A dance band for the ages
J. Wayne Eyre | Saskatoon, Saskatchewan Canada | 01/09/2007
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Anyone with a warm spot for the dance bands of yore will love this recording--guaranteed. Consisting of 26 tracks from live performances at the famous Hollywood Palladium, this two-disc set of Les Brown's 'Band of Renown' proves that jazz-based dance music could be the best dance music of all.
Featuring sophisticated arrangements and top-drawer soloists, such as Dave Pell (ts) and Ray Sims (trmb), Brown's band stands as an undersung assemblage whose music deserves prominent placement in the constellation of American music greats. The recordings pick up the background, on-floor electricity of the appreciative audience, who must have listened to--as much as danced to--this wonderful band."
Something old is new again
James S. Hentschell | st. louis, mo | 08/29/2007
(5 out of 5 stars)
"In high school I wore out this 2 disk LP. Wonderful to see it out on CD. The quality of the soloists, the variety of the arrangements and the power of the swinging rhythm section keeps this antique set from ever growing old and stale. The enthusiasm of the large crowd was an obvious inspiration for the band, and they rose to the occasion. The music and the band never sounded more fresh, even 60 years later. Highly recommended for anyone who loves a swinging big band."
Terrific Recording Of The Les Brown Band When......
Robert J. Ament | Ballwin, MO United States | 02/02/2008
(5 out of 5 stars)
"it was near its peak!
Like many others, I had this album when it was originally released as a Coral LP. I'm glad that on the re-release the original informative liner notes by Leonard Feather have been retained. Not only does the narrative give the soloist and arranger information but provides other tid-bits such as guitarist Vernon Polk being the brother of Lucy Ann Polk, another fine Les Brown songstress, who married trombonist Dick Noel and retired( part of which I mentioned in my review on her album "Lucky Lucy Ann").
A lot of familiar names are recalled on this album, many of whom appear on various other recordings in my own collection, such as arrangers Frank Comstock, Van Alexander and Skip Martin as well as musicians Dave Pell, Ray Sims, Don Fagerquist, Rolly Bundock, Don Paladino, and vocalist Jo Ann Greer and not leaving out the ever humorous Butch Stone.
The sound is surprisingly good considering this is a live monaural recording. Like others, I feel that some (not all!) of the crowd reaction is dubbed in.....a common practice back then and later. "Montoona Clipper",though, seems pretty spontaneous in the audience reaction.
The music is great! Almost all of the selections are known or, if not by title, recognizable by the melody. My personal favorites are the Latin styled "Strange" and "Invitation" which, as the notes suggest, has a slightly Kenton type sound.
Anyone who loves big band, or especially the vitality of the Les Brown band, will enjoy having this one in their collection.
"
Track Listings (13) - Disc #1
