MASTERSOUNDS
The Mastersounds (Fantasy)
Reviewed by Ron Saranich

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The Mastersounds is a recent Fantasy reissue of all but one of the songs from two 1960 recordings - Swinging With The Mastersounds and A Date With Mastersounds. Featuring Buddy Montgomery on vibes, Monk Montgomery on bass, Richie Crabtree on piano, and Benny Barth on drums, the group had won Down Beat's best new small combo award the prior year but disbanded in the beginning of 1960. These albums were a result of the group reuniting solely to record in the studio.

The group's instrumentation mirrored the Modern Jazz Quartet (MJQ). The Mastersounds were richer in melody and harmony than the MJQ, but both groups were similar in sounding more reserved than most other groups playing bop at this time. Perhaps it's the combination of vibes-piano-bass-drums, but for me the music is more cerebral than passionate. Its great for moments of quiet and introspection, but won't work if you want to listen to soulful, danceable tunes or cutting-edge innovative material. Instead this music is solid, joyful jazz - a tasteful album meant to be savored on a fresh, sunny morning over one's first cup of coffee.

Track List:

Golden Earrings * People Will Say We're In Love * (There Is) No Greater Love * West Coast Blues * Medley: I've Never Been In Love Before/Don't Blame Me * I Could Write A Book * Whisper Not * Fink, Fank, Funk * It Could Happen To You * Try It * Alone Together * For Now * Surrey With The Fringe On Top

© 2002 - Ron Saranich