"Take the best of the traditional jazz bands. Add the best of the "girl group" trios. That's what this album gives. They've taken a marvelous collection of novelty songs from the '20's - '40's and done some really fine arrangements, both vocal and instrumental. The Chenille sisters voices blend together so well they practically function as one instrument. And the interplay between the vocals and the band exceeds anything I've heard.Buy this CD if you have any interest at all in traditional jazz music or in American popular song."
Impossible to Pigeon-Hole
Nicole Harpe | 06/06/2001
(5 out of 5 stars)
"The Chenilles are mostly known for their work on Prairie Home Companion. They're sort of contemporary folk artists, but then they aren't. They are storytellers of the highest caliber. So, where does this cd fall? It's big band music with a girl group. Not exactly folksy, but quite remarkable. These women have a range in style that defies definition.The songs are from the 20's to the 50's. They range in attitude from Sentimental Journey to The Codfish Ball. The harmonies are extraordinary. The arrangements are tight. James Dapogny's band is marvelous and needs to be recording more.If you're a fan of the Chenilles, get this cd. You won't be disappointed. If you like band music, get this cd. This is a great piece of work and I wish they'd record Whatcha Gonna Swing Tongiht II?"
Watcha Gonna Swing Tonight
David K Bennett | Franklin, TN United States | 12/27/1999
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Best of all the Chenille Sisters albums if you like foot tapping music. I have trouble keeping my feet still with this one. The harmony is great!"
A swingin' trip down memory lane!
Mark Savary | Seattle, WA | 09/26/2001
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I first came across the Chenille Sisters through a Halloween segment on that wonderful radio program "A Prairie Home Companion". On the show, they sang a version of "The House is Haunted", and I was hooked right away. The song prompted me to track down the album it came from, and here it is.The songs that are presented have a pretty fair range of jazz/big band music from the 1920's to the 40's, but none seem out of place when put together on the album. This really is a great disc that calls to mind Golden Age Radio. Fans of the Andrews Sisters will be quite pleased with the results, and with the original stamp that the Chenilles put on the old standards.All of the selections showcase the marvelous vocalizations of the Cenille Sisters, especially "Little White Lies". Other stand-outs include "Sentimental Journey", "Button Up Your Overcoat", "Nagasaki", "Low Gravy", and of course, "The House is Haunted"."
Great Vocal Trio With A Super Vintage Jazz Band
Edward J Vasicek | Kokomo, IN USA | 09/17/2005
(5 out of 5 stars)
"The Chenille Sisters are a great trio, relaxed (unlike the Andrew sisters with tight harmonies), clear sounding, and with simple harmonies.
Their fine voices match well with the excellent playing of the James Dapogny Chicago Jazz Band. The band plays true to the style of 1920's jazz all the way through 40's small band swing.
Included in this collection of classic popular jazz/swing numbers is one of Dapogny's original song, "Tell Me, Tell Me Baby," a song that fits in perfectly with the others.
I especially enjoy their rendition of Harry Warren's fun song, "Nagasaki," as well as the mellow and almost eerie song, "The House is Haunted," and the Morie Amsterdam (of Dick Van Dyke fame) West Indies style song, "Rum and Coca Cola." Although the Chenille sisters have put out several other CD's, it is a shame they have not produced more in this genre.
As a fan of 20's and 30's remakes, I give this two thumbs up. Great familiar "feel good music" done by exceptional artists."