Search - Les Brown :: Session 55: 1936-2000

Les still swingin' at 89!

W.Don Wood | Matawan,, New Jersey USA | 10/20/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"As Les' historian and discographer, I am priveleged to have an advance copy of this fab CD...It's release date is now early 2001. This has some older charts that have been re-recorded, material from long time Brown arranger FRANK COMSTOCK, and NEW charts that Frank was called out of semi-retirement to write. A real gem is OLD MAN RIVER, scored by the late Skip Martin and found by Les Brown Jr. Skip, who scored many top flight instrumentals for the Brown band in the 40's & 50's, not the least of which was Brown's smash hit in 1949...I've Got my Love to keep me Warm... The recording was done at Capitol Records studio A and engineered Emmy award winner Al Schmidt. This is easily the BEST big band recording of the last TEN YEARS. JUMP ON IT! P.S. This will also be released in 5.1 surround sound! Another big band first for Les! Release date not yet set on the surround version... (CD released 7/15/01) Two vocal tracks by JANE MONHEIT are SUPERP! She does Secret Love, and Sentimental Journey; using the same Brown arr. we all know so well. Lou Rawls also does two tracks in the set. There are 21 cuts in all. The sound quality in this final issue sounds to me to be just a bit better then in the demo issue......"

A lasting tribute in Session #55

Lois Finn Magovern | Springfield, MA United States | 03/17/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"As a regular listener of the Les Brown "Music of Renown" radio program, I anxiously anticipated the arrival of this album. On that radio program, Les, Sr. and Jr. chatted often about their soon-to-be-released Session #55 album, in the days before it became available. It was worth the wait! The Band of Renown has another winner here; and a lasting tribute to Les Brown Sr. has been captured in the tracks of this recording.I especially love the sound of "Ain't She Sweet", "Dansero", and "Bizet Has His Day" (although, I do prefer the clapping version from the "Flip Lid" album). The guest artists, Jane Monheit and Lou Rawls add their creative touch to several standards.One song is missing. "I've Got My Love To Keep Me Warm" is a recording with a sound that forever warms me from the inside, out. The arrangement of that song is outstanding and, fortunately, has been made available on several other albums.Yes, Les Brown, Jr. continues to create terrific music in the tradition of the "Big Band" musicians. This album proves to someone like me, who has recently re-discovered "Big Band" music, that the Band of Renown is aptly named."

A Must Have

Dr. Loretta A. Lewandowski | Minneapolis, MN United States | 09/06/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"The big band sound is back...better than ever. The variety of songs is exceptional, and each instrument is heard with clarity. Jane Monheit's vocal range is exceptional. Her voice compliments the lush background. On the two cuts, her delivery is reminiscent of that of Doris Day.You won't be disappointed!"