JIVIN’ MISS DAISY - Whoop-De Doo Songs
Jivin’ Miss Daisy
Simon Thorpe (b); Liz Fletcher (v); Malcolm Earle Smith (tb); Luke Annesley (as, cl); Alex Garnett (ts); Simon Finch (t); Colin Oxley (elg); John Pearce (p); Matt Skelton (d) Recorded at Red Gables 2018
Jivin’ Miss Daisy appears to be the name of the band and the record company too as far as I can see. No other information is available. Whoop-De-Doo songs are, as you might imagine, a set of standards and swing era staples played in a robust, swinging fashion. Bassist Thorpe and vocalist Liz Fletcher are mentioned on the cover as featured soloists so I think they must be the leaders, movers and shakers here. Jacquet Jumps is the kick- off track, a straight-ahead mainstream swinger with solos by Thorpe and trombonist Earle-Smith. Come Rain, taken at a medium tempo introduces Liz Fletcher who takes the first of several vocals. Solo work by Alex Garnett on tenor sax and Annesley on alto are all very smooth and professional and that fine pianist John Pearce gets a few good workouts. It is all a bit of a nostalgia trip for 1940s swing music but there are great songs here like Sentimental Journey and Stairway To The Stars both played very well. The inevitable nods to Goodman come with Don’t Be That Way and Sing, sing, sing so Matt Skelton gets a bit of a thrash on drums on the latter piece. Ms Fletcher has a clear voice and sings with spirit and among the soloists the leader, Earle-Smith and Alex Garnett stand out. If you just like the music in this programme or are heavily into the big band style of yester-year, then this one is for you.
Reviewed by Derek Ansell
Jivin’ Miss Daisy
Simon Thorpe (b); Liz Fletcher (v); Malcolm Earle Smith (tb); Luke Annesley (as, cl); Alex Garnett (ts); Simon Finch (t); Colin Oxley (elg); John Pearce (p); Matt Skelton (d) Recorded at Red Gables 2018
Jivin’ Miss Daisy appears to be the name of the band and the record company too as far as I can see. No other information is available. Whoop-De-Doo songs are, as you might imagine, a set of standards and swing era staples played in a robust, swinging fashion. Bassist Thorpe and vocalist Liz Fletcher are mentioned on the cover as featured soloists so I think they must be the leaders, movers and shakers here. Jacquet Jumps is the kick- off track, a straight-ahead mainstream swinger with solos by Thorpe and trombonist Earle-Smith. Come Rain, taken at a medium tempo introduces Liz Fletcher who takes the first of several vocals. Solo work by Alex Garnett on tenor sax and Annesley on alto are all very smooth and professional and that fine pianist John Pearce gets a few good workouts. It is all a bit of a nostalgia trip for 1940s swing music but there are great songs here like Sentimental Journey and Stairway To The Stars both played very well. The inevitable nods to Goodman come with Don’t Be That Way and Sing, sing, sing so Matt Skelton gets a bit of a thrash on drums on the latter piece. Ms Fletcher has a clear voice and sings with spirit and among the soloists the leader, Earle-Smith and Alex Garnett stand out. If you just like the music in this programme or are heavily into the big band style of yester-year, then this one is for you.
Reviewed by Derek Ansell
