Art of Bix Beiderbecke

This is probably the best 2 disc set for the price. Gives you a solid introduction of Bix. There really is no bad cuts on the first disc, solid as can be- and I can't emphasize that enough. The second disc has sides from Goldkette and Whiteman's orchestras. I find these to be the weaker tracks of the songs on disc 2 because these big band sets don't have that small band flavor(songs more mainstream, less New Orleans Jazz) which I prefer, less Bix- though some of the solo's are not to be over looked, like the one in Barnacle Bill. The first 6 tracks and last 6 tracks on disc 2 are excellent, as they are not from the big band settings. The set leads you to realize that you may want to check out more recordings with Bix and Trumbauer, being they had a great collaborative period. Don't worry about sound quality here, for the age it is excellent. I was surprised at how clean the sound was from the 1920's on these discs. If you want a cheap place to start, this is it. Despite his problems, Bix was great- and should be remembered with King Oliver, Armstrong, and Red Nichols.

Excellent quality recordings of very old records. However, the 20 songs listed on the back cover for Disc 1 is not accurate. Most of the songs on Disc 1 (also excellent quality recordings) are different from the ones listed on the back cover of the CD. In fact, Disc 1 is an exact copy of the Columbia Jazz Masterpieces "Bix Beiderbecke Volume 1 - Singing The Blues", which I have, but on another label. This is the reason for the 3-star rating, it's misleading the buyer. I'm keeping the CD but disappointed about missing songs on Disc 1.

I once heard how great the playing of Bix Beiderbecke was so I got the double CD. Must be an acquired taste...many of the songs especially from the early 1920's sounded like noise to me. The later 1920's songs l liked a lot better. Guess I'll have to listen to the CDs a few more times to see if I can appreciate the music more.

I ordered this CD because it preserved what in my jaundiced opinion is the best of Bix's work. By including some of Whiteman's and Goldkette's big band sides, which I largely dislike even though they may include choice Bix solos. So I knew wasn't getting the ideal collection of his recorded musical accomplishments when I bought it. It seems merely a pretty good compromise for me. That makes it just a 3-star grade as far as I'm concerned.

if you like jazz you'll love this set! i sure have!

Outstanding. Am so pleased to have found this excellent album and be introduced to the artistry of Bix. Now I can't get enough of his music.These two CDs will please anyone entranced by early Jazz.

Of great interest are a few tracks by a very young Bing Crosby, with the great Bix backing him they sound as good as they probably did 80 and some odd years ago, my favorite "there is no sweet man that's worth the salt of my tears", cd a must for fans of early jazz sounds.

CD 2 is one of my favorite music cds of all time. Wow, bravura performances.

Clear as a bell is how Bix sounds on this double CD. It includes all the classics that he played even an early vocal by The Rhythm Boys with the dulcet tons of Bing Crosby on "Mississippi Mud". The recordings cover the period from 1924 to 1930. He passed away the following year. If you like Bix then you will love this. The remastering is excellent. It doesn't however give the personnel, which can be found of course on the internet. Does this matter? Only if you think it does.

I bought this at the same time as the Beiderbecke comedy thrillers. It has a great selection of original recordings of the great Bix Beiderbecke. It's been a pleasure to begin to get to know some of his other pieces apart from Cryin' all Night - which became the theme tune to the TV series.

I bought this as I was a big fan of the Beiderbecke tapes series and the music featured in it. This CD contains some of those same tracks and a mix of new ones, a great CD at a bargain price for easy listening. Would thoroughly recommend it.

What's not to like about this classic Beiderbecke selection?

makes my day played in the motor