Editorial Reviews
Bo Lewis, host of "Big Band Dance Party" on WNAV Internet Radio
"The Swing Legacy
is a great compact band carrying on the traditions of big band swing. "Dancing on a Blue Moon" brings back the days when swing
was THE thing. Classy & stylish with inspired arranging, playing, and the delightful vocals of songbird Carol Akerson;
a must-have for dancing & listening pleasure!" A must have!
Russ Chase, IAJRC
This is a small group deeply oriented in the fine tradition of "jump bands". It
swings! I cannot recommend this recording too highly.(Russ Chase, IAJRC
(International Association of Jazz Record Collectors) Journal, Winter 2000)
Dave Nathan, All Music Guide
Well-conceived arrangements make the band sound much bigger than they
are. This album is over 73 minutes of good players performing good music. Recommended.(Dave Nathan, All Music Guide (on the
Internet))
Ed Symkus, The TAB
This is a great big earful of sound coming from only six players. Adventurous
vocalist Carol Akerson really shines.
Jack Sohmer, The Mississippi Rag, December 2000
This tight little unit plays with a genuine love
for the idiom. This is a very spirited release by a band that knows how to swing in an authentic style.
Ted Belastock, Quarter Notes, September 2001
Their original arrangements create a much larger sound
than the number of players would imply; a truly BIG small-band sound.
Bob Blumenthal, Boston Globe
The Swing Legacy brings exceptional understanding to the music. This
is one of the rare class acts of jazz classicism.
Shaun Dale, JazzReview.com
The Swing Legacy is at the forefront of one of the great jazz styles,
outdistancing any of the neo-swing pack.
Ron Bloom, swingorama.com
They play authentic swing, and they play it well. The song selection is
refreshing, and the arrangements are delightful.
About the Artist
The Swing Legacy, a Boston-based six-piece swing band plus vocalist, presents the polish and the hot, smooth, high-energy
beat of the great swing bands, recalling the days when jazz was danceable and popular. Their exciting original arrangements
make the group sound larger than six pieces -- hence they are known as the Biggest Little Band. Their music is both superb
concert jazz and great dance music. Their repertoire concentrates on classic black swing music, with many Duke Ellington and
Count Basie numbers. This powerful band swings mightily! The Swing Legacy's full rich sound, exciting danceable beat, overall
polish, and impeccable musicianship have made them much in demand for concerts, dances, and weddings.
Band members: Henry Francis, leader, arranger, piano
Carol Akerson, vocals
Todd Baker, bass
Steve Giunta, drums
Phil
Person or Mike Peipman, trumpet
Dave Chapman, alto sax, clarinet
Ted Casher, tenor sax, clarinet
Billy Novick, guest
soloist, alto sax, clarinet
Album Description
The Swing Legacy is what was known in the 30's and 40's as a "jump" band -- a small group (sextet) playing arranged,
riff-oriented, hard-driving 4-beat swing music. This album presents the most interesting and exciting items from their repertoire
of idiomatic original arrangements, plus some great singing by Carol Akerson. The Swing Legacy demonstrates that musical creativity
and artistic viability can be achieved today in a noncontemporary jazz idiom.
The CD includes:
- Hot jump numbers for jitterbugs and lindyhoppers (Flying Home, Undecided, Hoof It)
- Some superior songs, rendered lovingly by Carol (Blue Moon, Willow Weep For Me)
- Two Duke Ellington "indigo mood" pieces (Azure, Transblucency)
- Two up-tempo Count Basie swing classics (Taxi War Dance, Super Chief)
- Two groovy, strutting blues (Things Ain't What They Used To Be, Sweet Daddy Spo-de-o)
- A swing version of Fats Domino's R&B hit "I'm Walking"
- Dave Brubeck's tribute to Elllington "The Duke"
- An avant-garde gem, Coleman Hawkins' "Queer Notions"