Gems

Recorded not very long before both Venuti and Barnes died - the latter's passing certainly less expected than the former's, this C.D. shows both musicians on top form with backing personnel who are there for the two lead instruments and give them adequate space to shine. Both Venuti and Barnes had styles which are immediately recognisable and it is a pleasure to have this C.D. in my collection to commemorate a well-crafted collaboration.

In my humble opinion, these gentlemen were the tops on their respective instruments. They play so well together,and don't ste pon each others toes. The back up groups is good,and keeps things percolating. The price is right.....what you waitng for?

Venuti is the best. Love the guy.

This is a wonderful CD. If you like George Barnes you know how rare his material is and this is a great one!

I'm a jazz guitarist and avid collector of jazz guitar albums. George Barnes is one of my favorite jazz guitarists, though that may not be the hippest thing to say to a crowd of jazz guitar fans. To his peers, during his days as a session guitarist, he was the most respected cat in NY. Apparently, he could read ANYTHING that was put in front of him. Legend has it that he could read music upside down. I don't know. It doesn't matter for this review. Needless to say, he was one hell of a player. George was a very different sounding guitarist from the normal, cool, bebop guitarists of the 1950's. George's sound was very dynamic, full of slides, slurs, bends and every manner of ornamentation you can imagine. Of course, this was something the beboppers felt was pretty unhip. His sensibilities were hot, swingin', melodic and very impassioned, with a rich, warm tone that absolutely bubbled over with exuberance. In my estimation, his take on playing a beautiful melody was unsurpassed by any electric guitarist. George was extremely gifted at soloing and could spin-off chorus after chorus of sparkling, inventive lines. As an album, it's a great listen. It's fun. It sparkles. It's melancholy. It's beautiful. It freaking SWINGS. Joe Venuti was THE great jazz violinist (along with Stephane Grappelli) and he absolutely swings his butt off on this album.....but I wasn't talking about fiddlers here, was I ? Honestly, I feel like any jazz guitarist should dig this album. I believe most listeners, jazz fans or not, will be captivated by it's robust spirit and charm. I dig it, and I'm not ashamed to say it.

A friend introduced me to Joe Venuti and George Barnes with this album, and it began a near obsession to find more music like this. It's melodic jazz at its finest. Venuti's violin has a playfulness that makes you at times want to snap your fingers and at other times chuckle. And Barnes is, as he was during his career, flawless. The two interact wonderfully. This is an uplifting style that isn't in favor anymore, and the music world is poorer for it. Buy this album. Buy it, and love it!