Al Hirt Albums (24)
'Java: With Cream'
Release Date 8/2/2005
Tracks 14
Label Tomato Records
See Album Tracklist and Review
'Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas'
Release Date 8/1/2000
Tracks 9
Label Delta
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What The Critics Say
This CD reissue of Hirt's 1962 album sports sparkling remastering and four previously unreleased tracks from the same session. Recorded live at Dan's Pier 600 in New Orleans, this is Hirt on his home turf, running through a set of stage staples like "Basin Street Blues," "Perdido," "Diga Diga Doo," "That's A-Plenty," and "Yellow Dog Blues." Personnel varies from track to track, giving some of the songs a far more modern feel than what's required and spoiling the mood in spots, but this is still a nice portrait of the trumpeter playing for the hometown faithful. ~ Cub Koda, All Music Guide
What The Critics Say
Al Hirt sounds fine on this RCA LP, functioning as the dominant soloist while backed by a big band arranged by Billy May. RCA was clearly trying to move Hirt beyond Dixieland, and the virtuoso did his best to respond, although he is (at the most modern) a swing player. The briefness of these performances (only one song barely exceeds three minutes) and the predictability of the charts keep the album from being anything too special, although the overall results are pleasing. Among the highlights are "Holiday for Trumpet," "Margie" and "Memories of You." ~ Scott Yanow, All Music Guide
'Music to Watch Girls By'
Release Date 1/11/2000
Tracks 17
Label RCA Victor
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'Live on Bourbon Street'
Release Date 5/21/1996
Tracks 13
Label Delta
See Album Tracklist and Review
'Brassman's Holiday'
Release Date 4/16/1996
Tracks 16
Label Hindsight
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What The Critics Say
Trumpeter Al Hirt is represented on relatively few CDs. This particular release finds him heading a septet that also features veteran clarinetist Peanuts Hucko, trombonist James Huggan and keyboardist Dave Zoller. The repertoire is typical Dixieland, along with an occasional swing ballad and a version of Hirt's famous hit "Java." The virtuoso trumpeter, who was 65 at the time, was still in prime form, swinging his way through "That's A Plenty," "Royal Garden Blues," "Bourbon Street Parade" and "The Saints" with flash and excitement. ~ Scott Yanow, All Music Guide
