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Various - Signature Songs
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 As far as compilations go in the jazz idiom this is one that you would be hard-pressed not to pick up. All the names are here, Brubeck, Calloway, Jamal, Gillespie, Terry, Hampton, and Minnelli. Is that Liza Minnelli you say? I thought this was a jazz recording. I do not have a clue why the label would include Minnelli on this jazz compilation. Although her spirited version of “New York, New York” is quite wonderful it just does not belong sitting beside all of these jazz giants. I have always ranted and raved about Telarc, every so often they do not make the right decision, they are only human you know. You cannot be perfect every time, although this label has been near perfect since I have had the pleasure of covering their artists.
In a CD full of great moments, Clark Terry delights a crowd of appreciative listeners with “Mumbles,” a part scat and well…mumbling jazz ditty that actually is very entertaining. I really enjoyed it the most out of all the songs offered on this CD. Cab Calloway does his legendary “Minnie The Moocher” with Eric Kunzel and The Cincinnati Pops Orchestra, which was recorded in 1993. Calloway answers the challenge with this upbeat newer version and does very well sounding wonderfully matched with the lively orchestration. Dizzy Gillespie’s “Con Alma” stretches out into over 9 minutes of pure Dizzy improvisation it is a real classic.
You could not ask for more variety on one disc. The vast and colorful palette of the genre receives fine representation with this broad spectrum of artists. This CD is a teaser to buy the full-length albums. I am sure many jazz lovers will decide to do some shopping for these titles once they hear all the cuts to wet their appetites.
© Keith "MuzikMan" Hannaleck |
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