June Christy: June Christy-Big Band Specials

By

RON MEYERS,

Ron Meyers

4 articles published | Recent:

• June Christy-Big Band Specials
• Sonny Red.
• The Classic Early Recordings In Chronoloical Order
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Published: February 1, 2001

I've had this on LP ever since 1962 when it first came out. Unfortunately my copy is now full of clicks, pops and surface noise. Particuarly annoying on a vocal album. Imagine my surprise when I spotted this new release on CD. Aside from the fact that Christy is in fine voice, the big attraction for me is the arrangments and big band backing her. Arrangements are by Bill Holman, Shorty Rogers and Bob Cooper and the band, which fits Christy like a glove, consists of people like Conte Candoli, Frank Rosolino, Bud Shank, Bob Cooper, Bill Perkins, Jimmy Rowles and Mel Lewis. Christy goes through 12 standards that all have been associated with the bands of Ellington, Jimmy Dorsey, Artie Shaw, Ray McKinley, Goodman, Dizzy, Harry James and Charlie Barnet. Just check out the titles. Recording quality is excellent and you become very aware that this is one of those recordings with a big band and a vocalist where the band does not overpower the singer. A real joy.

Track Listing: You Came A Long Way From St. Louis, Swingin' On Nothin', Is You Is Or Is You Ain't My Baby, Prelude To Kiss, Skyliner, A Night In Tunisia, It Don't Mean A Thing, Frenisi, Stompin' At The Savoy, Goodbye, Time Was, Until.

Personnel: Conte Candoli, Lee Katzman, Al Porcino, Ray Triscari, Vern Friley, Dick Nash, Frank Rosolino, John Halliburton, Lew McCreary, Ken Shroyer, Joe Maini, Charlie Kennedy, Bud Shank, Bob Cooper, Bill Perkins, Jack Nimitz, Jimmy Rowles, Joe Mondragon, Mel Lewis.

Record Label: Capitol Records | Style: Vocal