Sidney Bechet - Ken Burns JAZZ Collection: Sidney Bechet

Sidney Bechet was one of the great pioneers of jazz, a New Orleans clarinetist of unmatched improvisational creativity who developed a highly personal voice on the difficult soprano saxophone. He could soar above an ensemble or develop lead lines with a power that rivaled trumpeters. Although he was the first great jazz soloist to record--on 1923's "Wild Cat Blues" with Clarence Williams's Blue Five--until the late 1930s, Bechet's recordings cast him invariably as a sideman. He wouldn't achieve the kind of fame that was his due until he settled in France in the 1950s. This is an excellent introduction to his work, ranging from that first extant recording to 1947. Along the way, there are early meetings with Louis Armstrong and recordings like "Shag," a spirited performance in the New Orleans ensemble style with trumpeter Tommy Ladnier and the New Orleans Foot Warmers. Some of Bechet's best work of the '30s appeared under the name of singer Noble Sissle, even when Sissle wasn't present, as on "Viper Mad," but it's Bechet's distinctive work that gives these period pieces their enduring significance. While he spent much of his career cast in the New Orleans style, Bechet was an innovator, using electric guitar in the band for his own 1938 classics "Chant in the Night" and "Jungle Blues." He finally had something like a hit when he recorded Gershwin's "Summertime" in 1939, the rich wail of his soprano both plaintive and commanding. The same distinctive way with a popular song is evident on "Love for Sale" with just a rhythm section, while there are other 1940s recordings with a host of distinguished collaborators, such as trumpeter Muggsy Spanier and trombonist Vic Dickenson. --Stuart Broomer Amazon.com

Oldies but goldies

Although not an expert on Bechet's remarkable carreer, I have heard quite a few of his recordings over the years and I think these are among the best; avoiding his French phase in favor of his American roots...

And he really diggs into the tunes; his company is mostly fine or more than fine, varying widely (it includes Louis Armstrong, Clarence Williams, Tommy Ladnier, Ernie Caceres, Muggsy Spanier, Zutty Singleton, Henry "Red" Allen, Sidney De Paris, "Pops" Foster) and I must admit I had no idea Noble Sissle's band was this good).
Well, even if the selection could have been better, this is a great intro to Bechet's soprano-sax and clarinet opus from 1923-1947; the earliest recording being Waller-Williams' "Wild Cat Blues" performed by Clarence Williams Blue Five (Bechet, Thomas Morris on cornet, John Mayfield on trombone, Williams on piano and Buddy Christian on banjo) and the latest being Porter's "Love for Sale" performed by Bechet's Quartet (with Lloyd Philips on piano, "Pops" Foster on bass and Arthur Herbert on drums). January 16, 2008

Only so-so compilation

I normally love most things Ken Burns, but this was rather disappointing...the selections here are unremarkable and even dull often, just don't have the effortless joyful schwing of Bechet's best work but rather seem too analytical and academic.

I'd much more recommend "The Legendary Sidney Bechet" and "The Best of Sidney Bechet" for those looking for an intro to Bechet's special genius. March 25, 2007

Greatest Soprano Sax and you suck Kenny G

I hate you Kenny G. You ruined a once great instrument played by such titans of jazz as John Coltrane, Wayne Shorter,

AND SIDNEY BECHET....

Sidney Bechet was the first great improviser in jazz. Yes, yes, Satchmo was the most famous improviser of the 20's scene, but it most likely was the child prodigy Bechet to be the first with his wild New Orleans clarinet and soprano sax. I think that this is a wonderful compilation of the great man and it is some of the best solos out of New Orleans which made Satch take notes from his good friend Sidney.

I CURSE YOU, KENNY G TO HAVE CORNS THE SIZE OF GUAVAMELONS (WHICH LOOK LIKE RHUBARBS) ON YOUR FEET THAT HURT WORSE THAN THE CORNS WHICH PLAGUE AND TORMENT CHARLES. June 4, 2005

A different world ... nostalgic and timeless all at once

This compilation is not perfect, there are about 8 sounds with him as a sideman, and this comilation does not go into the last decade of his career, where he was recorded on tape (rather than 78rpm). With the negatives out of the way, this is Sydney Bechet, possibly one of the top 10 soloist ever in american music. What he could do with one note in this idom, can only be matched by few (Johnny Hodges, Cootie Williams, Louis Armstrong). His vibrato was so expressive, and massive in it feeling, that he told a story in a way words never could. This all sounds poetic, but take a listen to the last 10 songs on this cd and see for yourself. This is where the original spirit of jazz was born, group improsation. This was generally lost until avant garde groups/artist like Art of Ensemble of Chicago returned it. May 29, 2005

The Greatest Soprano - EVER!

One is grateful to Ken Burns calling attention to Jazz with his series and, there it ends! Sidney Bechet is without a doubt the greatest soprano player ever. His power was absolutely amazing. Pity the trumpet players who had to play with him, he could, and did, drown them out. I saw and heard him in person in the late 50s and I have never forgotten that evening! If it wasn't for Sidney, we wouldn't have Hodges, Wilber and many others. I have an awful lot of Bechet on recordings and I never tire of him! July 17, 2003

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