Killer big band
ed doran | dallas, texas United States | 09/06/2001
(5 out of 5 stars)
"spitfire band plays the old stuff better than the old bands--jazzier arrangements --- generally better musicians
they improve on good to make it better"
Top flight musicians and great arrangements.....a real treat
Paul Tognetti | Cranston, RI USA | 05/30/2004
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Many critics regard them as the finest big band working today. For more than 20 years the Spitfire Band from Canada has been thrilling audiences with great new arrangements of classic tunes from the Big Band era. I first heard the Spitfire Band back in the early 1980's when a local AM radio station attempted a Big Band format. They featured a number of cuts from the Spitfire Band's debut album, most notably "Saturday Night Is The Loneliest Night Of The Week". I was hooked!!! In those days Canadian releases were just not available in the U.S. so I was delighted when I found a copy in a Montreal record store in 1982.
This collection, released by Pittsburgh's Alanna records is a joy to listen to. You'll find many of your all time favorites here including "Time After Time", "Hey There", "They Can't Take That Away From Me" and the venerable "Marie". Enjoy wonderful performances from vocalist Jackie Rae and fabulous harmonies from the Tailwinds. The Spitfire Band has succeeded in taking this music and making it all their own. The late Rosemary Clooney paid the Spitfire Band the highest compliment calling them "One of the greatest bands I have ever heard in my life."
This disc comes in a very attractive package. I was a bit disappointed in the liner notes which mostly consists of testamonials about the group. I would have preferred a bit more information about the history of the Band. But this is a highly enjoyable disc that you will play again and again. Highly recommended."
Track Listings (17) - Disc #1
