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Artist CD Title Image: Photo of CD Bo Lewis Review
The Flying Neutrinos "I'd Rather be in New Orleans" Great CD showcasing the blues vocals of the captivating Ingrid Lucia. New Orleans style "jass" from Todd Londagin (trombone), Dave Berger (drums), Matthew Munisteri (guitar) & Matt Weiner (bass). Spectacular guest trumpet blown by the late Doc Cheatham. Dan Levinson blows a hot clarinet & soulful sax. The next best thing to a trip to New Orleans!
The Flying Neutrinos "The Hotel Child" Ingrid Lucia's distinctive vocals grace 12 cuts of American music. Traditional musicianship from Matt Munisteri (guitars), Todd Londagin (trombone), Matt Weiner (bass) with top session players. Mix of classic tunes with 5 originals penned by Matt Munisteri. Uptempo & ballads. Jazz & blues that swing!
Tim Harding's
Cotton Club Orchestra
"Nice Work If You Can Get It" Big band from down under that really wails. 16 classic cuts from the Cotton Club era. Plenty of hot solos & tight section work. Speakeasy style vocals from Deborah Robertson. Vocals with class from Adrian Daff. This is one great big band with a sound all their own! Call 1-800-781-7277 to order.
Wally's Swing World "Full Swing Ahead" 7-piece little big band led by Wally Trindade's smooth vocals & guitar. 14 classic tunes with Brad Hecht (tenor sax), Steve Steinberg (alto sax), Curtis Nash (trumpet), Eliot Kalman (piano), Bill Bosch (bass) & Dodger Posey (drums) providing the smooth jazz. Cool swingin' pop at its best!
Swingerhead "She Could be a Spy" Michael Andrew leads with ultra-Kool vocals & song writing. Clever arrangements & sophisticated syncopation highlight the album along with hot & exotic playing. Other members are Chris Charles (saxes), Roger King, Jr. (drums), Tim Keehn (trombone), Bobby Brennan (bass), Dean Mongiero (alto sax), Steve Falkner (trumpet) & Phil May (guitar). You'll be a Swingerhead too!
The Swingtips "Let's Play Some Ball" Hot jump swing band led by triple play man Kregg Barentine (composer, lead vocalist & saxophonist). With a journeyman roster of Jim Van Wagoner (piano), Mark Witt (trombone), Scott Yandell (trumpet), Gregg Delfiner (Drums) & Kyle Nix (bass); this ballpark swings & rocks all album long. This one's a "hit!"
Eddie Reed Big Band "Hollywood Jump" 17 member big band led by talented vocalist/clarinetist Eddie Reed with stunning female vocals by Meghan Ivey. 12 cuts of jump blues, swing & jazz standards performed with masterful care. This album Swings, Swings, Swings!
The Lucky Strikes "Song and Dance" 14 original 50's-style pop tunes. 6-piece swing band led by Craig Marshall on guitar and vocals. Classic swing backing from David Levy (drums), Dave Miller (bass), Milan Moorman (trumpet), Elias Haslanger (sax) & Freddie Mendoza (trombone). Guaranteed to move your feet & snap your fingers!
Blues Jumpers "Wheels Start Turning" 6-piece jump blues band led by Joseph Geary on drums. Shout vocals from Eldridge Taylor. Mostly classic tunes performed in authentic style. Several original R&B tunes composed by guitarist Billy Roues. One of the hottest sounds in modern jump swing. This one's a treat!
Eight to the Bar "Behind the Eight Ball" 6 member boogie band with CD split between original & classic tunes. The vocal arrangements are impressive. Led by songwriter/arranger Cynthia Lyon on piano & vocals with lead vocals & percussion by Zanny Gaudet, Tommy Whalen on blues guitar & vocals, Collin Tilton on soulful sax, P.J. Plenninger on drums & vocals & Michael Corsini on bass/vocals. Unique vocals & great jumpin' jive playin' make this a sure bet!
Eight to the Bar "Hey Sailor!" Another great CD featuring singer songwriter Cynthia Lyon on inspired keyboards & vocals. Collin Tilton (tenor sax/flute), Michael Corsini (bass & vocals), Tom Whalen (guitar & vocals), Megan Keith (percussion & vocals) & David Keith (drums) keep your feet tappin'. Ben Lanz guests on trombone. 13 cuts of new & old that swing. Hey sailor, hit the deck with this one!
