Skitch Henderson: Swinging With Strings by Skitch Henderson

27 May

Written by Richard Bourcier
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Here is Skitch Henderson appearing for the first record in years as a pianist. The former leader of the Tonight Show orchestra has always been a supporter and employer of top jazz players. This session finds Henderson surrounded by some old friends and a few new ones. They have the mutual desire and ability to improvise and swing incessantly.

The tune list below showcases songs by some of the world’s finest writers and lyricists including Duke Ellington, Richard Whiting, Gus Kahn, Johnny Mercer, Mitchell Parrish, The Gershwins , Robin & Rainger plus more. Many jazz groups are accompanied by stodgy and syrup - sweet string sections. Not in this case! The super-hot string players play arrangements by the late Al Duffy of Paul Whiteman fame. Each violinist comes with enviable credentials and strong jazz abilities.

Skitch Henderson is getting on in years and in spite of his fame as as a leader/ arranger, still plays a nice jazz piano. Encircled by veterans Peter Appleyard, Bucky Pizzarelli and Gene Bertoncini, the maestro can do no wrong. These fellows were all members of the old Tonight Show band and are still among the cream of the crop today. The youngsters are Australian born bassist Nikki Parrot who has played with everyone from Clark Terry to Warren Vaché and presently stars with Sherrie Maricle’s "Five Play." Joe Ascione is rapidly becoming one of my very favorite drummers and has played with more stars than you can count.

It’s great to have these stellar musicians in a session that’s very easy to like. I love Hot Violin and there’s a heavy helping on the plate served up by Skitch and his amazing crew. Highly recommended!

Additional Info

Artist / Group Name: Skitch Henderson
CD Title: Skitch Henderson: Swinging With Strings
Genre: Big Band / Swing
Year Released: 2001
Record Label: Arbors Jazz
Tracks: Japanese Sandman; My Gal Sal; Volga Boatmen; Sophisticated Lady; Blue Moon; Oh, Lady Be Good; Lover Man; Easy Living; Goody Goody; C-Jam Blues; If I Had You; In a Mellow Tone; The Hour Of Parting; If There Is Someone Lovelier Than You; I Could Have Danced All Night; Where The Blue Of The Night Meets The Gold Of The Day.
Musicians: Skitch Henderson (piano); Peter Appleyard (vibes); Bucky Pizzarelli (guitar); Gene Bertoncini (guitar); Nikki Parrot (bass); Joe Ascione (drums); Matt Glaser (violin); Darol Anger (violin); Sara Caswell (violin); Glenn Basham (violin).
Label Website: http://www.arborsrecords.com
Rating: Five Stars