This much expanded release dilutes the impact of the original compact set. Too bad for newcomers because the classic one-disk recording was both revolutionary and untouchable. So here we have a more-or-less historical recap and beautiful to behold for old and new fans, although without quite the mind-bending result. It should have a 5+ stars rating.
There is some great stuff here and some questionable stuff as well. Recording techniques were not as sophisticated and there are tracks where this show. As a history lesson you can't beat it. This group was ground breaking and it makes you appreciate the excellence of Manhatten Transfer and Bobby McFerrin.
This collection is absolutely the pinnacle of the art of writing lyrics to jazz solos and singing them, known as vocalese. Jon Hendricks: The Master. The material mostly comes from Jazz Standards of the 40s and 50s, Ellington, Coltrane, Horace Silver. If you're familiar with the instrumental versions you can sing along, or else you can grab this and then go find the originals later. Either way, Brilliance!
