Every time an orchestra of symphonic size and over tries to swing, the result is catastrophic. It just doesn't make it . . . that is, unless the orchestrations are by Don Costa.
This album proves that it is possible to pick top jazz brass and rhythm sections, put them with handpicked symphonic strings and woodwinds. The result can be fantastic . . . that is, with orchestrations by Don Costa.
Take great pop and blues standards, take night songs and soul songs, take a 125 piece orchestra, and it will swing . . . that is, with orchestrations by Don Costa.
Take the world's largest recording orchestra, the right session atmosphere, with unparalleled recording techniques, and it will swing! This album does, ask Don Costa. (from the Liner Notes to Alshire S 5055 - Swingin' Things from 101 Strings (1966))
01 - Headin' Home (Costa)
02 - Harlem Nocturne (Earle Hagen)
03 - Durango (Costa)
04 - Night Train
05 - Dansero (Hayman)
06 - Yes Oh Yes /w Chorus (Costa)
07 - Mood Indigo
08 - Spanish Harlem (Spector)
09 - That Old Black Magic
10 - Misirlou
11 - El Bronx (Randazzo)
12 - Street Scene (Alfred Newman)
This album proves that it is possible to pick top jazz brass and rhythm sections, put them with handpicked symphonic strings and woodwinds. The result can be fantastic . . . that is, with orchestrations by Don Costa.
Take great pop and blues standards, take night songs and soul songs, take a 125 piece orchestra, and it will swing . . . that is, with orchestrations by Don Costa.
Take the world's largest recording orchestra, the right session atmosphere, with unparalleled recording techniques, and it will swing! This album does, ask Don Costa. (from the Liner Notes to Alshire S 5055 - Swingin' Things from 101 Strings (1966))
01 - Headin' Home (Costa)
02 - Harlem Nocturne (Earle Hagen)
03 - Durango (Costa)
04 - Night Train
05 - Dansero (Hayman)
06 - Yes Oh Yes /w Chorus (Costa)
07 - Mood Indigo
08 - Spanish Harlem (Spector)
09 - That Old Black Magic
10 - Misirlou
11 - El Bronx (Randazzo)
12 - Street Scene (Alfred Newman)
Believe me, this one from the 1001 albums of the 101 Strings is terrific - as Darrell Brogdon used to say when playing Earl Hagen's Harlem Nocturne years ago (The Retro Cocktail Hour).