Rocket 88 "1-2-3 Jump" 6-piece jump swing band. Rockin' rhythm by Chuck Zayas (bass) & Steve Plotnick (drums). Other members include Eddie Mack (vocals/guitar), Dan Swortwood (piano), Bob Patterson (guitar) & Mike McArthur (sax). High-energy rhythm & grooves sure to get you jumpin'!
Bellevue Cadillac "Prozac Nation" 7 member swing band with 12 original numbers by talented songwriter Doug Bell who also plays guitar. Smooth-as-silk vocals from "Gentleman" Joe Cooper with plenty of backing vocals by the band. Add Russell Wood (drums), Tim Long (keyboards), Pete Wood (bass), Bruce Cummings (bari sax) & Jeff Giacomelli (tenor sax) for a groovin' CD loaded with swingin' roadhouse blues. This ones' a crowd pleaser!
Pete Jacobs & his Wartime Radio Revue "Would You Like to Dance" Stylish big band sound on an album nicely split between classic & original tunes. Led by pianist/vocalist/arranger/songwriter Pete Jacobs. Radio style vocals from girl singer Christi Noel. The band wails with rock solid dancing rhythm, singing reeds & royal horns. You'll think you're back in 1942!
Set 'Em Up Joe "Set 'Em Up Joe" 6-piece neo-swing band with influences from Dean Martin to rock 'n' roll. These guys are fine musicians with a resultant unique sound that is hauntingly evocative. 12 original songs, suave vocals from Greg Mangus, with Mark Cally (guitar), Brian Floody (drums), Matt Hughes (bass), Chris Creviston (tenor sax) & Alex Norris (trumpet) providing the grooves. Set 'em up Joe & enjoy!
Mighty Blue Kings "Live from Chicago" Wailin' "live" album that delivers jump rhythm & blues & a really good time. Traditional shout vocals from Ross Bon. Album is a nice mix of classic tunes with some good original songs by Ross. True blue jazzy backing from Gareth Best (guitar), Clark Sommers (bass), Jerry DeVivo (drums) & John Sandfort (tenor sax). This is 100 proof!
The Camaros "Dangergirl" 6-piece drivin' swing band fronted by singer/songwriter Jen Jones on sultry vocals. 6-track EP of original songs. Jammin', rockin' backing from Andy Riedal (guitar), David Miller (bass), Andrew Cahn (alto sax), Lars Jacobson (tenor sax) & Greg Josef (drums). These cats hit the top-end!
Big Time Operator "High Altitude Swing" 10-piece swing band led by modern crooner Warren Lovell. Jivin' selection of classic tunes. Rick Cunningham (guitar), Tom Bishop (bass), Carlos Rull (drums), Shannon Dailey (Trombone), Nathan Mills & Jamie Tobitt (trumpet) with sax section of Jim Weiss & A. El Wardani jump all album long. Swing with tradition!
Torello's Jive Bugs "Get that Swing, Honey!" 8-pieces led by rhythm vocalist Bert Rijs serving up classic jump blues. Marcel Wernsen (guitar), Kent Smith (trumpet), Quinten Kray (bari sax), Rob Toorenburg (tenor sax), Edwin Baaij (drums), Jens Lima dos Santos (piano) & George von Lingen (bass) groove with passion. Hotter than a smokin' Tommy gun!
Money Plays Eight "Yeah, Charlie!" 13 original cuts of new swing. Vocals with a 1-2 punch from Leo & Bushmills. Speakeasy rhythms & riffs from Donnie Martini (bass), Chris Alaimo (piano), Mike Taveira (guitar), Nick White (drums), Dave Flomberg (trombone), Paul Dubbs (saxes) & Lorenzo Trujillo, Jr. (trumpet). A sure bet!
Diana Leigh & Crazy Rhythm "Crazy 8" 8 tracks of exciting small ensemble classic swing spotlighting the dynamic vocals of songstress Diana Leigh. Crazy rhythm from John Hyde (piano), Ira Kamp (guitar), Brian Williams (bass) & Will Hanson (drums). You'll go crazy for their hot swing & cool blues!
Ray Gelato Giants "The Men from Uncle" 7-piece jazz combo led by lead vocalist & tenor sax star Ray Gelato. Great selection of mostly classic tunes with fresh arrangements. Lots of Louis Prima influence with distinctive originality. The Giants swing hard with Enrico Tomasso (trumpet), Alex Garnett (saxes), Andy Baker (trombone), Richard Busiakiewicz (piano), Clark Kent (bass), & Steve Rushton (drums). "Las Vegas style" swing at its best!
