Search - Dennis Farnon :: Caution Men Swinging

One of the most underrated albums ever!

Von Chaney | USA | 03/23/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Dennis Farnon's "Caution! Men Swinging" is a must-have title for anyone who loves '50's vintage Big Band Jazz.



Farnon possesed a unique harmonic concept and it is quite adaptable to the Big Band format. This is quite different from other albums of his such as "Maggo In Hi-Fi" or "The Enchanted Woods" (also worth having if you can find them on vinyl) which fell under the Easy Listening/Soundtrack catagory.



The band is made up of all of the leading L.A. studio musicians of the Mid-'50's, featuring excellent solo and ensemble work (similar to many Henry Mancini sessions of the same period). The arrangements are amongst the most unique ever put on record. Pay particular to his peculiar rendition of "Isle Of Capris".



It is a shame that this, and a handful of things he wrote for Charlie Barnet and Stan Kenton, among others, are basically the only Big Band recordings he ever made. The writing would merit study in serious jazz educational institutions.



Often mistakenly catagorized as Space-Age Pop, this is Big Band Jazz of the first order. Highly recommended if you can find it."