24BIT DIGITALLY REMASTERED 11 CD SET 124-PAGE BOOKLET POSTER INCLUDED (9.4 x 14.2 inches) Back in 1940, Keynote Recordings Inc. was a new, small and independent New York company with offices at 522 Fifth Ave., recently founded by Eric Bernay, the owner of a midtown Manhattan record store called The Music Room. Bernay was musically open-minded and, looking for a place in the increasingly convulsed American record industry, he launched a catalog of varied music and performers. The nature of Keynote s early releases stopped them reaching a broader market, but at the end of 1943 he took a decision that, for a while, helped move his business in the right direction: Keynote turned to jazz and for the following three and a half years built up a large 78 rpm record catalog of 10 and 12-inch albums which contributed greatly to documenting the jazz history of forties America. Responsible for this impressive venture was an unlikely figure; a Javanese fan called Harry Lim. During this relatively short period he used his deep knowledge and great contacts to record some of the most celebrated jazz soloists and outstanding newcomers on the New York, Chicago and Los Angeles jazz scenes discs that rapidly became collectors items. This box set is a homage to Harry Lim, who made Keynote the legendary jazz label it is today. Ann Hathaway; Arnold Ross; Babe Russin; Barney Bigard; Benny Carter; Benny Morton; Bernie Leighton; Bill Harris; Billy Taylor; Bud Freeman; Buddy Stewart; Charlie Shavers; Chubby Jackson; Clyde Hurley; Coleman Hawkins; Corky Corcoran; Cozy Cole; Danny Hurd; Dave Lambert; Dinah Washington; Earl Hines; Ellis Larkins; Emmett Berry; Frank Froeba; Gene Sedric; George Barnes; George Hartman; George Wettling; Herbie Haymer; Horace Henderson; Irving Fazola; J.C. Heard; Joe Thomas; Jonah Jones; Juan Tizol; Kenny Kersey; Lennie Tristano; Lester Young; Manny Klein; Marie Bryant; Milt Hinton; Neal Hefti; Pete Brown; Red Norvo; Red Rodney; Rex Stewart; Roy Eldridge; Ted Nash; Teddy Wilson; The Keynoters; Willie Smith
J**S
A splendid collection
Keynote recorded during the period immediately preceding the bebop revolution and this collection represents the mature swing era in its flowering. It is full of quality performances by well assembled groups and benefits from very good recording, no doubt assisted by Fresh Sound's expert remastering. A panoply of jazz stars is featured (study the list) and it is hard to imagine that anyone who buys this set will be disappointed. Many congratulations to Fresh Sound for putting this together. Invaluable!
I**N
Excellent Collection
An excellent collection of jazz of the 1940s with a range of well known bands and musicians as well as many lesser known players. Very well transferred to digital, very clean. Excellent and comprehensive information book and well illustrated.With many lesser known players and sessions. This is essential to any comprehensive jazz collection of the World War II era and shortly after; 1940 - 1947. A bargain at this price -- Great.
B**B
97% of the numbers are great, 4 of the be-bop numbers on the last ...
97% of the numbers are great, 4 of the be-bop numbers on the last cd not so good. 90% of the no's I have not got.
J**K
Important recordings.
Not every track is good,inevitably, but many are very important recordings. The reproduction is excellent.
Trustpilot
1 month ago
3 days ago
