Bob Brookmeyer Mosaic Select

[EKE BBB]

This time I chose the Ordinary Mail shipping option.... and many weeks have passed since I ordered this one (alongside the T/K/M and the New Orleans sets).

Any thoughts before it arrives?

Thanks!

[ralphie_boy]

I really enjoy this set. I ordered it without ever hearing Brookmeyer as a leader and I was a bit apprehensive due to the "traditional" jazz content - not my favorite era. His interpretations of the standards are not derivative in any way and everything sounds fresh and inventive. I suspect that you'll like it.

[DrJ]

Yeah, I'm lookin' forward to this one. I have TRADITIONALISM REVISITED from the West Coast Classics series and it's a real gem - and from what I understand, there are some additional tracks in the Mosaic Select from that session that for some reason weren't on the single CD reissue (hadn't located the tapes?).

[mgraham333]

Some discussion here

[AfricaBrass]

I got the set Wednesday. I've listened to a little over half of it, so I'm not the greatest judge at this point.

If you like this style of jazz, you'll probably be really happy with the set. I know I am.

I'm really impressed with these Selects. At first, I didn't really like the idea of them, but now I've changed my tune.

[jlhoots]

I like it.

You will too.

[AfricaBrass]

I was listening to disc 3 of this set last night.

Great stuff! This set is becoming a favorite.

[wesbed]

I just played, for the first time, the Traditionalism Revisted disk. This is very good music.

This set is my first exposure to Jimmy Giuffre. I am very pleased with Giuffre's tones. He plays the clarinet, the tenor sax, and the baritone sax. All instruments are played, by Giuffre, in lyrical and delicate manner, yet, very engrossing at the same time. I've never heard a clarinet played with such a subtle tone.

This set is described as 'traditional' jazz. Maybe I don't know what the term means, exactly. This doesn't seem any more or less traditional than the music played on, say, the Bennie Green Select. Or, maybe both are traditional jazz? I've always placed the term 'traditional jazz' with the sound of New Orleans jazz.

Brookmeyer's 'bone and piano style is, like Giuffre's, delicate and precise. Very warm and cozy. From what I've heard so far, this is an excellent collection of music.

After looking through the pages of the Brookmeyer Select booklet. I started wondering... did Jim Hall ever have a full head of hair?

Edited April 19, 2004 by wesbed

[couw]

the key here is in the "revisited" I should think. The music leans heavily on earlier "traditional" jazz forms but gives it a very original, modern spin. In that sense it's comparable to the "It just so happens" album by Ray Anderson (to name another 'bonist) of some 10 years ago. Very modern and very original, but yet heavily inspired by all that has gone before. The term "Traditional" indeed is usually reserved for pre-swing New Orleans jazz music; the trad revival of the fifties made it very popular again, but also kicked off the useless discussion of what constitutes jazz and what not. I would not be surprised if there was a wink by Brookmeyer here somewhere.

This was my first Giuffre too, I believe. Got quite a bit hooked on his later stuff after this. Those trio performances are more than a treat if you are into that kind of loose, free improv kind of stuff.

[neveronfriday]

"It just so happens" album by Ray Anderson (to name another 'bonist) of some 10 years ago. Very modern and very original, but yet heavily inspired by all that has gone before.

One of my favourites. I don't really have any of his stuff, but I saw him live in Denmark TONS of times. Simply great music!

Cheers!

[edit]: Took out tour info, which was incorrect.

Edited April 18, 2004 by deus62

[Brad]

Although Traditionalism Revisited is very good, don't overlook Kansas City Revisited. I liked that one even better, especially the combination of Brookmeyer, Al Cohn and Paul Quinichette.

[wesbed]

Although Traditionalism Revisited is very good, don't overlook Kansas City Revisited.  I liked that one even better, especially the combination of Brookmeyer, Al Cohn and Paul Quinichette.

I took your advice and listened to the Kansas City Revisted set. Yes, it is another fine selection of music on the Brookmeyer Select. The Brookmeyer, in due time, may move to near the top of my list of favorite Mosaic Selects.

The couple of vocal tracks on the Kansas City Revisted brought a smile to my face. I had visions of doing a drive, according to my mind's eye view, of the old Route 66, especially on Trav’lin’ Light.

After knowing nothing about Bob Brookmeyer till getting the Select, I'm positively impressed with his sound and choice of music. Some of the Selects, while being good to my ears, I'd not want to necessarily just recommend, across the table, to anybody. Especially to those not familiar with the jazz environment. I feel confident in recommending, however, the Brookmeyer and Bennie Green Selects, in full.

[EKE BBB]

Thanks all for you impressions on this set!

I´ve listened to it a couple of times and it´s simply... GREAT!

TRADITIONALISM REVISITED is a superb set. Nice arrangements "revisiting" some old tunes I was familiar with: "Truckin´ " of "The Sheik of Araby" from Duke Ellington´s Blanton-Webster band book; "Sweet like this" (I have the original tune by King Oliver´s orchestra and this is a very good cover); "Some sweet day", "Don´t be that way"... plus some originals

KANSAS CITY REVISITED and THE STREET SWINGERS are also great... each one in his own way (some may find "The street swingers" a bit "cold").

[wesbed]

I found a picture of Bob Brookmeyer dated in the year 2004. The woman is Maria Schneider (a person I've never heard of). The picture is from this website. Due to some Flash/Java controls on the website, I was not able to link directly to the picture. Still, it's interesting to see a recent picture of Brookmeyer.

[couw]

The woman is Maria Schneider (a person I've never heard of).

http://www.organissimo.org/forum/index.php?showtopic=7948

[ghost of miles]

It's a set that rewards repeated listenings, I've found. And yeah, the singer on those two vocal tracks--very enjoyable. Was his name Big Miller? According to AMG, there's a statue of him in Edmonton...

Does Brookmeyer still post occasionally on Jazz Corner?

[montg]

I thought I'd bump this thread up,,,I just picked up this set and I'm pleasantly surprised at how good it is. The 'swingers set' with Raney and Hall is probably my favorite so far, but all the sessions are very good. For whatever reason, I thought this music might be kind of stiff and boring, but far from it.

[sidewinder]

It's a set that rewards repeated listenings, I've found. And yeah, the singer on those two vocal tracks--very enjoyable. Was his name Big Miller? According to AMG, there's a statue of him in Edmonton...

There sure is ! Big Miller was very much loved on the Edmonton scene.

[fasstrack]

I found a picture of Bob Brookmeyer dated in the year 2004. The woman is Maria Schneider (a person I've never heard of). The picture is from this website. Due to some Flash/Java controls on the website, I was not able to link directly to the picture. Still, it's interesting to see a recent picture of Brookmeyer.

I have a funny feeling this is from a concert in April 2004 in Merkin Hall (I think) where Brook conducted Maria's band and played on his pieces and hers. I was there and I remember that jumpsuit thingie. Very nice concert.