CHARLIE BARNETT - The Charlie Barnett Collection 1946-50
Acrobat Music ADDCD3345
Charlie Barnet-Sax with various orchestra, personnel including Clark Terry, Barney Kessel, Maynard Ferguson, Shorty Rogers et al.
Recordings originally released on National, Apollo and Capitol Labels.
Acrobat Music continue in fine form by releasing the third in their series covering the music of the Charlie Barnet Orchestra. As we know the late 40s saw the gradual demise of the big bands popular in prior years and many leaders struggled to keep their bands together. The ascendancy of bebop and the constraints of an industry mired in recording bans and fatigue after many years of war didn't help.
That is by the by now and with this 2CD set Acrobat have come up trumps with this set of 45 tracks including Cherokee, Sweet Lorraine, Blue Moon and Rhapsody in Blue ( this one attributed to George Gershwin's Slavic cousin Gerge, either that or the proof reader had a senior moment!) There a few tracks with what is described at 'novelty' vocals, probably recorded as to hopefully appeal to the listener who would eventually form the MOR brigade. Humour aside it is an enjoyable release with Acrobats usual 20 page booklet with copious information on personnel and recordings.
Available from 'The River' for £10, it is well worth seeking out.
As an aside apparently Charlie Barnett was married at least 11 times with the final one lasting some 33 years, how did he find the time? He obviously had a sense of humour and this is exemplified by a quote I found on Wikipedia....
In September 1964, Barnet arranged a private party for his musical hero, Duke Ellington, and orchestra to play at the Palm Springs San Jacinto country club. At the door, a small sign painted by Barnet said:
"Any complaints about loud music or requests for excessive use of mutes will be grounds for instant expulsion (to a table in the parking lot). Any requests for folk music, twist, watusi, or rock and roll will result in instant execution by golf balls at 20 paces."
Review by Clive Fleckner
Acrobat Music ADDCD3345
Charlie Barnet-Sax with various orchestra, personnel including Clark Terry, Barney Kessel, Maynard Ferguson, Shorty Rogers et al.
Recordings originally released on National, Apollo and Capitol Labels.
Acrobat Music continue in fine form by releasing the third in their series covering the music of the Charlie Barnet Orchestra. As we know the late 40s saw the gradual demise of the big bands popular in prior years and many leaders struggled to keep their bands together. The ascendancy of bebop and the constraints of an industry mired in recording bans and fatigue after many years of war didn't help.
That is by the by now and with this 2CD set Acrobat have come up trumps with this set of 45 tracks including Cherokee, Sweet Lorraine, Blue Moon and Rhapsody in Blue ( this one attributed to George Gershwin's Slavic cousin Gerge, either that or the proof reader had a senior moment!) There a few tracks with what is described at 'novelty' vocals, probably recorded as to hopefully appeal to the listener who would eventually form the MOR brigade. Humour aside it is an enjoyable release with Acrobats usual 20 page booklet with copious information on personnel and recordings.
Available from 'The River' for £10, it is well worth seeking out.
As an aside apparently Charlie Barnett was married at least 11 times with the final one lasting some 33 years, how did he find the time? He obviously had a sense of humour and this is exemplified by a quote I found on Wikipedia....
In September 1964, Barnet arranged a private party for his musical hero, Duke Ellington, and orchestra to play at the Palm Springs San Jacinto country club. At the door, a small sign painted by Barnet said:
"Any complaints about loud music or requests for excessive use of mutes will be grounds for instant expulsion (to a table in the parking lot). Any requests for folk music, twist, watusi, or rock and roll will result in instant execution by golf balls at 20 paces."
Review by Clive Fleckner
