The SWR Big Band from Germany is gaining a lot of fans due to the recent issuing of compact discs featuring guest artists from the USA; including; Sammy Nestico, Bob Florence, Rob McConnell, Bob Mintzer and many more. It's recordings have featured in this catalogue many times over the years; please check my reviews section . There are now many collectors waiting for the next release. Currently two albums featuring Sammy Nestico and his music are occupying the sensibilities of those fans.

Some may not know that the band was once called the SDR Big Band under the direction of Erwin Lehn. Under his stewardship the band acknowledged the swing era and held it's own against the best contemporary swing bands of the of the latter part of the last century.

This recent release features archive swing style recordings by the band under Erwin Lehn and between 1951 and 1965. So perhaps your mind will recognise the style of Ted Heath, Les Brown, Count Basie, Harry James and more. Many of the titles will be familiar, the arrangements parallel the original recordings but with slight modifications. There are also new arrangements of standards from the band.

Lovers of the 'swing era' will find a lot to enjoy on this disc, the musicianship is well up to the standard one expects from the current SWR, but of course in a swing context. One thing I enjoyed the amazing virtuoso trumpet artistry of Horst Fischer. Please visit his trumpet tribute site and hear just a little of his extraordinary talent. If ever I had the opportunity to qualify my insistance in not using the hideous epithet 'screech trumpet', I would quote the fabulous sound of Horst Fischer's trumpet. I will now personally trawl the web to see if I can find other examples of his talent. He demonstrates amazing high register control of sound, pitching that alleged contemporary high register players should hear. The sound is big, the sound is secure.... we have lost a great player at 55 years of age and amazingly not in the list of the finest players.

Although the music is danceable, no opportunity is missed to remind us that the band bristles with world class soloists and can swing.

I will have copies in the UK very soon (2/10/05).

 

Tracks: Opus One Lester Leaps In Ciribiribin Drum Boogie Your Are Too Beautiful Jumpin' With Symphony Sid Stormy Weather Dob's Boogie Serenade In Blue I've Got My Love To Keep Me Warm I Know Why Basically Cute Flyin' Home Mr. Anthony's Boogie I Cover The Waterfront Carnival I Can't Give You Anything But Love I Like Basie With A Song In My Heart The Kid From Red Bank Hot Canary Laura Fishmarket Let 'Em Swing

 

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