 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: sfalexi
Date: 2004-06-14 15:29
After listening to a few clips of his stuff through iTunes, I definitely want to buy one of his CDs. The last CD I bought was months ago. I think I'm about due for a new one.
So which one would YOU recommend and why?
Alexi
US Army Japan Band
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Author: Don Poulsen
Date: 2004-06-14 17:13
The safe choice is to buy a "Best of" CD. These usually contain the most popular songs performed by the artist.
I don't have enough Pete Fountain CDs to say that I have a favorite, but since you are talking about a single artist, I'd think that a good thing to do is to compare the lists of songs on the CDs and pick one that contains songs you know you like. (This is not foolproof; for example, I like Diane Krall, but I couldn't get myself to buy her CD where she added lush [read "syrupy"] strings to her jazz combo.)
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Author: Don Berger
Date: 2004-06-14 18:35
Alexi - I, like [I'm sure] a number of us, have some old LP's of Pete F, which may have been put onto CD's. When I find a bit of time, I'll dig them out, maybe even play them!, and can give you the #'s, titles, maybe my impressions, so on the CD's look for their "source", he prob. recorded nearly all his goodies! Luck, Don
Thanx, Mark, Don
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Author: Todd W.
Date: 2004-06-15 18:42
sfalexi --
The 2-CD set, "Do You Know What It Means To Miss New Orleans? Pete Fountain," is comprised of (all, I think) the Decca/Coral recordings Pete made, mostly early in his career, and is a good example of his body of work. Lots of Dixieland standards (although some of Pete's solos show more of a Swing influence) with various back-up musicians, especially some driving drummers -- I'm told that's one of Pete's priorities when putting together a group.
Look for a used set locally or on amazon.com and you should get the 2-CD set for not much more than the price of a new single CD.
Todd W.
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Author: Jhall
Date: 2004-06-15 21:18
"The Very Best of Pete Fountain" is probably not to be considered. This may be a collection of his very early performances. On at least one track I have trouble finding his playing.
My vote is for "The Best of Pete Fountain."
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Author: sfalexi
Date: 2004-06-15 21:29
Well,
I'm hesitant to get a "best of" CD. Because if I like all those songs, I'll want to get more. Then I'll essentially just be repeating those tracks when I buy the albums that "the best of" was compiled from. Although I like the idea of a used 2-CD set for the price of one. And from what I've heard through various previews, I don't think I could go very wrong with much any of his stuff . . .
Alexi
US Army Japan Band
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Author: allencole
Date: 2004-06-17 06:39
I suggest a very inexpensive one called "New Orleans All-Stars." It was actually a live session led by trumpeter Tony Almerico, but it has been packaged under Pete Fountain's name. Featured are three different clarineists, Pete Fountain, Harry Shields and Peewee Spitalera.
It's an oversize band, but not the kind of arranged setting that we normally find Pete Fountain and Al Hirt in. This one is very free wheeling and the quality of the solos is very good.
This is the album that I cut my teeth on, and I still enjoy it.
Allen Cole
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Author: john gibson
Date: 2004-06-17 20:27
All of them. First to last. Reason is.....style....he has a wide range. In the beginning he played more Dixieland...and then went more lounge act....
Actually...any CD you buy will tech you something.....
I still have my autographed picture of PF from 1961....when he wore his toupe. Saw him in concert....and he talked about the different toupes he owned....wind swept....girl getter...etc.
JG
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Author: JimV
Date: 2004-06-19 14:53
Hi All --- have not posted for a while
Alexi, You really can't go wrong on most any thing that Pete recorded. I think the 2 CD set 'Do You Know What It Means to Miss New Orleans' is very good with several cuts from the early LPs. My personal favorite LP is one called 'Pete Fountain Day' recorded live in 1959 at the New Orleans Municipal Auditorium. Another CD released on a live recording in Nashville at the Ryman Auditorium from a concert in the late 60s. If you have never seen Pete in person this CD lets you hear how he opened his show/concert for years in New Orleans. Another CD I like getting away from the hard swing and dixieland is on called 'Cheek to Cheek'. On this Pete plays 'Cheek to Cheek', It Had To Be You, Smoke Rings, Sweet & Lovely, Paradise and other danceable stuff. One CD I bought while at the club in the late 90s was called 'A Touch of Class' which Pete had autographed I had not played much until just a few months ago. He plays several French songs with a full symphony orchestra behind him. It show cases the beautiful tone he gets and is absolutely gorgeous. Back to combining swing and dixie the CD 'Swingin Blues' has 'Jazz Me Blues' all the way to 'Walkin The Floor Over You'. I better stop or Mark & GBK will think I'm a salesman for Fountain recordings.
Jim
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Author: Bob Schwab
Date: 2004-06-19 15:36
sflexi
I have :Do You Know What It Means to Miss New Orleans?" and The Best of Pete Fountain. Of the two, I enjoy The Best of Pete Fountain more.
Bob Schwab
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Author: Don Berger
Date: 2004-06-19 22:06
Alex - If you can find the Coral [LP] CRL757473, Mr Stick Man, it has a 6+6 mix of jazz and Dixie, GOOD, and on the back a listing of a lot of his recordings, possibly up to his age 55/60? I also have P F's New Orleans, Coral CRL 57382, cl with rhythm, and a joint rec.. with Al Hirt SE 4216, mostly the well known Dixies. Guess I need to get off here and "Play it again", Don
Thanx, Mark, Don
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