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"A historic collaboration by two of jazz music’s greatest artists is finally available on 180-gram 2-LP set. Impex Records’ deluxe production captures the amazing outdoor acoustics with fine detail and wide dynamic range. The beautiful gatefold jacket is coated in a vintage high-gloss lacquer and embellished in metallic ink. The White House Sessions, LIVE 1962 contains inspired performances of classic tunes “Take Five,” “Castilian Blues,” “Lullaby of Birdland,” and “I Left My Heart In San Francsico.”

I'm all for hearing ever-improved re-reissues of old favorites, often on spectacular-sounding 45rpm platters. But it's also really nice to receive something fresh, and this never-before-released gem recorded live in August of 1962 at the White House Seminar American Jazz Concert is pretty wonderful. Disc one features the Dave Brubeck Quartet, which kicks off with a fast-paced rendition of "Take Five." As usual Paul Desmond's sweet-sounding alto is a highlight, and the band really cooks throughout its four tracks. Bennett gets to shine on the second LP, delivering a joyful set with his trio that culminates in "I Left My Heart In San Francisco." The Brubeck group, sans Desmond, joins Bennett for the final side's unrehearsed set of tour tunes, and it's a treat to hear Bennett perform with a more swinging jazz group. - Wayne Garcia, The Absolute Sound, Jul-Aug16

Source: Impex Records

“The White House Sessions, Live 1962 is a particular kind of historical document. In one way, it’s exactly what it appears to be: two greats—Tony Bennett and Dave Brubeck—playing (separately and together) at the White House while JFK was in office. But to hear the set now feels like being let in on a secret, like being able to witness an exclusive event. It finds both performers at the top of their game, but there’s something intangible about these recordings, outside of the music, that makes them distinct.” - PopMatters

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