This two-fer CD has to be one of the swingingest guitar/organ albums ever made and one of the swingingest jazz albums period. Granted, it's light jazz, but it still swings like mad. There's nothing abrasive here. It's all very accessible and easy to listen to. It's music to get happy with for sure. The tunes are all concise and to the point. Narry a wasted note anywhere. And the musicians are clearly enjoying the hell out of what they're playing, too. Howard Roberts' virtuosity is astounding and I can't imagine a more complimentary group of side men to accompany him. Berghoffer, bass, and Palmer, drums are rock solid, steady and tasteful. The organists, Bryant and Kendrix, while different in style, mesh beautifully with Roberts' concept.
Everything works well and even a schmaltzy Days of Wine & Roses is given a fantastic, original treatment.
The cd itself is first rate. Several session photos not included in the original packages are included as are track times, recording dates, all original liner notes, photos and new liner notes by Jim Carlson. The music was remastered in stereo and the sound quality is excellent for both albums, although you will want to turn the volume up some when H.R. is a Dirty Guitar Player begins.
Although both albums are excellent, my preference is H.R. because it seems to be just a little more cohesive than Color. To me, the sign of a great album is how many times you want to listen to it. I used to play H.R. to death when I owned the mono L.P. And now with the stereo cd, I'm discovering it all over again.
So, if you want something to get you happy, it doesn't get any better than this two-fer.
