Customer Reviews

Shaking the Blues Away

5 star:		(7)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

If you are looking for an introduction to "Great Gastby" era Jazz, then this is a great cd. I would recommend to those of you who want that old "hot" sound, but with the sound quality of modern recording technology. If you are familiar with "A Prarie Home Companion," then you've probably heard these excellent musicians before. I believe they were Mr. Keillor's stage band a few years back.

Oh, my...it just turns my stomach to see that this WONDERFUL album hasn't been reviewed yet!!! Well, I'm honored to be the first, in that case. Early jazz fans, take note: BUY THIS ALBUM!!! Get it while you can - outside of Amazon, it can be a tough find, and oh, Lordie - it's a real keeper.

Rob Fisher and his Coffee Club Orchestra have caught the sound of the 1920's and 1930's, and most generously share it with us. The band members are marvelous, period instruments are incorporated, and the selected tunes are all gems. Oh, and Garrison Keillor treats us to his unique vocal talents in three of the pieces. What more could one ask for?

Standouts? Well, they all stand out, actually - but if I must... "How About Me" (a contagious Charleston, which, in its enthusiasm, belies its lyrics, not featured in this rendition), "Stampede" (a must-listen - it's too good even to describe), "You Took Advantage of Me" (wherein the wonderful Andy Stein, on violin, shines as only he can), "Doo Wacka Doo" (probably the best arrangement and performance of this novelty imaginable), and "Doin' the Frog". Every piece that accompanies these is just perfect, as well - not a lull in the album.

This album desperately needs more reviews, more testimonials about how great it really is. An absolute musical treasure - one that's obviously fallen through the cracks somehow. The roster of musicians and "without whoms", including jazz luminaries like Vince Giordano, Andy Stein and Arnie Kinsella should alone open one's eyes, and CD collection, to this great album. Buy it NOW, have a listen or two hundred, and tell Amazon what you think.

Unadulterated fun and a rousing good time! This music never fails to get me up and out and moving and, best of all, grinning from ear to ear. If you like the '20s and '30s, don't wait another minute to get this CD. If you have the slightest bit of imagination, you will see yourself in a racoon coat or a cloche hat and hear the rattle of a Model A. Get this! It's innocent, good fun!

I've had this CD for years and it's still one of my all time favorites. This band was on the Prarie Home Companions radio show and they played really authentic, sharp arrangements of playing of 20's and 30's jazz classics. If you like this kind of jazz, you have to get this CD! These guys were HOT!!

"Shaking the Blues Away" is a good CD wich represents with fidelity the 1920s era. The quality of the record and the orchestra is very nice.

This is undoubtedly the best CD I've ever purchased... It really makes you feel good. Odd thing is...I'm usually into Heavy Rock music, but this CD is Awesome.!!!

Fantastic '20s and '30s music. Fisher's rendition of "Deep Henderson" is wonderful, the equal of the version by "Ambrose and his Orchestra". "Lady of the Nile" is also a gem. Unlike others, I found Garrison Keillor's contributions to be charming. I first heard this CD when I borrowed it from the public library years ago. After all this time, I recently bought a copy, just for "Deep Henderson" and "Lady of the Nile".

If you can find a copy, it's well worth the money.

This CD brings some old classics of the '20s up to date, with arrangements that retain the flavor of the past, yet provide refreshing sounds for the new listener
In my opinion, this CD represents a fine addition to any jazz or popular mussic collection.

If you enjoy the dance orchestras of the pre-1934 era, you will enjoy this faithful recreation of that style. Three of the tracks are wasted with the "vocalizing" by Garrison Keillor, but otherwise there are 18 good tracks of enjoyable music.

The music is upbeat and peppy -- and if you have a programmable CD player, get out the instruction manual and learn how to use it. That way you can automatically block out the wretched voice of Garrisson Keillor as he croaks along with the music on a few misgbegotten tracks on this otherwise wonderful CD.

Actually it is easier to just hit the skip button when his nasal whine starts to float into your ears.

Now I must admit, I hate his radio show and books, so bear in mind that if you like a Prairie Home Companion, you will dote on this CD, even the fingernails on slate tracks with old Gary's voice defiling them.