One cannot help but admire Arturo Sandoval for the prowess he developed while growing up in the restricted environment of Castro's Cuba. Not only did jazz musicians and aficionados have to hide the few albums that were on the island, they had to seek secret places to practice and play. With just an album or two of each artist, all in extremely limited supply, Arturo and his cohorts not only learned to play, they mastered each style, and Sandoval's style is trumpet. He is the best of all worlds. He starts everything as close to the original as his extreme talent allows, and then adds his severely incredible musicianship, but in the style, tone, and technique of the original artist. Just Better! Harry James sounds just as he should, as do Louis, Bix, Bunny, Dizzy, Miles, Roy, Chet, Clark, et al.... even Freddy and Winton. The Trumpet Masters chosen for this excellent collection represent the most important era of jazz music and beyond. The feat of actually doing this album represents a milestone in jazz trumpet. That being said, even Sandoval's great talent has its limits. Rafael Mendez sounds like Rafael Mendez, but only he could triple tongue with his unique speed, and only he could play absolutely anything at any speed and in any key. Maynard sounds like Maynard, but only he had the ability to really project from the stratosphere. Everything else is unbelievably perfect. Even Maynard and Rafael are done right. The point is that Arturo Sandoval is as good as anyone. He can mimic the styles and tones of trumpet legends, or he can provide us with his own very own blend of Southern Americas' Jazz. Every musician has a uniqueness of ability and style. Sandoval wears each style as if it were his own. No one else has this ability. He provides us with wonderful representations of the music each of these unique players gave to the world of jazz. The album even provides a little comedy. I'm a true multicultural/ pinko/ metrosexual from South Florida, so liberal I can't laugh at anyone, but even I could not hold back a big horse laugh when Arturo sang, with his heavy Cuban accent, "Metro Goldwin have ask me to star." and "Doan shainds you hair for me", and last but not least, well you just have to hear it to believe it. You also have to hear probably the best recorded versions each of these great jazz standards, especially the solos in "I Can't Get Started" and "Concerto for Cootie" based on "Tuxedo Junction", with it's very wild and bluesy trumpet sounds known mostly from this piece. Miles? Round Midnight! Want a morsel of Classical? "Concerto for Trumpet" just like Maurice Andre plays it. But this album is about jazz! It is trumpet playing and composition at it finest, with a perfect selection of songs. Yes, some great musicians are missing, such as Al Hirt, Don Ellis and Bill Chase, to name just the tip of anyone's iceberg. We can only surmise that no one smuggled them into Cuba at the right time and place. If you are a trumpet player or wannabe, you have to hear this album. After you have come down from the high of marveling at Arturo's mastery of trumpet and style, you will also be an apprentice of the history of jazz trumpet. As such, you will seek even more music from these masters. Whenever you hear a piece played by one of these founding trumpet greats, you will immediately know who it is and thank Arturo Sandoval for recording this historic music. collection. Dan VignauRead full review
This is an excellent album, if your looking for a crisp sound of classic jazz songs from the 1920s through the present, this album has it. Arturo Sandoval is a well known Jazz musician in the Miami area. He has his own jazz club there and is exceptional in his playing ability. This album is a tribute to all of the famous trumpet men over the course of the last 80 years. He plays each one of these famous musicians styles, perfectly capturing the elements that made them world re-nown and thier music timeless. If you are looking for an album with modern original compositions, then this one is not for you. However, if you would like to take a trip in history and listen to a trumpet master replicate the sounds of Louis Armstrong to Miles Davis then buy this album, you will not be dissapointed.
Superb playing. Great music!
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: New
Arturo Sandoval proves that he is a great trumpeter and musician, one of the best around today. The cd is well worth the price and time to listen.
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