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Doc Severinsen: Swingin' the Blues
Severinsen is also generous is his distribution of solo time among the rest of the band members, as well as reserving time for himself. Doc is especially prominent on the Joe Oliver/Clarence Williams "West End Blues", an early favorite of Louis Armstrong. After an opening chorus from Severinsen, Bill Perkins comes in, assuming the Harry Carney baritone sax role on "In a Sentimental Mood", getting strong backing from Ross Tompkins' piano. Severinsen takes some more licks on a fervent arrangement of Bob Haggard's classic "What's New" recalling that Haggard was the first to occupy the bass chair in the original Tonight Show Band. The CD's denouement, "The Supreme Sacrifice", is a gospel-like number complete with Bill Cunliffe's Hammond B-3 organ, rumbling choruses from Mike Daigeau's trombone and Snooky Young' trumpet, with some parting shots from Severinsen.
As icing on this musical cake, vocalist Barbara Morrison joins the group as "girl singer". Her presence also strengths the blues credentials for this session. She plays Joe Williams on "Every Day I Have the Blues" and does "Don't Touch Me" (pleasantly risque), and" The Hucklebuck", sharing the stage with Conte Candoli's trumpet.
Probably no other form of jazz demands good, solid arrangements than big band swing. This album has outstanding material, with seven arrangements by the dependable Tommy Newsom and the rest divided among Artie Butler, John Bambridge and Bill Holman. Good arrangements, a fine play list and top flight musicians in a driving big band puts this album in the highly recommended category.
Tracks:Intro a la Indigo;C Jam Blues;Every Day I Have the Blues*;Wang Wang Blues**;In a Sentimental Mood;Happy Go Lucky Local Blues*Doc and Snooky Banter;Don't Touch Me*; Topsy; What's New;The Hucklebuck*;All Blues;West End Blues;The Supreme Sacrifice**#
Personnel
Doc Severinsen
trumpetDoc Severinsen,Tom Delibero,Snooky Young,Conte Candoli,Dennis Tribuzzi,Chuck Findley - trumpet/flugelhorn;Barbara Morrison - vocals*;Ed Shaughnessy - drums;Ernie Watts - tenor sax;Mike Daigeau,Steve West - trombone;Ernie Tack - bass trombone;John Bambridge, Karolyn Kafer^ - alto sax/ soprano sax^/flute/clarinet;Phil Feather,Doug Webb - tenor sax, flute, clarinet;Bill Perkins - baritone sax;Ross Tompkins - piano;Bill Cunliffe - piano**, Hammond B3 organ#;John Leitham - bass
Album information
Title: Swingin' the Blues | Year Released: 2000 | Record Label: Azica Records
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Producer Don Paul