Perhaps my optimism is warping my judgement, but I would like to believe that the Crypt is finally reaching certain "non-believers". Yes, sometime ago I set out to reign in jazz fans who don't like big band, mainstream and/or basically anything deemed old and uncool. In that time I have shared quite a few albums and overall received great response.
With that in mind, I am really excited to share this classic album by Charlie Barnet. For those unfamiliar with him, I would suggest reading up on him, if you like a really non-traditional story. For our purposes, the Coles notes read like this... Barnet had his heyday in the 40's with a really great big band. He eventually drifted out of jazz, but left a few albums along the way - Cherokee is one of those.
In 1958 Barnet hand picked a band to take into the studio. Everest had commisioned him to cut a session, and so he decided to put together an album of tunes which were hits for him. Now here's something else you should know about Charlie Barnet, he was always a wildly progressive band leader. The result of all this is an album which infuses west coast cool and east coast bop into some great big band standards. I think he wanted to show the apathetic youth, and modern jazz fans that big band could adapt and measure up. Boy was he right...
I chose this album so that hopefully anybody still unsure about big band, can experience the absolute fun and joy of the genre at its best. The music moves quickly and excitedly, yet retains a really soulful vibe. The thing that most any jazz fan will enjoy about Cherokee, is the non stop barrage of solos. Yes indeed, Barnet was the genuine article. I have some really wonderful mint sides from his earlier years, but wanted to try and grab everyone's attention with this first - my favorite of his to be sure. This set swings as hard as they come!!
This was ripped from my original Everest LP. Ripped at 24/44.1 wav and dithered to 16/44.1 FLAC, it's a really minty affair with top notch fidelity. Be sure to read the liner notes penned by Nat Hentoff. Enjoy!!!
Everest Records LPBR-5008
1958
Charlie Barnet (soprano, alto & tenor saxophones);
Bunny Briggs (vocals);
Pete Mondello (alto, tenor & baritone saxophones);
Vinnie Dee (alto saxophone);
Dick Hafer, Kurt Bloom (tenor saxophone);
Danny Bank (baritone saxophone);
Charlie Shavers, Markey Markowitz, Clark Terry, Al Stewart (trumpet);
Billy Byers, Frank Sarroco, Bobby Byrne, Ed Price (trombone);
Nat Pierce (piano);
Chubby Jackson (bass);
Terry Snyder (drums).
