Customer Reviews

Hep Cats Holiday

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

 

 

Jellyroll specializes in vocal 40s blues/swing, and have done an admirable job of digging up some forgotten classics and should-be-classics instead of relying on weak originals the way many other swing bands do. The vocals are tremendous, and the style is both swingin' but incredibly unified in sound. Standouts on this album: "Artic Ocean", a sexy slow dancing piece, "Blue Light Boogie" which resurrects a great Louis Jordan tune, "Killing Jive" with its zippy and bizarre lyrics, and the foot sorching "Palm Springs."

I happened upon this band at a local club in San Francisco and was blown away. The second time I saw them I was hooked for ever and had to have the CD. I have never played it for anyone that they didn't immediately agree that this was something special. I can't wait to pick up the new album and see if it is as good. If you get a chance I highly recommend you see a live show.

I ordered this album after reading some great reviews, and at first I wasn't sure about it. I enjoyed it, but I wondered how many times I would actually listen to it. Well, the more I listen, the better I like it. It's quite different from most of the other swing albums on the market -- the band is small, so it doesn't have that "big" sound. The songs are all great, the vocals particularly tight, and the music rewards close listening -- it's not big, but it's complex and delightful. My favorite is "Is You Is Or Is You Ain't My Baby" -- it gets better every time! This album is excellent for either listening or dancing.

The gal singer makes these tunes resolutely her own. The vocals are reminiscent of the 40's vocal group, The Cats and the Fiddle...well done.