Customer Reviews

The Full Flavour

5 star:		(4)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Not only are Ray Gelato's Giants one of the best swing bands in Europe, they are one of the finest swing bands in existance today! On this CD the Full Flavour, Gelato sounds vocally influenced by Nat Cole and Louis Prima, however still sounding like himself. the band consistantly keeps a shuffling "Louis Prima" rhythm, however with a more jazz oriemted sound. While Gelato's fine vocals and sax playing are very well featued, he gives a good amount of space for his sideman to jam. This is one of the best releases the whole neo-swing movement produced. Get this one! Also try: Steve Lucky & The Rhumba Bums CD, also available at Amazon.

Prior to my purchase of this CD, I was not familiar with Ray Gelato. I had been told that his style was patterned after the late Louie Prima. Since I am an admirer of Louie Prima, I purchased Ray's CD. To say the least, I am very glad I did. The music on this CD is, indeed, performed in the Prima manner, but it is done with great skill, flair and true musicianship. The arrangements are very good, and the performance is first-class. You can't go wrong with this one.

Like many performers of that kind of music Ray Gelato is influenced with Louis Prima too! Some beautiful duets are performed with Claire Martin (british singer that recorded more than five albums). Songs are mostly covers with two exceptions "Forget About Livin'" (written by Ray Gelato) and "Since You Moved in With Me" (written by his trombonist Dave Keech). On sax you can hear fabulous Al Nicholls (The Big 6). Very good uptempo swing!

Ray Gelato and the Giants of Jive are the real deal. My 11yr old daughter (who listens to n sync etc!) says "this albun rocks Dad!" This group has been playing this style of uptempo swing/jazz long before Big Bad Voodoo Daddy and all the new comers came on board. And this is their best album. If you don't know how to swing dance and you hear this album -- and it doesn't make you want to get up and go take swing lessons -- then as the song on the album says "YOU MIGHT AS WELL BE DEAD!"

If you enjoy Jazz, Swing, Big Band sound or even the classics you will love this album. The Ray Gelato Giant's rendition of Basin Street Blues and That's Amore have L. Prima and D. Martin smiling from above. In addition, their own originals such as "Since you moved in with me" are excellent. This is one "fine" CD

If you've seen the Levi's Khaki Docker's commercial "Surfers" you'll recognize the big hit song of this album..."Tu Vuo Fa'l Americano" by Gisella Cozzo and Ray Gelato. This cd is awesome! Die-hard lovers of Swing will love this amazing music with a hint of Italian. You've got to get this album! You'll love it!