This is such an awesome collection of songs... everyone of them is it's own little masterpiece. And why? Because this is a great style of music being played by musicians who really know their stuff.
Take for instance the bass player, Mike Valerio. Here's a guy who, at the time, was the principal bassist for the L.A. Philharmonic Orchestra. He's also played on about 1,000 tv shows. Anyway, during the recording session for this album, between takes we would meet in the control room and talk about the songs. But Mike, because he was so busy at the time, would fall asleep on the couch. However, he would wake up in the middle of a conversation, add a comment or two that were always right on, then go back to sleep! It was remarkable! His playing on this album is PERFECT. There is not one note that isn't exactly right, I swear it!
Or take Red Young, the genius on the grand piano. Has toured with Willie Nelson, Waylon Jennings, Joan Armatrading, Dolly Parton, Tanya Tucker, Eric Burdon and Linda Ronstadt with the Nelson Riddle Orchestra; Plas Johnson, Big Jay McNeely, Johnny Reno, Marcia Ball and others and Dan Hicks. Okay? Also, he really is a genius. Just listent to the way he plays piano on this album. His notes just dance! And he SO captures the style of this music. It's pure delight to hear him play.
Or take Doug Mathews, the (as he calls himself) drummist. Again, every note perfect. And in one take! Sensitive, subtle, groovin' and swingin'. Masterful and beautiful drumming!
Finally, the songs themselves. I really did labor over the selections on this album, and for a long time. And then, after finding them, I took great care in their preparation, finding just the right key to perform them and just the right arrangement to maximize the pure swinging jazz pleasure these songs have to offer. In fact, at this moment, I'm listening to Paper Doll (0:25:33 - 0:29:40) and man it's swinging hard!
Thanks for listening - I hope you feel what I mean when I say that you can't help but feel happy when you hear this music!!! It lifts you up and cheers you.
Enjoy!!!!
~Dr SaxLove
