Search - George Gee and his Make-Believe Ballroom Orchestra :: Swingin' Live

Gee, what a fine band!

Robert C. Topper | Richardson, Texas | 10/31/1999

(5 out of 5 stars)

"It's wonderful that the revival of swing has allowed new big bands again to find an audience and opportunities to perform. George Gee leads a 17-piece band based in New York which truly deserves more recognition than it has gotten. This is surprising since New York City used to be where you went to become famous, but this is probably the result of the shift in the entertainment industry to Los Angeles. More closely resembling a jazz band from the mid-fifties rather than from the heyday of swing in the forties, this is an exceptional band here performing live for an appreciative audience which doesn't get in the way of the music. The men play so well together that it's hard to single anyone out for particular praise; however, tenorman Lance Bryant and Irvin Stokes on trumpet should be mentioned. Vocalist Carla Cook is heard on a couple of tracks. Singing with hints of Dinah Washington and just a little of Sarah Vaughan, she needs to be featured more. And we definitely need to hear more from this band."

Electric, Swing Jazz Music Courtesy of George Gee and his Or

John Kwok | New York, NY USA | 06/28/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"For those who've enjoyed hearing George Gee and his bands perform live at Lincoln Center's Midsummer Nights Swing and Rockefeller Center's Rainbow Room for years, then this early CD from George Gee will come as no surprise at all. It truly captures the spirited energy and splendid playing which has made George Gee and his bands, a household name amongst many jazz aficionados here in New York City. A long-time serious student and aficionado of swing jazz music, Gee made a successful transition to a jazz band leader while still in college nearly two decades prior to the release of this classic early CD of his. Here Gee leads his band in some truly electric performances which will remind listeners of both the Count Basie and Duke Ellington Orchestras, while giving swing jazz music a contemporary twist with several original numbers. After hearing this fine CD, you'll understand why George Gee and his bands have received lavish praise from the Village Voice, among others."

Excellent, danceable, Basie-Ellington type big-band sound

John Kwok | 05/18/1999

(5 out of 5 stars)

"The sounds of George Gee's orchestra remind you a lot of the best traditions of big band greats like Count Basie and Duke Ellington. Almost all the tunes on the CD have an amazingly good arrangements. Excellent continuous medium-tempo beats that are great to dance to along with great improvisations by the brass section and piano.Unlike the modern rock bands like Cherry Poppin' Daddy and Brian Setzer who just believe in pointlessly fast beats, this band's music seriously swings. There are smooth ups and downs and the tunes are a great pleasure to dance to. The band is even more fun in person. This is a definite MUST-HAVE if you're looking for a single CD with medium-paced tunes to Lindy Hop or swing to.Excellent job, Mr. Gee and your orchestra. Its great to have a band like yours that keeps the dancers wanting for more, more, more!!"