Good Value But Keep In Mind The Verve Box Set.....
Original Mixed Up-Kid | New York United States | 10/12/2005
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This set may be for some collectors but not all.The serious fan probably sprang for the massive muli-disk box set..nonetheless,
Indeed these 4 wonderful LP's are presented in their "official takes", in meticulous sound(as the sticker boasts) yet my main minor complaints are that while indeed this appears to be a fully licensed product there is skimpky track information due to lack of clarifiacation on LP source tracks presented on this cd set..A justification blurb from the compiler on the authenticity of presenting Lester without alternative takes etc. is here as well as good earlier tribute on Lester from Ralph Gleason writing about Lester's passing.
To sum up, no duplicate artwork from the original 4 lp's,the track order is different from the original releases(more authentic as to recording dates we are told) and there are no additional bonus tracks due to time limitations and recording session dates out of the time period surveyed on these disks..then again, here are the original 4 lp's sounding fine not only to EU ears where these discs come from,and some of these releases seem to be out of print or not yet seeing CD technology and is a good price for around 20 dollars.
I guess when and if all 4 are remade individually again with bonus tracks in Verve's Master Series Edition I will spring for them because the combination of Lester Young's etheral soul searching playing with either Sweets or Little Jazz deserves proper treatment.
This set is nice and a value at it's price if you don't mind having the light liner notes and artwork and don't want to hear alternative takes etc (who can say these musicians are fond of filler)?
These 2 CD's are filled to the max in keeping with the concept of the compiler, so one hopes for additional re-releases with other takes etc. with photos, and booklet but these will do fine for now."
Track Listings (11) - Disc #1