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The Savoy Sultans

Doug Norwood | Greensboro NC USA | 08/17/2001

(4 out of 5 stars)

"The Savoy Ballroom was the not only the Home of Happy Feet but was also the scene of many "Battles of Bands". The Savoy Sultans, a smallish group led by reedman Al Cooper, was a frequent and formidable participant in these events and often "cut" bands of considerably wider reputation.Although the band was a small one, consisting two trumpets, three reeds and three or four rhythm, it was a powerful group. Sublety was not its forte, swing was! There were no complicated arrangements, most being head arrangements allowing plenty of solo space. The band was admired by dancers and musicians alike. This CD includes all the Decca recordings by the Sultans except for four tracks recorded later in 1941 which have been issued in a sampler. Unfortunately, there is a bit of distortion in this recording or in the transfer to CD, noticeable in some of the trumpet solos, but it's not enough to discourage anyone who wants to enjoy the output of this fine little band."