The Best Of - AL HIRT*****

Java/Stranger In Paradise/Bourbon Street Parade/The Best Man/Stella By Starlight/Holiday For Trumpet/I Love Paris/Sugar Lips/Poor Butterfly/Cotton Candy/Love Makes The World Go Round/The Saints Go Marchin’ In

Renowned trumpeter Al Hirt bid farewell to the US album top twenty with this best of collection. He would place his albums on the lower rungs of the chart for the rest of the decade. (US:13)

"Everything on Java was just fantastic and he was playing every note exactly like he wanted it. On the surface it's a trite little tune, but his intonation was spot-on, his articulation was superb, and his phrasing and expression were truly excellent."

"I grew up listening to Al Hirt. He was, in my opinion the best. He played things that seemed to be unplayable. His Dixieland stuff was amazing, he played a ballad with more feeling than anyone I had ever heard."

"He was a terrific player. He had an enormous fat sound, very brassy, but at the same time it never had a rough edge. It seems like a contradiction, but his sound was brassy and sweet at the time. No matter how high, how loud, or how fast he was playing he always seemed to be playing well within his comfort zone, and having a lot of fun."

"This album combines genres of blues, jazz, and pop to keep the listener tapping his foot, not to mention keeping him mesmerized by Hirt's amazing talent and ability. The listener can close his eyes and be transported to another day and time. The songs on The Best Of Al Hirt seem to walk one through the sights, sounds and feelings of an entire year."

"I feel Al Hirt is often overlooked when legendary trumpeters are discussed, which is unfortunate. As a musician he was top notch, technically in his prime, while also being a master interpreter of song. This is a combination that is often hard to come by and shouldn't be underestimated." "His large-bore tone, his technical playing skills, the romance and the sense of humour he applies to his style is totally timeless, brilliant, and intelligent. Listening to this again just reinforces my youthful conviction that Mr. Hirt is truly the best."