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Philip Jones Brass Ensemble Greatest Hits

03/08/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"It should have been called - "Everything you always wanted to know about Brass chamber music but couldn't play"! A great double CD from one of the greatest Brass Ensembles ever. Brass standards like the Malcolm Arnold Quintet, Eugene Bozza's Sonatine and Victor Ewalds 1st Quintet are played with flair and perfection. Add to that the wonderful and still amazing version of Pictures at an Exhibition as well as other standard fare and you have a great overview of the group as well as brass music through the ages. From the magnificence of the Renaissance to fun loving Ragtime - it's all there. Check out the Richard Strauss Fanfare from Stadt Wein - WOW! Not to be missed is Tuba virtuoso John Fletcher playing his version of Sleeping Beauty and Eine Kleine Nachtmusik. He records himself playing all four parts - an awesome display of musicianship and talent. Most of these tracks have never been available before. A real treat. What a band! What a sound! WHAT A RECORD!! I recommend this to anyone who likes great music and great playing!"

Welcome Back PJBE

James Baker | San Antonio, TX USA | 10/19/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"It is ironic that London/Decca waited until many of the important members of the Philip Jones Brass Ensemble were dead before finally releasing this collection of highlights from the ensemble's considerable catalog. Don't misunderstand me! I am thankful for this substantial 2 cd set. For fans of the PJBE there is real cause for celebration; and for those who are just discovering the work of this important brass ensemble, you are in for a treat.The remastering is first rate and you can't beat the 2-fer pricing. Get this set while its available because the wait for more will at best be a long one. Thankfully, I still have most of the PJBE recordings on vinyl and a good turntable for playing them. But I would still be near the head of the line to snatch up any subsequent reissues. Years ago I saw several of their recordings on cd, but foolishly passed on them, thinking they would be in circulation for awhile. Silly me. Like I said, grab this before they post the infamous notice "no longer available."When the PJBE made it's first American tour back in the 70s I was already a huge fan. I went to hear them play, never expecting the concert to sound as good as the recordings. They opened with the Tylman Susato Renaissance Suite and their playing immediately blew away any Memorex memories of their recordings. Unfortunately, we will never again hear live such virtuosity and musicianship. The recordings DO serve as a fine memory of the first and foremost brass ensemble."

The Greatest brass ensemble...

H. Mjeltevik | Norway | 01/19/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Philip Jones brass ensemble shows you musicality on a high level. The feelings they are playing with are suberb...music is feelings, not technical.



Buy it..."