To jazz aficionados, trumpeter Bobby Hackett might be best known for a long history of projects that include his marvelous longtime relationship with trombonist Vic Dickenson, which led to a number of splendid small-group recordings. Hackett had many sides, not the least of which was his affinity for clear, lovely melodies, which he sang through his horn like a young robin chirping in the early morn. Simply put, the trumpeter had a knack for performing tunes from the American songbook with a deep clarity rarely, if ever, equaled. This gorgeous five-disc set collects all ten LPs made by Hackett for Capitol records between 1953 and 1959. These were the Eisenhower years in America, a time when a certain self-satisfaction endured, when conformity reigned, and everything seemed — at least on the surface — just right. Hackett's recordings for Capitol reflected the era perfectly. More in the style of easy listening than jazz, Hackett's luscious tone mesmerizes with its subtlety, its exquisite delicacy, and its fine sense of tonal center. Among the sidemen on these discs are Lou Stein, Dick Carey (who performs splendidly on Eb horn), Milt Hinton, Dave McKenna, Cutty Cutshall, and Bob Wilbur. Considering the talent represented, there is little in the way of first-rate jazz improvisation. In its place, though, are some of the most beautiful sounds you are likely to hear on disc, the wondrous tones of a premier stylist whose plush, rich, creamy voice speaks to the heavens with every note.
Recording date: May 11, 1953 - Nov 25, 1959
Recording date: May 11, 1953 - Nov 25, 1959
TRACKS
Disc 1
01 - Soft Lights And Sweet Music
02 - Bobby's Blues
03 - I Cried For You (Now It's Your Turn To Cry Over Me)
04 - You Turned The Tables On Me
05 - Under A Blanket Of Blue
06 - How About You
07 - Easy To Love
08 - That Old Black Magic
09 - Someday You'll Be Sorry
10 - The Song Is You
11 - It's All Right With Me
12 - Sleep
13 - Serenade In Blue
14 - Deep Night
15 - In A Sentimental Mood
16 - Lazy River
17 - Carefree
18 - Mood Indigo
19 - Get Out Of Town
20 - All Through The Night
21 - Stars In My Eyes
22 - Rain
23 - Flamingo
24 - You're My Thrill
25 - Isn't It Romantic
26 - If You Were The Only Girl In The World
27 - Together
Disc 2
01 - You Are Too Beautiful
02 - Thank You For A Lovely Evening
03 - Autumn Nocturne
04 - Cocktails For Two
05 - When I'm With You
06 - We Kiss In A Shadow
07 - Two Cigarettes In The Dark
08 - The Very Thought Of You
09 - The Way You Look Tonight
10 - Moonlight Becomes You
11 - Love Me
12 - One Kiss
13 - My Heart Stood Still
14 - Ev'rything I Love
15 - Moonlight Serenade
16 - Put Your Dreams Away
17 - Softly As In A Morning Sunrise
18 - Wonderful One
19 - Zigeuner
20 - Don't Take Your Love From Me
21 - Autumn Serenade
22 - If I Had A Million Dollars
23 - A Handful Of Stars
24 - Street Of Dreams
25 - The Thrill Is Gone
Disc 3
01 - At The Jazz Band Ball
02 - Lazy Mood
03 - Wolverine Blues
04 - The Continental
05 - Rose Room
06 - In A Little Spanish Town
07 - Cornet Chop Suey
08 - Caravan
09 - Tin Roof Blues
10 - Albatross
11 - Henry Hudson
12 - It Don't Mean A Thing
13 - Paradise
14 - Spring, Beautiful Spring
15 - C'est Magnifique
16 - I'll See You In My Dreams
17 - It's Been So Long
18 - That Naughty Waltz
19 - Cheek To Cheek
20 - If I Had My Way
21 - My Monday Date
22 - If You Were There
23 - All Of You
24 - Rosalie
Disc 4
01 - Bernie's Tune
02 - The Lady Is A Tramp
03 - Michelle
04 - You Stepped Out Of A Dream
05 - Sompin' At The Savoy
06 - Swing That Music
07 - Stereoso
08 - Undecided
09 - Dion't Be That Way
10 - Kahakalau
11 - High Society
12 - It Don't Mean A Thing
13 - I'm In The Market For You
14 - Embraceable You
15 - Mr Wonderful
16 - 'Tis Autumn
17 - Take The A Train
18 - Bright Eyes
19 - Too Close For Comfort
20 - Anytime, Anyday, Anywhere
21 - What's New
22 - C'Est Fini
23 - Prelude To A Kiss
24 - Sleepy Lagoon
Disc 5
01 - Good-Bye Blues
02 - Weary Blues
03 - Sugar Blues
04 - Blues In The Night
05 - Baker's Keyboard Blues
06 - Wang Wang Blues
07 - Limehouse Blues
08 - Davenport Blues
09 - Blues In My Heart
10 - Alcoholic Blues
11 - Bye Bye Blues
12 - Blues With A Kick
13 - Kohala March
14 - Orchids From Hawaii
15 - Song Of The Islands
16 - Hawaii Swings
17 - On The Beach At Waikiki
18 - Robby-San
19 - Ku Nei
20 - Maui Chimes
21 - Hapa Haole Hula Girl
22 - Puamana (Sea Breeze)
23 - Soft Sands
24 - Aloha Oe
