Search - Les Paul :: 20th Century Masters: Millennium Collection

Five stars for music...one star for length

Tom Sanders | Lansing, Mi United States | 06/07/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I see that the other reviewers are rating this CD on the basis of the wonderful music on it. I agree completely that it is nearly magical. However, one really wonders, could they only find 33 minutes worth of material to include on a "Best Of" for one of the most important and innovative American musicians ever? I think it is absolutely insulting to Les. His accomplishments could easily (and probably have) fill a boxed set. However, try to not let it bother you that you have been [messed over] by Decca/MCA and just enjoy the music. It is truely majestic."

Little-known Les Paul

Joe Sixpack -- Slipcue.com | ...in Middle America | 11/02/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Les Paul "The Best Of Les Paul - Millennium Collection" (MCA/Universal, 2001)

Guitar whiz Les Paul is best known for his groundbreaking 1950s pop/instrumental work on the up-and-coming Capitol label. This WWII-era material on Decca Records is relatively unknown to most music fans. Some of it is session work, with Paul adding some sweet licks to pop tunes sung by Bing Crosby, Dick Haymes, and the Andrews Sisters. Most of this album, though, is devoted to straight jazz recordings, mellow small-combo material with plenty of standards such as "Blue Skies" and "Begin The Beguine"... It's nice stuff, a bit off the beaten track, and a nice glimpse at his career in the years before he experimented with multitracking and all the other studio wizardry he's reknowned for pioneering."

A must have for Les Paul enthusiasts

D. Healy | 05/10/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I suppose I am fortunate enough to have seen Les Paul live at the Iridium Jazz Club on Broadway in NYC on April 30, 2007 and aquire this CD and then have the cover autographed by Les Paul himself. His contribution as an inventor, innovator, musician and most importanlty a wholesome person is what makes his existance so very impacive to the music world.



This best of CD in my opinion is just a a sample of the rest of his best of material. Yes, this is a must have, but there is so much more out there of Les as well as it's hard to capture the man and his music in such a small sampling. Take for instance his work with Bing Crosby and other legends such as Chet Atkins who Les and Chey put out a Grammy winning album in one take (yes, one take - Amazing!).



I also suggest reading about the impact Les has had on many of the greatest musicians to play the guitar, including many of those not featured on thi CD such as Jimmy Page and others.



If you can ever make the trip to the Iridium, I highly recommend it. Les is getting any younger, and I am glad I had the chance t see this living legend play while he still is able to do so. Les is a class act and a gem to listen to."