Jim Hall Live! Vol. 2-4 (3 CD set)

This set has been available for a while now in this edition and has already been reviewed, but I find this music to be so great that I thought I'd (hopefully) bring some more attention to this live set for fans of Hall and/or jazz guitar. The set is from artistShare (sic) which is fan-funded.The original edition from a few years ago (of 250 copies I believe) had the three CDs of music and an extra High Resolution disc included. The packaging was a 150 page hardcover book-style package which is no longer available, and the cost was (to me) high--$75. But it sold out quickly leaving many fans in the cold.The set now available for around $40 (still a bit expensive) is just the three CDs of music in a nice three panel foldout cardboard package. The discs each have a pocket--which have been intelligently cut to facilitate getting each disc out of it's pocket--a list of tracks for each disc, a list of personnel, a b&w photo of Hall and bassist Thompson (no Clarke sadly) at Bourbon Street, and recording information. That's it. While the music is the most important thing here, I do wish a booklet could've been included--maybe not 150 pages like the original--but at least a few pages about the gig and the music for Hall's many fans--and especially for fans of this gig.I still own the original LP I purchased way back in the '70s on A&M, and it's still one of my favorite jazz guitar albums. If you're reading this you're probably aware of that original album, and this set of volumes 2-4 is equally good. If for some reason you're unfamiliar with this music--and like jazz guitar--do yourself a big favor and listen to the original album (Vol. 1) under the title "Live!" which is available for little money. It's full of standards (as are volumes 2-4) but Hall and the band imbue them with a sparkling life that captures your attention from the outset. Then if you can swing it, purchasing volumes 2-4 will be a no-brainer. Jazz guitar doesn't get any better than hearing Hall, Clarke, and Thompson on this live date back in '75.

"Jim Hall Live," Volume 1 (recorded in 1975) has been available for many years, however Volumes 2-4 were offered in limited production and quantity several years back. Jim's step daughter Devra (and Jim) were been involved in the release of this material. These CDs (Vol 2-4) were already sold out by the time I heard about them. I was really upset about this but now you can actually buy the CDs, where as before download had been the only option. All the material Volume 1-4 was recorded live in Toronto on June 11,12 & 13 1975. The other two members of Jim's trio are Don Thompson, bass and Terry Clark, drums, both long time associates & musicians that Jim often played with. The excitement and interplay between the three members is at the highest level, one could hope for. Jim's tone, sound & playing are wonderful, as these were recorded with his old Gibson ES-175. The same can be said for Don Thompson's incredible bass solos and Terry Clark's drumming. The tunes are mostly standards with the exception of two of Jane Hall's (Jim's wife) tunes and the tune Careful #34; penned by Jim. The playing and interplay remind me of the trios that Bill Evans had since the late 60s. Jim's playing is rather free but structured and he displays here why he was the father of such guitarists as John Abercrombie, Mick Goodrick, John Scofield and Bill Frissel (just to name a few)! Buy this if you're a true fan of Jim Hall, you'll have no regrets!

Every now and again a group is put together and turns out to be exceptional. Jim Hall Don Thompson and Terry Clarke are such a group.This 3 CD set recorded back in 1975 at the Bourbon Street jazz club in Toronto provides 21 tracks across the three volumes of such interplay and swing the listener will be stunned at such playing. Here are three masters who know how to play as a team and yet still shine as individuals. The majority of the 21 tunes are standards with generous playing time and I ended up wishing there was a volume 5 !If you are wondering where is volume 1 it is on A & M Horizon # SP-705 titled 'JIM HALL LIVE' and if you do not already have this CD you will certainly want it !The box set is a limited edition so don't delay - order it today ! BARRY HATCHER

Jim Hall influenced scores of guitarists in his lifetime. A wonderful and generous man. With theses recordings, you can began to learn why he is so revered.

A great album by Jim Hall and the cd was delivered in great shape!

This IS music history, everybody loving jazz and jazz guitar should know this, fantastic!!!!!

I can't say just how good this is....obviously back in the 70's producers had to decide what to leave out. I can see that this was a heck of a task given the fact that there is not a weak track in this whole box set (and what is more there are no duplications of the original album - which always feels like a rip off).

What needs to be said?