Search - Vince Giordano & The Nighthawks :: Bill Challis' The Goldkette Project

Worth its weight in Gold!

"Gimpy" Peach Johnson | 01/07/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I'm not joking when I say I play this album more than any other in my collection. Vince Giordano and The Nighthawks play hot dance band music of the 1920s, but since these tracks were recorded in the mid-1980s, you get this great music without the pops, hiss, and surface noise of old 78 rpm records. As the title indicates, this CD focuses on music played by Jean Goldkette's orchestra in the late 1920s, arguably the decade's "hottest" white dance band. The Nighthawks are joined by Spiegle Willcox, a trombonist who played in the Goldkette Band in the 1920s, and the arrangements are all by the noted arranger, Bill Challis. Tom Pletcher does an uncanny recreation of Bix Beiderbecke's famous cornet solo on Singin' The Blues, and the musicianship throughout the entire disc is top-notch. Not all of the tracks on this disc were recorded by the famous Goldkette band in the 1920s, so this is the closest thing we have to hearing the Goldkette band "live." All of the recordings on this disc were made in a studio with only two microphones, so each selection has an amazing "presence" to it--there are no fancy electronic tricks, just good music played by musicians who know what they're doing, captured in modern stereo sound. My only gripe--and it's a small one--is that occasionally some of the tunes seem just a bit slow.I had to hunt for over a year to find my copy of this disc several years ago, and I'm glad to see Amazon has picked it up. This is a disc that deserves to be heard. If you like 1920s dance band music, you'll love this disc. I made a tape of my CD to listen to in the car and find it makes excellent music for the road."

Vince Does it Again

Danielle Bennignus | 03/02/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"How can I sum up my love of Vince Giordano and the Nighthawks? I'd hardly know where to start. In this Goldkette album, Giordano's timeless handling of early jazz shines through as brightly as ever, a real musical treat. Rarities stand alongside well-known pieces, and all are utterly addictive.



Highlights? Well, they're all a joy, but in particular: "Ostrich Walk" - it stands as the perfect beginning, full of the old pep and fluidity that makes early jazz so special; "My Pretty Girl" - which is so beautifully transcribed from Goldkette's original 78 recording it's unbelievable; "Clementine" - the best of Harry Warren; and "Tiger Rag" - always a joy. In comparison with some of the Nighthawks' other albums, this one seems a bit different, in that it takes an easier pace at times, but no worry there - I'm just used to the bouncy effervescense of "Quality Shout!" and "Cotton Club Revisited".



Again, the arrangements are of historic quality, and the music is handled with great respect, not treated in a mawkish way at all. This wonderful band really knows what they're doing, and it's very clear that they have a real love for this incredible music. I can't get enough of the Nighthawks, and hope you'll give this album a try."

Fantastic and a modern take on music of the late-20s

Christopher Curry | Los Angeles, CA USA | 09/08/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This is a great CD and was a terrific gift to add to my nostalgia of music from this era. The most pronounced effect of these recordings is being able to hear such classics (Tiger Rag, etc) performed with exquisite fidelity. The 'melody' compilation is addictive - as the entire CD is. Now if we only had Louie being able to scat along - this would be timeless. I may be completely wrong here, but it (perhaps) misses some of the more impromtu elements of music of the 20/30s. Instead, it is more of the Whiteman style depending upon more classical interpretations of the music - however, this is not to take away from the great quality of this music. It is rich, bold and just as bouncy as if hearing this in a 20s speak-easy.



Well recommended for the early-Jazz buff (or nostalgia) living in the 21st century."