Jimmy Giuffre - Jimmy Giuffre 3 (11 tracks) +Album Reviews

Giuffre deserves to be recognized as a master in Jazz

Michael R. Lachance | Maine, USA | 08/26/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Jimmy Giuffre seems to have become an extremely overlooked and unfortunately forgotten master within his genre. While Jazz underwent a very vast transformation during the late 50's and early 60's (only Duke Ellington survived musically, from the old school) Giuffre and his small group were at the forefront of this revolution. Crafting Jazz in ways never before even thought of. In 'The Jimmy Giuffre 3' we find Jimmy teamed with Jazz guitarist Jim Hall and Bassist Ralph Pena. The music has no piano, no drums and no vocal. It stands strongly without and reminds us that their talent is more powerful than any rhythm section. This music is transcendental and evokes a purity that is nearly unrivalled. By all means if you get the opportunity to watch the film 'Jazz on a Summer's Day' you will see Giuffre at work in the opening sequence. Im dumbfounded however, that so much of his work is so hard to come by. In addition to this 1957 release, the 'Western Suite' CD is just as amazing. The 'Western Suite' (released in 1958) features the same group as seen at Newport in 1958; Giuffre, Jim Hall on Guitar and Bob Brookmeyer on Valve Trombone. Unfortunately it is only available as an import. Please do yourself a favor and hunt down a copy, either here on ... or on the other competitive ... music stores. Both these Giuffre works should be a requirement for any true Jazz Collection."

Underrated

Matthew Solodow | Ft. Worth, Texas | 11/23/1999

(5 out of 5 stars)

"It is truly unfortunate that most music lovers do not know who Jimmy Giuffre is. He and his trio are one of the most underrated groups in music. His "15 minutes" took place in the wonderful film "Jazz On A Summer's Day" as the opening performer at the 1958 Newport Jazz Festival. This CD is cool jazz at the same artistic level as Dave Brubeck's "Time Out" or Miles Davis' "Kind Of Blue". It should certainly be in any jazz lover's collection. The multi-instrumental talents of Giuffre with accompanyment from Jim Hall's guitar and Ralph Pena's bass is a treat."

Something a little different

Stalwart Kreinblaster | Xanadu | 12/26/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"If you are in a rut listening to the same old bop recordings or tired sounding renditions of standards - give this disc a try. I think this trio has a very unique sound, and they go in some unconventional directions. I am very impressed with Jimmy Giuffre and his work with small groups. Jim Hall as always has that perfect tone that so many guitarists search for...."

A Classic for All Seasons

David Gedalecia | Wooster, OH USA | 04/20/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I do not know anyone who has heard this music who does NOT like it. It contains some of the most sophisticated and moving interplay in all of jazz. Giuffre, Hall and Pena have a simpatico that is almost mystical. Giuffre's tone on all the horns is richly textured, and Pena's bass lines perfectly punctuate the unique melodies Giuffre creates in the playbook, but it is Hall's guitar work that really makes the proceedings come alive. He worked for years with Chico Hamilton and on his own in developing an intensely melodic approach before teaming up with Giuffre. He was not a pyrotechnically-inclined guitarist; rather it is the depth and purely soulful feeling he conveys in his playing that grabs the listener, and this is especially apparent on "Crawdad Suite." This is not some pseudo-funk a la Herb Ellis. It is thoughtful, tasteful, and inspired playing. No wonder Hall was such a great complement to Sonny Rollins' work in the early `60s, though this was never fully captured on the RCA recordings. This CD should be awarded ten stars: five for the first listening and five for the second, since you'll hear far more on a second listening than on a first. Ornette Coleman said that Giuffre's music brought tears to his eyes. Get this CD. You'll see why."

Extraordinary recording

Joost Daalder | South Australia | 10/07/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This Jimmy Giuffre trio was not as neglected when the recording here under review appeared as it suddenly became. For one thing, Giuffre was an acknowledged important jazzman because of his work in other contexts. But this recording established him as a highly individualised and inventive talent, on clarinet, tenor, and baritone, each of which he played with mastery, ease, elegance, and great beauty. His tone and suggestiveness on clarinet are especially miraculous. The absence of a drummer is in many ways a blessing, as it allows those who play to be heard the better, and in some respects the swing is more easily felt than if someone had been there to accentuate it! - Joost Daalder"

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