Louie Bellson: Press Reviews

Jazz masters LOUIE BELLSON (drums) and CLARK TERRY (trumpet) join on this magnificent album of new big band music by composer Bellson. Also features Kenny Washington & Sylvia Cuenca (drums).
(To purchase, click photo) --->

NOTE: Following are excerpts only. For full review, click on the name/source. --Mrs. B

"…magnificent pieces …Bellson excels with mastery in all that he touches ...even at his advanced age! …Clark remains at the summit of his art.
…exceptional quality of the orchestra …recording quality…a MUST. It’s been a long time since I’ve heard a big band recording of this caliber. La grande classe."
(Trans. from French)

"Bellson’s compositions are often moving (in every sense of the word) ...the band rocks and shouts. Both Bellson and Terry are wily masters ...the results are gratifying Jazz ...swinging proof. Here’s to this brave, cheerful expedition!"
(not online) July-Aug-Sept. issue, p. 254.

"...an excellent, driving, 17-piece big band...opens with a moving, four-part 'Chicago Suite' that features a number of sidemen who contribute tasty solos."
(not online)

"a reflection on the need for communication between different generations to keep alive...good jazz...executive level, first class." [4-stars] ... (Trans. from Italian)

"...salutes the very nature of swing in jazz. There's voracity and verve with a scent of the Savoy in Louie Bellson's writing...classic big band jazz with august arranging and robust smooth musicianship...a collector's treasure."

"... ensemble writing and easy-cookin' tempos that allow the beauty of the composer’s melodic and harmonic ideas to fully blossom. ... refined technique. Tastefulness is what Bellson has always been about." (not online) p.58

"Beautifully constructed...striking soloists...balance of percussive propulsion tempered by mindful orchestral form."

"Bellson plays letter-perfect ... (Terry) injects loads of personality ... Terry and Bellson seem to muster an extra measure of elan for each other"

"Peel the...suit off the Energizer Bunny...you'll find the ageless Louie Bellson" (not online) Summer 2008, p. 19.

"swings hard and in enjoyable directions. ...this recording will be a must ... some exceptional players both young and old."

"...exceptional big band sounds, scintillating arrangements and solos that make you glad you have ears."

(Translated from Japanese by Bellson fan Takeshi Takeuchi.) "This is a reunion album of jazz legend Louie Bellson and Clark Terry. They were members of both the Duke Ellington and Count Basie orchestras. The title comes from the “Lewis & Clark Expedition” which first crossed the North American Continent by land route in the early 19th century. (Bellson and Terry) opened up the big band route and the sound is magnificent, like the Pacific Ocean. Track 6, “Two Guys and a Gal,” which featured the three drummers, is thrilling." --Takehiko Tokiwa

"...the horn section...really creates the full-blown swing phenomenon. You can almost feel the air come shooting out of the speakers." (Review of Track 1)

"...the delights of big band jazz in all its glory..."

"(with) Washington, Cuenca ...an outstanding and unusual drum threesome"

"timeless elegance...(not) a weak nanosecond on...disc...invaluable asset"

" ... best recent big band album that has crossed my desk."

" ... a jumping suite that lets everyone in the band glitter and sparkle ..."

"...enough...to not let a smile leave my face the entire length of the record"

"... should be 'mandatory' for all music classes in High Schools across the land!" Rating: MOST HIGHLY RECOMMENDED without a moment's hesitation.

Journal of the New Jersey Jazz Society, Vol. 36 Issue 4 (not online) " ... big band music that is unabashedly swinging ... free of ... endless soloing ... "

Rating: EXCELLENT! "...fresh musical collaboration reuniting Bellson and Terry...The CD packaging, designed by Bellson's wife, Francine is attractive..."

(Translated from Japanese by Bellson fan Takeshi Takeuchi.) "It is the sequel for the first time in 14 years from the “Live from New York” CD in 1993. 86 yr-old Terry gave a guest performance in 82 yr-old Bellson’s orchestra. The title of “2” means the sequel to the song that was recorded in “Live from New York.” Bellson’s composition and arrangement are to the point, so we can enjoy sharp sounds. Terry’s great performance does not let you feel (his) age. I become glad just to listen." --Staff

"The return of the Louie and Clark Expedition"
"... this is an album that is completely fresh, a continuation of the swing tradition by artists whose creativity is undiminished by time." p. 10 (not online)

"sounds..from..breath and touch that cannot be duplicated by..synthesizer"

"Incredible...amazing...exhilarating ... There's not a clunker in the carton."

"Brilliant solos ... a celebration of life and a musical tribute to big band jazz"

"...This is a performance that is well-oiled with good pace and feel..."

"incredible composer...enjoys expressing himself with...powerful pieces."

"Terry's Mood" named "Song of the Day." Also, Clark Terry interview.

"A delightfully swinging rave up that puts jazz right in the pocket. Hot stuff."

"this history-rich CD...a sweet marriage of tender rhythms and pretty notes"