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solomon douglas swingtet - swingmatism.jpg (22817 bytes)

The Solomon Douglas Swingtet – Swingmatism   
2006 Solomon Douglas
SQ Issue:  Winter 2006/7, Volume 17, Issue 1

The Band:   Paul Baron – lead trumpet; Randy Burgeson – second trumpet, flugelhorn; Eric Ordway – trombone; Chris Stover – trombone; Nathan Vetter – trombone; Travis Ranney – also sax, clarinet; Galen Green – tenor sax; Nathaniel Paul Schleimer – baritone sax; Solomon Douglas – piano; Ted Gottsegen – guitar; Andy Zadrozny – bass; D’Vonne Lewis – drums; Julian MacDonough - drums

“Perfect.  Perfect because “Swingmatism” swings in so many ways.  In this recording, Solomon presents a sundry assortment of music – from classic swing, through the post-swing era, and into modern jazz – all held together by the fact that every song swings”   --- Greg Avakian, Swing DJ, from the CD Liner Notes

I am a big fan of Solomon Douglas’ from when he released a CD called Corner Pocket.  This band membership included Douglas on piano and his bass player.  It was a refreshing CD that was well received by swing dancers nationwide.

This CD has a much fuller sound, of course, being about a tentet.   Dancers should like this CD because it does have some favorites like For Dancers Only,  Cherokee, and Shiny Stockings.  But this CD also picks out lesser known songs.  Some of those that stand out for me include Big Apple Contest, Swingmatism and Cherry Point.  The latter heavy on piano.

The musicians seem pretty solid.  They provide a full sound and swing when they’re supposed to.  I don’t think any one instrument stands out, with the exception of piano.  The solos are done well but don’t make you want to grab the liner notes to find out who’s soloing.

There are a couple slow tunes in Black and Tan Fantasy, Moonglow and an interesting tune called Funky Blues, that blues dancers will find playful to dance to.

Overall, this is a pretty darn good CD.  While nothing stands out as a “gotta have” song, you’ll still find some pretty good music for dancing.  I say it’s worth picking up for your library.

Bottom Line:  To buy or not to buy….. BUY!  Here’s how:  www.solomondouglas.com