Recommend sessions with Chu Berry please & thanks

[LarryCurleyMoe]

Hi all:

I was listening to some sides a couple of weeks ago with Chu as a sideman- probably with Hawkins, Prez, or Charlie Christian-

Are there any essential recordings (Commodore or other labels) that feature him in a more prominent role as a soloist? I like his sound and would like to hear him blow a bit.

Thanks!

[pepe]

There's been a recent discussion on Chu Berry at the AAJ board, with some good recommendations. Just go there and click Chu Berry on search.

Edited March 25, 2003 by pepe

[AfricaBrass]

Verve put out a cd of Coleman Hawkins and Chu Berry called Tenor Giants a couple years ago. This cd features material recorded for Commodore records. I would pick this one up if you don't already have it.

[LarryCurleyMoe]

Thanks Pepe & Africa Brass:

1) I'll check out the AAJ discussion

2) I'll definitely grab the Hawkins/Berry - Commodore had such great music - I really love the Hawk too - this should most likely be killer material. I also just plain enjoy the approach to music making & the ambiance of music from this era.

Saw a couple of other items on Tower website- perhaps these are covered in the AAJ discussion on Berry.

Thanks again!

[Chuck Nessa]

Chu is not an easy artist to explore. Under his name he made 8 titles owned by Sony/Columbia and 8 for Commodore. These are all on the Classics Chu Berry disc. Other fine solos are spread across sessions with Fletcher Henderson, Cab Calloway and one with Hamp. I have all this stuff, but the Classics disc is the most concentrated exposure you can get.

Edited April 1, 2003 by Chuck Nessa

[LarryCurleyMoe]

Hey there- thanks for the input - I'm still working on this- I did pick up a copy of the Hawkins/Berry on Commodore- TASTY - a great cd overall- I love the early Bean too plus Al Casey - guitar, Art Tatum, Lips Page - all add to the greatness and sense of swing. I hear Bean in Berry - or is it Berry in Bean (re: phrasing and style)? I need to listen further.

Thanks for the rec. Chuck- In the back of my mind I was thinking the same about the Chron. Classics- after looking around I came to the conclusion that this might also be best for overview of his diversity. Love the Chron. Classics series anyway!

[papsrus]

Chu is not an easy artist to explore. Under his name he made 8 titles owned by Sony/Columbia and 8 for Commodore. These are all on the Classics Chu Berry disc. Other fine solos are spread across sessions with Fletcher Henderson, Cab Calloway and one with Hamp. I have all this stuff, but the Classics disc is the most concentrated exposure you can get.

Reviving this old thread as I just received the Chu Berry Classics 1937 - 1941 disc. (These Chronological Classics discs seem to be available through Caimen sometimes for quite a bit less than elsewhere, btw.)

This disc apparently collects all his recorded material as a leader, which isn't a whole lot, it seems. Four separate bands represented here. Sound quality is perfectly acceptable, to my ear (the high end seems to be dampened down a bit, but not bad). And the music is wonderful. Berry comes through loud a clear. ... Should add, this is my first foray into Chu Berry's music. I'd have no trouble recommending this compilation.

[John L]

Chu is not an easy artist to explore. Under his name he made 8 titles owned by Sony/Columbia and 8 for Commodore. These are all on the Classics Chu Berry disc. Other fine solos are spread across sessions with Fletcher Henderson, Cab Calloway and one with Hamp. I have all this stuff, but the Classics disc is the most concentrated exposure you can get.

Reviving this old thread as I just received the Chu Berry Classics 1937 - 1941 disc. (These Chronological Classics discs seem to be available through Caimen sometimes for quite a bit less than elsewhere, btw.)

This disc apparently collects all his recorded material as a leader, which isn't a whole lot, it seems. Four separate bands represented here. Sound quality is perfectly acceptable, to my ear (the high end seems to be dampened down a bit, but not bad). And the music is wonderful. Berry comes through loud a clear. ... Should add, this is my first foray into Chu Berry's music. I'd have no trouble recommending this compilation.

Since this thread began, there is also in new Mosaic box set that can make exploring Chu Berry a lot easier.

Edited March 9, 2008 by John L