To Fred Astair with Love by Ruby Braff/George Barnes Quartet (2009-12-01)

During their championship years, the Oakland A's were the best in baseball despite the team members heartily disliking each other. You just couldn't tell from the results. Legend has it that Braff and Barnes got along equally as well.These guys were true pros and their music belies any supposed antipathy. It's a joy to hear one start a phrase and the other seamlessly finish it. This is really good, small group, late swing performed by two masters and their accompaniment. They didn't stretch the envelope, they "just" played really good, comfortable jazz.Thanks Jazz Lips for putting it back in circulation.

A classic George Barnes recording - great guitar o this one.

I had this album,and it was time for an upgrade. The sound is good,and the musical selections are wonderful. These guys swing mightly,or whisper softly. All without a drummer.

This album presents two great jazz luminaires - the great Ruby Braff and a wonderful guitar player - very listenable

Perfect jazz

Very smooth jazz melodies from the American songbook; wonderful quartet.

This CD was recommended to me by a professional jazz trumpeter. I was not disappointed. It is a delightfully played programme, rhythmic and not overblown; subtle, elegant, tasteful and technically excellent. Nice stereo separation between the two instruments. Lots of evergreens and standard numbers. Although Fred Astaire was a singer (as well as a dancer of course), there are no vocals on this recording. A highly enjoyable set in my view.

Great music. Fair price.

ブラフ・バーンズ・カルテットの最初の1973年キュアロスキヨロ盤と、最後の1975年RCA盤の2枚を1CDとした特用盤である。コルネット、ギター、ベースのピアノ＆ドラムレスのワンホーンカルテットは他に例がなく、その編成の素晴らしさ、アイデアにまず感心する。柔らかな響きのコルネットとギターが楽器による会話をしている。最高のアンサンブルである。スウィング・ジャズは古臭いと、とらえられがちだが、楽器編成の斬新さとアレンジの匠により、凡庸なモダン・ジャズよりずっと新鮮な響きに驚かされる。　私はLPで2枚とも持っているのだが、特に1973年盤が鮮明でカッティング・レベルが向上していることに気が付いた。この盤はCDのほうがまちがいなく上である。8ページに及ぶブックレットも好ましく、Jazz LIpsレーベルに感謝する。オリジナル・レーベルからの発売ではないので、いつまでもあるとは限らない。早目の購入をお勧めする。