[.ca] Concierto (Remst)

A Jazz Masterpiece:
How did I miss this one? I was really into jazz albums issued on the CTI label back in the 1970s, but I was completely unaware of this until I heard it on vinyl recently at a friend's house. Naturally, I had to have my own copy, so I ordered it on CD as soon as I returned home. I like the whole CD, but the core of this is the magnificent interpretation of Concierto de Aranjuez which in my opinion makes Miles Davis' critically acclaimed Sketches of Spain pale by comparison. On Concierto, Hall is accompanied by jazz legends Paul Desmond, Ron Carter and Chet Baker as well as accomplished session men Steve Gadd and Roland Hanna. This sextet blends so smoothly, you might think these guys had been together for years. That can be partially credited of course to the production of Creed Taylor and the arrangements of the label's arranger Don Sebesky, but also to Taylor's instinctive ability to gather musicians who meshed with one another for whatever project was at hand. This jazz masterpiece is one that belongs in every audiophile's collection. Order it today!

A True Classic...:
I have had this album since the vinyl days and it is still one of my favourites. The playing is fresh, tight, and really swings. The level of playing is way over 5 stars and much of the credit for such an enjoyable listen can be credited to the bass work of Ron Carter and Steve Gadd on drums. Without that solid back beat no group sounds good. The title track is haunting in its beauty and I often listen to this side reflecting on the loss of such great talent with the passing of Chet B and Paul D. their sound was unique, special and I hope somewhere out there a young player can capture their touch for another generation of jazz fans to enjoy.

To my astonishment:
To my astonishment, the centerpiece of this disk, Concierto de Aranjuez, stands up to the legendary Miles Davis recording. I love this long cut so much that if there is any noise, like a leaf blower or a helicopter, I have to turn it off. The rest of the disk is good too, but this cut finds the dark places in my heart.

Jazz SuperGroup:
This is simply a wonderful jazz recording. I bought the LP when it was first issued many years ago and it is one of my treasures. Really, the artists on "Concierto" make up what I consider to be a jazz supergroup. Just imagine if you could see these guys in concert, today...Jim Hall, Chet Baker, Paul Desmond, Roland Hanna and Ron Carter! The mind boggles. I have to rate "Concierto" five star because of the wonderful music. The sound is good but, IMHO, it could be better (the vinyl is). I hope someone will reissue the CD using the latest remastering technology. Bottom line...if you like any one of these great jazz virtuosos, you need this CD.

HAUNTING MASTERPIECE:
As the other reviewers have said, it's the title piece that makes this disc not only worth having, but absolutely essential. To be honest, although Jim Hall is a technically great guitarist, I find most of his work unexciting in comparison to Wes Montgomery or even the early George Benson and Grant Green. But Concierto is his finest hour. If he never played another note, his place in the Jazz Hall of Fame (if there is such a thing) is assured. Paul Desmond and Chet Baker are a match made in heaven, though I can't imagine two more different personalities collaborating on a musical project. Sir Roland Hanna's piano solo is exquisite, and Ron Carter's bass complements the piece perfectly. Unlike one reviewer here, I find the sound quality quite good for something recorded in 1975. I would love to hear an audio DVD of this, but I guess that's too much to hope for.

• You'd Be So Nice to Come Home To
• Two's Blues
• Answer Is Yes
• Conceirto de Aranjuez
• Rock Skippin'
• Unfinished Business \o#\c\o*\c
• You'd Be So Nice to Come Home To \oAlternate Take\c\o#\c\o*\c
• Answer Is Yes \oAlternate Take\c
• Rock Skippin' \oAlternate Take\c\o#\c\o*\c