Oh, this one really swings. Quite possibly the best in the series, this one never fails to please. From the tickling ivories opening the "Theme from Route 66" - a song that makes you feel like you've gone back in time - to the fading wails of "Melancholy Serenade" - Jackie Gleason's theme song - you're in for a fun, cool, sexy ride!
People say "Sexe" is a little too obvious. Well, yeah, it is, but the real fun comes during the sax solo, which has the power to ease you into a relaxing calm...but not too relaxed! On the other end of the spectrum is the rocking, rollicking "Night Train" which, along with the suspicious and menacing "A Shot in the Dark" and the superior "Street Scene '58", is the most blasting tune that disturbs the general ease and quiet of the disc. Although Sam Butera's double-shot of "The Boulevard of Broken Dreams" and "Fever" isn't so meek, either. "Boulevard" is Sam at his raspy best, and "Fever" is no less than hilarious - listen to those deep-voiced guys chanting "Feva!"
Martin Denny turns in an excellent "Harlem Nocturne." "Topsy" takes it nice 'n easy here on an organ but is shown up by Cy Coleman's lovely "Playboy's Theme," from the Playboy show in the '60s. A bachelor's anthem accompanied by a soft touch on the ride cymbal and a gracefully jazzy piano, this tune is just as can be expected--smooth, silky, and sexy, leisurely floating along on gossamer strings.
There are really two pieces on this volume that steal the thunder from every other track. Everyone who hears this CD raves for days about the John Buzon Trio's spectacular "Caravan." For all the thousands, possibly millions, of versions of this song, you will NEVER hear a better one than this. It pops and slinks and chugs along to a fiercely percolating Latin stripper beat, with the organ taking the bridge and going absolutely insane, much to the listener's delight. It really puts a smile on your face! By the time it's near the end, it's swinging harder than a Louis Prima jam, and you can't wait to hear it again. Fun, silly, side-splitting, cheesy, and addictive! A must-hear--over and over! The other song that dominates the disc is the strong, seductive organ/piano masterpiece, "The Beast." Words can't properly describe this one, but organist Milt Buckner really outdoes himself on this lounge work of art. These two tracks alone are worth the price of admission. This CD will put anyone under its spell, and is a fine addition to any lounge lizard's library!
Track Listing:
1. The Theme From Route 66 Nelson Riddle & His Orchestra 2:09 Not Available
2. Caravan The John Buzon Trio
3. Sexe Line Renaud
4. Cool Lou Busch
5. The Beast Milt Buckner
6. Theme From "Our Man Flint" Elliott Fisher
7. Spring, Sprang, Sprung Jack Fascinato
8. Night Train Alvino Rey
9. Harlem Nocturne Martin Denny
10. The Boulevard Of Broken Dreams/Fever (Medley) Sam Butera
11. Topsy The Joe Bucci Trio
12. Like Young Dave Pell
13. Street Scene '58 Lou Busch
14. Playboy's Theme Cy Coleman 2:50
15. A Shot In The Dark Jimmy Haskell
16. Shangri-La Spike Jones New Band
17. Black Coffee Julie London
18. Melancholy Serenade King Curtis
No comments:
Post a Comment