Hula Joe & the Hutjumpers "Hula Joe & the Hutjumpers" 10-piece Hawaiian swing band led by Hula Joe on vocals & guitar with additional lead vocals from Gin Rummy & Big Wave Dave Townley. Island sounds from Greg Sardinha (steel), Rory Flores (drums), Randal Yamohoto (bass), DeShannon Higa (trumpet), Pat Hennessey (trombone), Dave Joy (saxes) & Todd Yukumoto (bari sax). Traditional Hawaiian swing with a hot new style!
Amy & the Hank Sinatras "from Hank to Frank" Featuring the gorgeous Amy Adams on vocals, Willie Panker (drums), Joe Krown (keys), Jack Carter (bass), John Fohl (guitar), Ken Jacobs & Tom Fitzpatrick (saxes). "From Hank to Frank" blends rhythm & blues, country, jazz, & pop into a sound & CD that hits all the bases. Root music that's fun & spirited!
Lily Wilde & her Jumpin' Jubilee Orchestra "Insect Ball" 40's era big band rhythm & blues featuring the sultry vocal stylings of Lily Wilde. Additional vocals from arranger/drummer Tom Royer. Several swingin' instrumentals & plenty of hot passages from Bryan Dickerson (alto sax), Gavin Bondy (trumpet), Pete Petersen (tenor sax), Stan Bock (trombone), Bill Beach (piano) & others. Just what the Doctor ordered for a jumpin' good time!
The Swingin' Deacons "Lefty's Lucky Night" Led by the stylish vocals of Bronco Farwell, these cats make the scene in a righteous way. Nice balance between old & new & hot & blue. Kent Land (guitar), Mochi Park (bass), Chris Miller (drums), Joseph John (piano), Brandon Walker (sax), Rick Kinkel (trumpet) & Mark Hoffman (trombone) let the good times roll. Get lucky!
The Dukes of Wail "No Turning Back" 13 cuts of authentic jump blues. Dennis DeSapri provides powerful rhythm vocals. Dick Ingersoll & Chris Burge (tenor sax), Tommy Edwards (drums), Joe Hunter (piano), Marc Better (bass) & Don Better (guitar) are seasoned musicians who play with hearts full of soul. It's the real thing, baby!
The Bel Airs "Night out in Bel Air" 15 cuts of modern swing by this 6-piece band from Germany. Dee Dee (lead vocals & guitar), Barney (guitar & vocals), Kalle (vocals), Tschinge (bass), Steve (tenor sax) & Bernie (drums) power the music. An energetic album of mostly new songs that swing & rock. Spend a night out with the Bel Airs!
Dino Martinis "Steak & Comedian Night" 14 tracks of drivin' jump blues, swing & lounge featuring the sensuous vocals of Nicole Brennan. Tyler Hornby (drums), Brent Kawchuk (guitar), Jordan Kawchuk (tenor sax), Pat McGannon (keyboards) & Don McSwiney (bass) stir this powerful cocktail. Prime cuts!
Dr Zoot "Ghosts of Swing" 11 cuts of tight swing led by Sal Ventura on vocals & piano. Mostly new material with several classics. Mark Snyder (trombone), Al Peden (bass), Oscar Menosky (trumpet), Chris Goodman (sax), Ray DeFade (drums) & Bob Chalfant (guitar) round out this hot band. Get this one, it's hauntingly good!
Hipster Daddi-O & the Handgrenades "Diesel" 12 cuts of high-torque super-charged rockin' swing. Mike Edward explodes on vocals & guitar. Blistering sounds from Ty Lebsack (bass), Daryl Seymour (trumpet), Andy Shaggs (trombone) & Tidy Paws (sax). For swingers who like their musical cocktails straight-up!
Linda & the Big King Jive Daddies "Linda & the Big King Jive Daddies" This 9-piece neo-jive band from Japan knows how to swing. Linda does the cute vocals while Eitaro (guitar), Yushiro (drums), Mujin (bass), Suzuki (piano), Katsuo (tenor sax), Tsugu (bari. sax), Deguchi (trombone) & Katsutaro-maru (trumpet) jump, jive an' wail all CD long!
