Search - Various Artists :: Really Swingin': Frankie Manning's Big Band Favorites

Great compilation of swing music!

05/01/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I have a number of jazz compilation CD's including Ken Burns' Jazz, but I keep coming back to this one. The reason is that this is a collection of swing dancing music put together by one of the all time great swing dancers, so it's music that gets your feet moving and your fingers snapping. It even lists the beats-per-minute for each song!Some of the best of Count Basie, Lionel Hampton, Duke Ellington all on one CD - with some Jimmie Lunceford thrown in to boot! Most of the songs on this CD are danceable, easy swinging tunes between 150 and 175 BPM (not that the man couldn't dance at ANY tempo), and Frankie Manning likes dancing to swing, not bebop. As a result, there is a coherence to this collection that is lacking in other compilations. The versions of Basie's "Shiny Stockings" and "Corner Pocket" on this CD are among my favorites. I find them preferable to the slower, brassier versions on Ken Burns' Basie collection. On the other hand, because danceability is a key for inclusion on this CD, the laid back version of "One O'Clock Jump" found here is an interesting change of pace from faster, more frequently played renditions.The inclusion of the novel dance standards "'Taint What You Do" and "Posin'" are a real treat. It's also nice to see Lionel Hampton get his props as a hard swingin' musician with the inclusion of two of his tunes, "Hamp's Boogie Woogie" and "Flying Home." The inclusion of Artie Shaw's "Begin the Beguine" and Glenn Miller's "In the Mood" seem to be a concession to the middle of the road listener, but they're classics that are nice to listen to. I think that if Frankie Manning had his way with an unlimited library, those tunes would be replaced by cuts from Chick Webb, but who's to complain? All around, this CD keeps my feet tapping all the way to work. highly recommended."

Music to make you smile

tahl2 | Alexandria, VA USA | 01/26/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I love this album; it's on my player more than any other single swing CD. I've given it to dancing and to non-dancing friends, and they've all enjoyed it. It's a great selection of tunes, and my first exposure to the adept but lighthearted sound of Jimmie Lunceford, whom I've come to love. The CD exudes joyfulness. It's a fine thing to have associated with Frankie Manning's name.One nice feature of the CD is the listing on the back of the bpm (beats per minute) for each tune. That makes it very easy to pick something of the right tempo for the move you're trying to practice in your living room."

Buyer Beware.....

G. Brazitis | On the move, again.... | 02/23/2009

(1 out of 5 stars)

"I purchased this set thinking that it was Really Swingin': Frankie Manning's Big Band Favorites from Amazon.com mp3 downloads.



Here is the list of songs that comes with the offical FM BBF.



1. Shiny Stockings - Count Basie & His Orchestra

2. Swingin' At Newport - Count Basie & His Orchestra

3. Jersey Bounce - Benny Goodman

4. T'aint What You Do - Jimmie Lunceford

5. Begin The Beguine - Artie Shaw

6. Hamp's Boogie Woogie - Lionel Hampton & His Septet

7. Let's Get Together - Duke Ellington & His Orchestra

8. Tuxedo Junction - Erskine Hawkins & His Orchestra

9. Segue In C - Duke Ellington & Count Basie

10. Posin' - Jimmie Lunceford

11. In The Mood - Glenn Miller & His Orchestra

12. Tippin' In - Erskine Hawkins & His Orchestra

13. Flying Home - Lionel Hampton & His Septet

14. Take The `A' Train - Duke Ellington & His Famous Orchestra

15. One O' Clock Jump - Count Basie & His Orchestra

16. Corner Pocket - Count Basie & His Orchestra



THE AMAZON.COM SONGS ARE PART OF ANOTHER COMPLIATION. THE DOWNLOADS WOULD HAVE BE A GREAT DEAL IF THE SONGS WERE RIGHT. GEEZ AMAZON GET IT TOGETHER!



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