Search - Royal Crown Revue, Lavay Smith & Her Red Hot Skillet Licker, Steve Lucky & The Rhumba Bums :: Ultra Swing Nouveau

Good Big Band Sound

02/02/1999

(4 out of 5 stars)

"I listened to most of this CD while in a music store. What I liked about it is that it incorporates the many facets of the Big Band era -- not just the typical swing that has been inundating us lately. I've listened to swing music since I was born (my father grew up in the Big Band era) and this reminds me a lot of what he had me listening to. The Sing, Sing, Sing remake is good, but nothing beats Benny Goodman's version. All-in-all, this is a great mix of sound. A lot of fun!"

Could Be Better

Kate | Iowa, USA | 01/29/2003

(2 out of 5 stars)

"This CD has a number of great songs from Lavay Smith and Bill Elliot, as well as other up-and-coming swing bands. However, it could be a lot better than it is. The cover of One Hand In My Pocket made me sick... Alanis Morrisette just doesn't transfer to swing. The mixes of classic swing songs like Jump, Jive and Wail and Blue Skies just don't do the originals (or quality Brian Setzer remakes, in JJ&W's case) justice. This is a good CD to buy if you're looking to experience a variety of new bands, but don't buy it if you're simply looking for a decent version of the classics this CD boasts."