Prairie Cats "'til the daytime fades" 14 cuts of big time original swing that's a blast. Suave vocals from songwriter guitarist Jeff Koterba. Jeff Schoening is solid on drums with rockin' grooves from Jason Grotelueschen (trombone & vocals), Eric Johnson (alto sax), Larry Frederickson (keyboards & vocals), Dan Schoening (trumpet), Craig Crilly (tenor sax) & guests-a-plenty. Nice balance in tempo & mood. These cats are hot & you'll have fun all night long!
Jools Holland "The Swing Album" 13 cuts that jump for joy. Keyboardist extraordinary Jools Holland leads his 18 piece Rhythm & Blues Orchestra with fire & passion. Mostly new with some classic songs, every cut a winner. These cats are on a mission. Picture yourself having fun with the swing album!
Heather Horak "Lucky Charm" This singer-songwriter serves up 8 cuts of a unique blend of 30's jazz, 40's swing, 50's blues & 60s's folk. A quite enjoyable and moving listening experience that features her vocals & acoustic guitar along with some great grooves from Peter Cancura (saxes), Art Katona (trombone), Pierre-Yves Martel (bass), Shawn Rompré (drums) & James Stevens (viola & elec. guitar). This is one rare lucky charm!
Audubon Jazz Explosion "Summertime" Great big band directed by Bruce Greenwald. A swingingly contemporary sound with superlative interpretations of some classic tunes. 13 fun tracks loaded with seasoned section work and inspired solos from Mary Bishop, Bruce Greenwald, Dick Cohen, Bob Wagner, Ed Mount, Mike DiFebbo, Mike McCarthy, John Mennite, Paul Holtzman & Jeff Spangler. Jazz vocals by Karen Wilhelm & Keith Spencer. Catch the explosion!
Jack Million Band "Jump, Jive & More" Great big band from the Netherlands led by Jack Coenen. Stunning vocals from Ingrid Broos, John Vagelabbeek, Thierry Basomboli & Peter Douglas. Hot solos from Jack Coenen, Jean Pierre Mouton & Jos Gijzen. 14 cuts of big band excitement. Jump, jive & more!
The Mr. Lucky Swing Syndicate "Wrong Way Charlie's Safari Adventure" 10 cuts of adventurous swing led by super talented singer, songwriter, keyboardist, guitarist, Jerry Becker. Nice pace of fast & slow along with the unusual. Groovy solos from Steve Soller & Allen Santee (tenor sax), Sam Steffke (Piano), Brett Murphy & Dale Elenich (trumpet) & Mike Francheschi on trombone. Pop oriented retro swing at its best. Join the adventure!

Book & Video Reviews

(Click on Covers for Cool links)

"Quickstart to Swing" Jeff Allen An easy-to-follow guide for Swing dancing. Starts with the basic fundamentals to get beginners out on the floor. Then by a logical & cumulative flow it proceeds to the advanced levels. A great reference for beginners to experts!
"MusicHound Swing! The Essential Album Guide" Edited by Steve Knopper A complete guide to both classic & new Swing. Includes artist bios, great pics, album info, & lots more. Very detailed & well done. Super reference guide. Recommended!
"Swing! the New Retro Renaissance" V Search Publications Great look at the new Swing movement. Loaded with artist interviews. Section on "Swing in the Movies," and directories of Swing pioneers & current swingers. Enjoyable & in depth reading!
"The Swing Book" Degen Pener An excellent guide to all things Swing. Sections on Swing history, artists (legends & current), albums, fashion, lingo, clubs & dance. Everything you need to know in a nicely sized & priced book. Every swinger should own one!
"A Swingin' Affair" Mickey Sherman 346 pages of Swing Dance & Music history by 1940 Nat'l. Jitterbug champ Mickey Sherman. Includes Big Band profiles, current info, jive expressions, dance styles, tutorials & more. Lots of pictures. Very interesting & informative!
"Street Swing" Work That Skirt A fun-filled & entertaining video by the swing dance instruction team Work That Skirt. Dana, Mango, Mark & John show you all the hot moves from basic to advanced. Learn the "Backstabber", "Pretzel", "Cherry Bomb", Through the Legs" & others in a relaxed & easy pace. Soon you'll work that skirt with the best of 'em!

Swing artists wishing to have their music reviewed please E-Mail Bo: bolewis@toad.net.

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