 5 CDs licensed from virtually every important label in the history of the music. Includes The Pearls Jelly Roll Morton; Charleston James P. Johnson; West End Blues Louis Armstrong & His Hot Five; The Mooche Duke Ellington; Singin' the Blues Frankie Trumbauer & His Orchestra featuring Bix Beiderbecke; Moten Swing Benny Moten's Kansas City Orchestra; Strange Fruit Billie Holiday; Three Little Words Art Tatum; Body and Soul Coleman Hawkins; In the Mood Glenn Miller; Take Five Dave Brubeck; So What Miles Davis; Giant Steps John Coltrane; Desafinado Stan Getz & Charlie Byrd, and many more classics.
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"It is easy to list regrettable omissions from this set (and many reviewers have done so) and just as easy to point out how impossible it is to do full justice to a century of music that had multiple sources and spread rapidly to a plethora of sub-genres (and many reviewers have done that too). The British Trad Jazz that took hold in the early 50s and is still going strong (Chris Barber, Kenny Ball and their followers) is another indispensible part of Jazz history that finds no place in this collection."
"That being said, each of the four better discs in the set leaves much to be desired as a "listening experience." With such different styles and aesthetics encompassed on each disc, you're not likely to just put one on and enjoy the whole thing-and none of the discs are, or even could have been, arranged as coherent sets."
"Best $5.00 I have spent on some great music.Yes,it was a used CD set but plays perfect and everything was included."
"the best way to learn about most styles of 20th century jazz!"
"This 5-CD set is a great introduction to jazz music."
Best Avant Garde & Free Jazz
Easily one of the most important records ever made, John Coltrane's a Love Supreme was his pinnacle studio outing that at once compiled all of his innovations from his past, spoke of his current deep spirituality, and also gave a glimpse into the next two and a half years (sadly, those would be his last).
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"The music is fine, but side 2 has many pops and clicks, even after a few cleanings."
"It just doesn't get much better than this album."
"Product showed up on time and as advertised."
"I just don't have the energy to get started with the return process as the product cost only around 10 bucks."
Best Modern Postbebop
Easily one of the most important records ever made, John Coltrane's a Love Supreme was his pinnacle studio outing that at once compiled all of his innovations from his past, spoke of his current deep spirituality, and also gave a glimpse into the next two and a half years (sadly, those would be his last).
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"The music is fine, but side 2 has many pops and clicks, even after a few cleanings."
"It just doesn't get much better than this album."
"Product showed up on time and as advertised."
"Received with scratches on album."
"I just don't have the energy to get started with the return process as the product cost only around 10 bucks."
Best Bebop
Easily one of the most important records ever made, John Coltrane's a Love Supreme was his pinnacle studio outing that at once compiled all of his innovations from his past, spoke of his current deep spirituality, and also gave a glimpse into the next two and a half years (sadly, those would be his last).
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"The music is fine, but side 2 has many pops and clicks, even after a few cleanings."
"It just doesn't get much better than this album."
"Product showed up on time and as advertised."
"I just don't have the energy to get started with the return process as the product cost only around 10 bucks."