Puttin on the Ritz

Palm Court Theatre Orchestra | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (June 22, 1999)
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Flyback Records
• ASIN: B00000J8PQ
• Also Available in: Audio CD
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,205,205 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Track Listings

1. Puttin' On The Ritz

2. It Must Be True

3. Toot, Toot, Tootsie!

4. The Sheik Of Araby

5. Let's Get Friendly

6. Honeymoon Lane

7. Happy Feet

8. Oh! What A Night

9. Roll Along Covered Wagon

10. Ain't Misbehavin'

11. She's A Latin From Manhattan

12. Horatio Nicholls' Californian Serenade

13. Loving You

14. Tiger Rag

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Warm, Whimsical and Quite Authentic, January 30, 2005

By 

Danielle Bennignus - See all my reviews

This review is from: Puttin on the Ritz (Audio CD)

As a true fanatic of the music of the 1920's, I was overjoyed to find this album. Previously familiar with the Palm Court's "Down Peacock Alley", I have enjoyed this one even moreso - the group has captured the sound, spirit and elan of the era, and obviously has had a great time doing so.

Anthony Godwin leads a crackerjack orchestra - the artists are perfectly suited to this music, and the recording method is historically accurate. Vintage microphones are utilized, and the ballroom environment creates a wonderful overall warmth of sound. Godwin's talent as a siffleur is featured in "It Must be True" - a real delight for those of us who long for the good old days when whistling was considered an art form. The vocals are great, as well - the singers capture the genuine character of the era's tendencies in popular music.

High points? They're all great, but a few must be mentioned: the aformentioned "It Must be True", a plaintive, graceful foxtrot; "The Sheik of Araby"; "Ain't Misbehavin'" - one of the sweetest arrangements of this classic I've ever heard; and "Horatio Nicholl's Californian Serenade".

So, get this album while you can - I was fortunate enough to find mine in a discount bin at Tower Records, and fell in love with it immediately. It's certainly well worth owning.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars This group has certainly "got that swing.", July 7, 2004

By 

Michael "smath110" (San Diego, CA United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Puttin on the Ritz (Audio CD)

This is cheerful, upbeat, eminently danceable music that will have you happily prancing around your living room -- if you enjoy music from this era. The players are mostly from the top orchestras around London -- add an 84 year old jazz violinist -- having a great time playing actual arrangements from the 20's and 30's. Additionally, they sing, whistle and tap dance.

The lyrics are often silly, delightful and humorous: from the women's trio singing, "Come on and let's get friendly" to the men's trio exclaiming, "I got those happy feet." Some of the cuts are good for practicing foxtrot, quickstep and tango. You'll have those happy feet, too.

A period microphone gives the tenor soloist a sound reminiscent of the era. Recorded in a ball room for authentic balance, this CD really gives me the feeling of a night out at a great night club. An excellent cure for depression, malaise or boredom, if you like music of this period. (Check out the cuts) Most of this is not serious music. It was a reaction to World War I when young people just wanted to have fun.

It sounds like this orchestra just wants to have fun, too, after their "day jobs" playing Beethoven and Brahms.

0 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Fun Music. Lots of good rhythm, September 14, 1998

By A Customer

This review is from: Puttin on the Ritz (Audio CD)

Would like to see more gentle string selections. Perhaps "The Palm Court: Music From the Age of Romance and Elegance" by the London Salon Ensemble. The kind of music played on the "Real Titanic."