Search - Irving Mills :: Irving Mills, Volume Two

When you're smiling.....

JJA Kiefte | Tegelen, Nederland | 03/11/2009

(5 out of 5 stars)

".....then chances are that you're listening to this disc which is immensely enjoyable. There is in fact only one real letdown: 'My Little Honey and Me' which is as corny as they get. 'When You're Smiling' incidentally is not a very strong contender for immortality either: a rather run of the mill sweet dance band arrangement, a not very inspired Jack Teagarden vocal and solo; only in the last chorus are things heated up a little by Matty Matlock, underpinned by Ray Bauduc's drums. The other 22 tracks however are brimfull with wonderful things; good arrangements and exciting solos by all involved. Especially delightful are Hoagy Carmichael (on piano and as vocalist), Benny Goodman (who is in truly spectacular form on many titles) and Bix Beiderbecke (on four tracks; his wistful tone and gentle, almost 'cool' playing contrasting nicely with Goodman's and Teagarden's scorching hot improvisations). Fortunately we are spared the presence of insipid singers; the vocals are taken by the Teagardens, Carmichael, Dick Robertson and Joe and Dan Mooney (the Hapiness Boys). The booklet is very informative, remastering is excellent; a prime example of how this kind of vintage music should be treated. Strongly recommended!"

STRONG FLAVOUR OF HOAGY, AND SOME BIX

Barry McCanna | Normandy, France | 12/07/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This second volume of Irving Mills & his Hotsy Totsy Gang is even better than the first, and I awarded that 5 stars! One reason is that Hoagy Carmichael sings the first three numbers, which include the droll "Harvey", and a further four of his compositions are featured in the subsequent two sessions. Add to that the presence of Bix Beiderbecke on the June 1930 session, and the general excellence of the various other musicians who made up the studio group according to their availability, and you have a recipe for excellence."