The Mastersounds Albums (9)
What The Critics Say
This compilation combines the final two studio recordings by the Mastersounds (Swinging With the Mastersounds and A Date With the Mastersounds), minus one track, as all of the music wouldn't fit on a single CD. Vibraphonist Buddy Montgomery and his brother Monk Montgomery (on acoustic bass, rather than electric bass as shown on the cover photo) are joined by pianist Richie Crabtree and drummer Benny Barth for music that ranges from the laid-back take of "Golden Earrings" to a driving "People Will Say We're in Love" to an understated arrangement of "Whisper Not." This quartet primarily falls into bop, though it can be considered cool on several of the tracks due to its often reserved but melodic nature. The music is enjoyable, though not especially innovative. Since few of their recordings have been reissued in the CD era, the re-emergence of these two nearly complete sessions should be welcomed. ~ Ken Dryden, All Music Guide
'The Mastersounds Play Horace Silver'
Release Date 1/1/1960
Tracks 6
Label World Pacific
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What The Critics Say
The Mastersounds (Buddy Montgomery on vibes, electric bassist Monk Montgomery, pianist Richard Crabtree and drummer Benny Barth) explore six Horace Silver tunes on this obscure but worthy LP. They were at the height of their success at the time (the quartet would break up in 1961) and sound in fine form on "Nica's Dream," "Doodlin'" and four lesser-known Silver songs. Excellent music that was endorsed by Horace Silver himself; he even wrote the liner notes. ~ Scott Yanow, All Music Guide
'The Mastersounds in Concert'
Release Date 1/1/1959
Tracks 8
Label World Pacific
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What The Critics Say
Having recorded several popular albums of show tunes that sold fairly well, the Mastersounds had an opportunity in 1959 to stretch out on a live album, which unfortunately has been long out of print. On four standards, a three-song ballad medley, and "Two Different Worlds," the quartet (consisting of vibraphonist Buddy Montgomery, pianist Richie Crabtree, electric bassist Monk Montgomery and drummer Benny Barth) are heard throughout in prime form, swinging hard on such songs as "Stompin' at the Savoy," "Love for Sale" and "Star Eyes." ~ Scott Yanow, All Music Guide
'Happy Holidays from Many Lands'
Release Date 1/1/1959
Tracks 11
Label World Pacific
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What The Critics Say
Recorded at a time when full Christmas albums by jazz musicians were quite rare, this out of print LP from the Mastersounds mostly errs by being too safe and reverent. The quartet consists of vibraphonist Buddy Montgomery, pianist Richie Crabtree, bassist Monk Montgomery, and drummer Benny Barth, and sometimes uses added percussion to give the music (taken from several cultures including France, Italy, Spain, and England) more of a Christmas feel. The net effect is that the results are pretty and lightly swinging, but all in all this is rather weak, a well-intentioned but forgettable project. ~ Scott Yanow, All Music Guide
'Ballads and Blues'
Release Date 1/1/1959
Tracks 7
Label World Pacific
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What The Critics Say
For a few years in the late 1950s, the Mastersounds were a popular band. Consisting of vibraphonist Buddy Montgomery, electric bassist Monk Montgomery, pianist Richie Crabtree and drummer Benny Barth, the group was essentially an easy-listening and less classical-oriented version of the Modern Jazz Quartet. On this out-of-print LP, the band performs a "Blues Medley" (which includes among its three songs numbers by Milt Jackson and John Lewis), three originals, "Solar," "How Deep is the Ocean," "Mint Julep," and Dizzy Gillespie's "The Champ." The music is quite accessible, if now difficult to find. ~ Scott Yanow, All Music Guide
What The Critics Say
The second album by the Mastersounds (which has not yet been reissued on CD) features the popular quartet (vibraphonist Buddy Montgomery, pianist Richie Crabtree, electric bassist Monk Montgomery and drummer Benny Barth) exploring virtually all of the main themes to the Rodgers and Hammerstein musical The King and I. Best-known among the songs are "Getting to Know You," "Hello Young Lovers" and "We Kiss in a Shadow," although most of the other tunes (which include "Something Wonderful," "Dance of the Siamese Children" and "Shall We Dance") are also quite memorable. The Mastersounds turn the music into jazz, but they keep the melodies in mind during their solos. The results are both respectful and swinging, well worth searching for by fans of the vibes quartet sound and the score of The King and I. ~ Scott Yanow, All Music Guide
'Jazz Showcase Introducing the Mastersounds'
Release Date 1/1/1959
Tracks 10
Label World Pacific
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What The Critics Say
This is the debut of the lightly swinging quartet distinguished by vibist Buddy Montgomery. It appeals to fans of The Modern Jazz Quartet. ~ David Szatmary, All Music Guide
What The Critics Say
Recorded in the late '50s and released in 1966 when the name Wes Montgomery became well known, this reading of Borodin's evergreen classic "Kismet" is a wondrous platter. The Mastersounds were the Montgomery brothers' group before Wes stepped out on his own. Monk and Buddy Montgomery were excellent musicians in their own right. Buddy's vibe work on this record clearly shows that he was leading the group through their paces, and his performance is excellent. Top marks also for piano player Richard Crabtree, whose vamp on "Baubles, Bangles & Beads" is positively funky. Wes was indeed coming into his own here, and for just that reason alone this is an important record. Although merely an accompanist, he gets to stretch out on the extended "Not Since Nineveh" and the snaky, Eastern-tinged "Fate." Overall, an excellent jazz reading of one of the most beloved musicals ever and also an important historical record for Wes Montgomery fans. ~ Matthew Greenwald, All Music Guide
'The Flower Drum Song'
Release Date 1/1/1958
Tracks 7
Label World Pacific
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What The Critics Say
The Mastersounds (vibraphonist Buddy Montgomery, pianist Richie Crabtree, electric bassist Monk Montgomery, and drummer Benny Barth) dig into themes taken from the Rodgers & Hammerstein Broadway musical Flower Drum Song, plus Buddy's original song "A Flower." In general, the music is pretty and relaxed, but not too invigorating. None of the themes from the show ended up catching on. The Mastersounds, who cannot help sounding a bit like the Modern Jazz Quartet in spots, play quite well, but this LP falls short of being essential. ~ Scott Yanow, All Music Guide
