The Satin Dollz: Pinup Revolution

Classic music. It is something that withstands the test of time and gains resonance—and perhaps audiences—in doing so. This recording revisits the mid-20th Century swing canon, from before and during World War II, before the Spotifys, Elvis, Beatles, et al. Pin Up Revolution, a debut recording presented by The Satin Dollz, pays tribute to that musically robust era and does it with great style, swing, and energy.

Two premier vocal groups, one in Los Angeles. and the other in the U.K., offer up well-worn swing selections ("In the Mood," "Sing, Sing, S(w)ing,") and some you might not know ("Bounce Me Brother with a Solid Four," "Shoo Shoo Baby," "Too Darn Hot"). Some session selections are mashed up ("Boogie Jump"), and some are slick medleys ("Jive Medley"). Pinup Revolution puts zoot patent polish on some old high heels. There's a ton of energy and fun throughout. The vocalists on both sides of the pond are stellar.

The Satin Dollz is a performing collaboration comprised of over sixty international artists—ace singers and tap dancers—that are high-energy, talented beyond borders, and who obviously love what they do and the material they deliver so well. Their harmonies are close (think the Andrews Sisters), they sing and swing tight as a Gene Krupa snare, are intonation-impeccable, and the Dollz swing their "s"es off. The arrangements are slick and are brilliantly performed. The savvy melding of tunes (such as a "Lady Marmalade" riff into "In the Mood,") is a fine arranging and production touch. The instrumental ensemble—all-star L.A. studio denizens under the direction of fine trumpeter, Chris Tedesco—backing this show are swinging. There's a strong "live" vibe to this effort.

You may not have been around when these tunes sold Luckies on the "Hit Parade" or when Alberto Vargas's and Betty Grable and Rita Hayworth posters were pinned to bunks, lockers, and bulkheads. But, rest assured, in a tumultuous time, with COVID, social and political upheaval, and when things seem to be "dumps down," Pin Up Revolution is a terrific choice to invite these Satin Dollz into your locked down living room. And that's no jive.

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