Search - Don Neely's Royal Society Jazz Orchestra :: Jump Start

Top Notch Early Swing and Era Just Before Swing

Edward J Vasicek | Kokomo, IN USA | 08/26/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Jump Start, like anything that carries the name, "Royal Society Jazz Orchestra" is top notch. This particular CD is different from most the group's previous CD releases. The RSJO has generally focused on music from about 1925 to 1935 with a bit of cheating in both directions. In this instance, the CD sounds more like 1935-1940 with a bit of cheating either way. It is mostly swing, but not Big Band. Although my favorite style is that of 1925 to 1935, I still thoroughly enjoyed this CD. The wonderful voice of Carla Normand (my favorite living female vocalist) and the "sneaky" sound of her husband, Don Neely, are always a treat. Although I miss the talent and personality of Frederick Hodges and the crooning of Jeff Gilbert, the quality of the CD is definitely 5 star. My personal favorites include, "It's Been So Long, If Dreams Come True, and Why Don't You Do Right." Additionally, the four original songs by Don Neely are great."