My favorite jazz songs - Pt. 2

The perfect ending to a perfect evening (I wasn't there, but I assume it was). Francis brings out the big guns on this one, doing what he does best - and more. Not to mention the performance of his co-musicians, superb as well.

This masterpiece of a live performance shows the good side of a gorgeous lady, the groovy "Mack The Knife" is a perfect song to swing and dig. The swing factor is over the bar, it's so funky, groovy and beautiful it's perhaps the best of what big bands can offer. Keeping things fresh with a lot of variations in the riffs, you don't have to worry a second about getting bored. Also the fact that Frank spices it up by adding his own lyrics is a lot of fun.

Brilliant performance. Sadly I never got to see him live.

A beautiful, perhaps cliché rich, song. It's sort of like a mix of big band and love ballad (without being watered down). It's very catchy - the boys in the back are doing a fantastic job. Frank is flowing effortlessly with Basie's swinging contribution. Lovely, lovely song.

I was extremely happy when I heard of this group Mr. Armstrong had put togheter. The All Stars include my favorite jazz pianist Earl Hines and they play delightful New Orleans jazz in the true traditional way. "My Monday Date", actually written by "Fatha" Hines himself, features Louis on the microphone and it's a thrill to hear as ever. Another noteable performance is given by Barney on clarinet, he's definitely a very creative and talented musician.

Another perfect ender, this time it's the Count's legendary work "One O'Clock Jump". Lester Young is appearently in his best swinging form and presents an excellent peformance. Also the trumpet guys are nothing short but amazing.

A very enjoyable and uplifting tune by the Danish vikings over at Pape Bue. The fast tempo and the groove is a lot of fun. Also Papa Bue himself does some scat singing which of course is a very nice detail.

"Sing, Sing, Sing", a giant big band hit (understandably), here fronted by Anita O'Day. She does some scat singing here and trust me, she knows her stuff. A great swing track.

An immensely groovy track with a pure and dirty jazz persona. You can almost see the smoke rings from "Fatha" Hines' cigar as he's playing in a bar covered in a gentle smokescreen. I dig Richard's bass lines here and Elvin is solid with the sticks. If you're looking for the definition of cool, then don't look in the dictionary. Listen.

Seriously if you dig that distinctive jazz drumming sound and the relentless bass lines (like me) then get ahold of this CD right now. Of course Hines on piano is a win-win situation.

Another enjoyable performance by Hackett at the Roosevelt Grill, this time it's a song I'm not very familiar with called "Sugar". Musically it's not that special but it features some pretty funny singing where they copy Armstrong's distinctive deep voice. Makes me grin everytime.

"Sweet Lorraine" and the rest of the songs on "Blues In Thirds" is actually a solo effort of Earl Hines. People have said throughout the years that he is like a band alone - they are not too far off.

This is a feel good song where Earl not only shows his skill on the piano, but also on the microphone. He sings very passionate, just like he plays the piano. A very enjoyable song.

This is the starter at Roosevelt Grill with Bobby Hackett and co. It's very groovy and tons of fun, swinging through at fast pace. Just the kickstart you could dream of.

"Take The 'A' Train" - the great Duke Ellington's signature song - is another major big band hit. The music is wonderful in itself, Marty and the guys makes a solid, swingy effort. Along with vocalization of Anita, the track just feels that much richer and complete. Her playful tone and ability to flow with the rythm is impeccable.

A very popular song when released in the mid-fifties, here eternalized by one of the three "rats", Dean Martin. Easy, catchy and smooth is the keywords that springs to mind. In my opinion Dean and the orchestra interpretated the song perfectly. The result is a beautiful song where the sky is blue and your feet are slightly elevated above the ground. Truly lovely.

Another one of my favorites by the great Sinatra. From the opening riff you know it's going to be good. Frank and the orchestra interprets the song wonderfully, I might even stretch it to perfectly. It's very thoroughly arranged with every cell working togheter. A complete and enjoyable track.