Customer Reviews

The Men From Uncle

5 star:		(8)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I read an on-line review of this (elsewhere) that said to buy this album if it's the only one you but this year. I don't know if I'd go that far... but I would call it a must-have! They've got great energy, there's a good variety of stuff, the album is long (17 tracks) AND it's eminently danceable. So get it!

Looking for something different than what's on the radio and this was perfect. . discovered it with my brother's recommendation. Don't know much about jazz, but I know what I like. It's upbeat and full of energy, with a 40s/50s retro vibe. Need to have two, one for the car and one for the home stereo.

In short, a top notch album. Great covers of some old standards as well as quality new fare. If the world ends in a month you will regret not having listened to this CD.

I stuck on the headphones at the listening booth and found myself completely lost in the music and talent of this excellent group. They deliver the Louis Prima and Nat King Cole sound so authentically that you just can't help loving it. They don't come up short either, providing 17 swinging tracks each blending wonderfully into the other. Enjoy numerous classics freshly delivered and look out for Gelato's original "Givin'Up Givin'Up". His treatment of the King Pleasure tune Moody's Mood for Love is also excellent. You won't be disappointed.

The Ray Gelato Giants combine great jazz licks with stylish swing in one of the best swing cd's of the year. They are a band that understands that music is supposed to be fun. With 17 selections this is a lot of music. And from the first track to the last it packs a ton great stuff. You won't be sorry.

Instead of writing a two sentence blurb about why such a CD is so "dancable" and perfect for a swing dancer, like most reviews in this genre are on Amazon (too bad, because some of them deserve more credit for their music, and some I'd stick in the bargain section of Sam Goody's)....

I've just found this band, in a search to find some balance between my love of jazz and lindy-hoppin' hobby. The collection spans from Brubeck to Duke to Ella and Satchmo and Getz. And then there's Louis Prima - that's where this fits in (it's obvious that he's mimicking the style, and a given in the redo of "Angelina Zoom Zoom"). Sure, it's great for swing dancing. But it's better than most of the "neo-Swing" stuff that's out there. Just listen to the sample clips and you'll hear for yourself. Want comparisons of other popular ones? Cherry Poppin' Daddies (quite a contrast, eh? This one is pretty shameful) Good ones include older Mighty Blue Kings (Uptown), Rhythm Rockets, and Lavay Smith. At the very least. You just have to find them. This is one of 'em. Cheers!

My husband took me to see Ray & The Giants in Milton keynes, England earlier in the year as a suprise. They are brilliant and have converted me to liking Jazz/Swing. This CD is a must buy.

I was present at Gulfport Casino in Gulfport, FL for the premier of the Ray Gelato Giants US Tour! The Band was awesome! All of this great sound is captured on this new CD! There is so much energy in these 17 tracks! I've got the photos, autographs and now the CD to prove it! Get this CD! Come see the photos while your at it! Tad Kledzik Tampa Swing Scene Onine

My radio show features swing music and this is one of my favorite CD's. There are a lot of fun tracks on this discs from excellent originals to jazzed up standards. The tracks I play the most are Angelina/ZoomaZooma, I have a Way with Women, and Givin' Up Givin' up but all the tracks are strong. Ray has been putting out good music for quite a while and this disc is no exception. If you're looking for another disc to add to your collection or want to give swing a try--pick this one up...you won't be disappointed.

It was pretty good, except that I really think it is best to just rent it from library...