The Swing Club by Ray Anthony and his Big Swing Band

30 Jun

Written by Lee Prosser
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Born January 20, 1922, Ray Anthony is still playing trumpet and doing it in a very fine manner! His music is always alive, and projects a sense of movement, youth, and pleasure! For those who recall Glenn Miller and his orchestra, Ray Anthony was one of the original members at age 18. During 1946 through 1968, he recorded for Capitol Records and released approximately 100 albums. As an actor and band leader and musician, he appeared in 15 movies. It is hard to keep up with such an energetic man who continually turns out good music for jazz listeners, and that he continues to record and see his CDs sell in the public, is a continuing testament to the durability of his style on the trumpet.

In his new release, "The Swing Club," with arrangements by Don Simpson, he is accompanied by Madeline Vergari and Patrick Tuzzolino on vocals, and a lengthy host of well-known performers on trumpets, trombones, saxophones, and rhythm. This well-crafted and highly enjoyable CD contains 12 selections, among them, "Route 66," "The Hucklebuck," "In the Groove," "Swing-A-Ding-Ding." For those who like big band music, this is a must have, and one of Anthony's best to date!