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Uptown 5: Uptown Swing
Basie's "Blue and Sentimental, almost the platonic conception of what one would ideally hear when feeling blue and sentimental, is given a lovely reading featuring sensitive contributions by tenor saxophonist Al Nicholls and pianist Hilary Cameron, in addition to some marvelous, old-timey trombone work from Williams. Alongside the selections by Basie and Ellington (including a spirited run through "Battle Royal, the number on which the Basie and Ellington bands met back in 1961) are a number of originals by Nicholls that fit in admirably with the rest of the program. Both "Looking Uptown and "Bebe's Blues are jaunty, catchy compositions that prove to be fine showcases for the band.
Avoiding anything trendy or gimmicky, Uptown Swing features musicians who respect their source music too much to treat it like a museum piece. The album is wonderfully vital and pays fine tribute to the music and musicians that inspired it.
Track Listing
Looking Uptown; Give Me The Simple Life; Battle Royal; Blue And Sentimental; Corner Pocket; Bebe's Blues; Just One Of Those Things; The Spirit Is Willing; Ballad Melody; Hot News; If I Had You; Taste On The Place
Personnel
Jeff Williams-trombone; Al Nicholls-tenor saxophone; Hilary Cameron-piano; John Rees-Jones-bass; Rex Bennett-drums
Album information
Title: Uptown Swing | Year Released: 2005 | Record Label: Harlem Records
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