Customer Reviews

Holiday Romance

5 star:		(13)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

This is one of my two favourite bands. I seen them live 3 time's and got a few of their autographs. He mentioned a new CD but I doubt it is being releases after they have broke up. I'll miss these guy's, so entertaining. Check out www.jfso.com for some news. Every song on this CD is GREAT.

HAPPY SWINGIN'!

The Johnny Favourite Swing Orchestra hasn't existed for a while, but I'm pleased to see you can still order it from Amazon (even if it takes a few weeks to get to you). This may be a belated review, but I have to tell everybody what a phenomenal jazz/swing band this was, and what an incredible album they produced with this gem. Of all the retro-swing albums to appear in the late 1990s, "Holiday Romance" is the absolute tops...no fooling, no exaggerating, EVERY TRACK ON THIS ALBUM IS AWESOME. I can barely count on one hand the number of albums about which I can say that. If you love swing, if you love the big band era, if you love unique vocals, buy this album this instant.

The ten-piece "orchestra" does sound like a big band, and they play with energy but also as a tight unit. The musicianship is superb, and the band can play sweet, slow swing, as in the beautiful "Goodnight, My Love" and "Bessie Smith," and screaming, rock-based jump, as in the furious "Hard Eight" and the deliriously-paced "Rootbeer & Licorice." Also hard-swinging (but not as insane) are "Holiday Romance" and "Home to Mama." They've also mastered smooth, sophisticated jazz-swing, such as "Holiday on the Cote d'Azure," "Canadian September," and "Postcards from Paris." It's songs like these that really show off lead singer Johnny Favourite's unique voice: I really don't know anyone he compares to. He's just great, that's all there is to it: stylish, smooth, and swingy.

The two best tracks are "Motorcycle," a hard-pounding mid-tempo bluesy piece that drives dancers crazy whenever I play it as a D.J., and "Black Dog." Yes, THAT "Black Dog," the legendary Led Zeppelin song. Against all expectations, it turns into one of the greatest retro-swing numbers ever produced. Of all the pieces to come out of the neo-swing movement, this is my pick as personal favorite. (I used it as my D.J. theme song for years, and still do, and people are always asking me about it and where they can find it -- it blows their minds!)

I hope by now you've clicked the "purchase" button. This is just as superb as modern swing gets, so grab it before it's all gone. You won't regret it.

I have seen this amazing band live twice now and they are never a disapointment. I picked up the cd and had only heard one song but after listening to the whole thing I was a huge fan. I am especially proud that these guys won a juno, Congrats! Anyway if you don't have the cd it is a must have! Enjoy!

Amazing! The whole band is tight, everyone is obviously there for the joy of the music. I like the old swing more than the old swing, but this band is one of those who remind me there are exceptions. Johnny Favourite's pretty face accompanies a well pitched croon and an energized band. Give us another CD!

If you enjoy this, take a bit of a side step and check out the Squirrel Nut Zippers.

This is the first time i've bothered to write a review for any album or group, but I couldn't skip over this one. this is the BEST swing album I've ever listened to. When the last song on the album comes on I think to myself that this can't be the end already and then I'm sad because there aren't any more songs. As one reviewer mentioned, theres not one bad song in the bunch, they're all great!! They have a very solid sound, the vocals don't steal the show and the music doesn't drown out the singing, a perfectly balanced sound thats addictive in nature. Johnny Favourite has a very smooth sound to his voice and fits in perfectly with the band!! If you like Royal Crown Revue or Big Bad Voodoo Daddy or Squirrel Nut Zippers who in my opinion are great!, then I think Johnny favourite will definitely be your new favorite, it's become my new favorite!! Really, look at all the other reviews, all 5 stars! that says something! Don't pass this albumn by, its the best buy for your money and enjoyment!

This is one of the best Swing albums of Neo-Swing era. With very rich arrangements and melodic songs mostly written by his guitarist John Wesley Chisholm with four exceptions Bessie Smith, Them There Eyes, Black Dog and Goodnight My Love, which are very good covers. Johnny Favourite sure can swing. I absolutely recommend this item to every true swing fan.

As everyone else says, this album is just wonderful from start to finish. My personal fav's are "Motorcycle" "We Still Talk" and "Bessie Smith". But, it's is REALLY true: there is not a bad song on the whole disc; not a very common feat where I come from. However, IMO, the Led Zeppelin song is the weakest one on the album (despite being an Zep fan myself); it's not bad; it just doesn't have as interesting an arrangement as the rest.

This is just a flat-out great swing cd. Unlike many of the other neo-swing groups, Johnny Favorite's orchestra plays songs in different tempos, different styles, different instrument leads. It's not a cd where every song sounds alike. Better buy it before it's out of print.

to bad these guys arnt around anymore, they were the best band to come out of canada. Very up tempo songs (and their stage show was even better). Highly recomended.

This band rocks, I saw them in person last winter in Vancouver at Whistler. I hope they come back!!