Deluxe Indeed
F. Hagan | Raleigh, North Carolina, USA | 08/25/2004
(4 out of 5 stars)
"The title of the Yallopin' Hounds CD "Lindy Hop Deluxe," is enough to make any seasoned swing dancer say "we'll see about that." This band obviously gears itself toward dancers, and is attempting with this album to be socially conscious of the music's evolution, and its synergy with swing dancers. The sound of the Yallopin' Hounds might be likened to sax-ified jump blues as seen through the eyes of David Lynch during his Twin Peaks days. The melodic riffs can be slightly haunting, but maybe that's what you get when you're being thoughtful and reflective in a composition like this. The first six tracks of the CD, while all separate song titles, are meant to be perceived like a classically inspired suite that takes the listener through the history and complexity of swing dancing. The dreamy movements seem to hit on every idea, starting with Savoy Style Lindy Hop, and visiting ideas as nouveau as Hip Hop Lindy or as established as West Coast Swing. Of the initial six cuts, "Raw Shuffle" creates a classic (if a little dark) feeling within the framework of the ensembles' musical range, "Orbit Me" is both magical and strange, and easily one of this writer's favorite "alternative" musical experiments in this genre, and "Hip Hop Lindy" may have you breaking out into the robot. "West Coast Strut" is a jump blues/big band ensemble playing like a funk band, and the thirteenth track on this CD is a remix of the same song, for those remix loving dancers. It's good tempo west coast music, but not quite as "pop music-like" as some of the westie crowd might like. This suite was first presented in its entirety at the American Lindy Hop Championships in 2002. The remaining tracks of the CD seem to dig into the experience of yalloppin' mastermind G-Clef and his work with passed on swing band luminaries. "Stolen Sweets" and "Black Velvet" are excellent smooth lindy cuts, as is a lengthy version of "Pennies from Heaven." For the up-tempo music fan, "Stitches" is superb, along with a Lionel Hampton tribute in "Flying Home." The Yallopin' Hounds may have achieved something in swing similar to Lou Reed in the world of rock music, this material is both advanced and reflective, and surely worthy of the "deluxe" label."
The next level of Swing
F. Hagan | 08/06/2003
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Lindy Hop Deluxe is an ambitious and beautiful project that showcases not only the Yalloppin Hounds musical versatility but also shows G-Clef's incredible arranging abilities.The dues he paid spending years in Big Bands really paid off and shows through beautifully here. This consists of a movement in 6 parts (Lindy Hop Deluxe) as well as some cover tunes into which the Hounds breathe new life. It also includes a remix of the catchy and danceable West Coast Strut which is part of the movement.Vocalists Melissa Kate Miller and Peter Hartmann turn in solid performances. Lee Hogans and Mark McGowan turn in great performances on trumpet (esp. McGowan's performance on Taffy, which is one of the reviewer's personal favorites on this disc).
Julian Pressley and G-Clef turn in breathtaking solos and performances on sax. Marlon Sobol and Peter Hartmann keep the rhythm moving on bass and percussion respectively.
New-comer Ensar Kabil also glides along on keys.If you are a dance afficianado or just a swing and/or jazz lover than this is a perfect disc to add to your collection."
Creativity in the Dance
John Rexdues | Manhattan, NY | 07/28/2003
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I was there in CT when this music was premiered. It was incredible then and even better now that the listener gets to really sit down and listen to LHD Suite as well as just cut a rug to it. Those into Lindy Hop will recognize, (or perhaps not) immediately, the various styles of swing dance that are suggesting by this vignette of musical abstraction. Also on this one are a bunch of the Yalloppin' Hounds classic dance covers, relief from the creative challenge that came before.... I especially like their rendition of Stolen Sweets by Organist Wild Bill Davis. This is swing music of today, of the highest musical calibre. If not the best Hounds LP, definitely their most unique to date!"
Track Listings (13) - Disc #1