Search - Bill Elliott Swing Orchestra :: Calling Al Jitterbugs

Bill Elliot--this band can really swing!

11/02/1999

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I first heard "12 Cylinders" on KLBB's "Music from the Club Lounge", hosted by Reed Hagen in the Twin Cities. I thought I was hearing a Jimmie Lunceford recording I've never heard before. When I found out it was Bill Elliot, I immediately ordered the CD. This guy really knows how to swing, and swing smoothly with restraint, like the original orchestras did in the 30s and 40s. I like Elliot's hot swing, and the vintage arrangements at the end are a real treat--very reminiscent of Ted Weems 1920s orchestra and a bit of Bing Crosby & Russ Columbo-like vocals. I do plan on ordering Bill Elliot's other CDs--They will go very well with my 78s"

Excellent Big Band Swing CD. For Lovers Of Swing Everywhere

Kevin T. Van Meter | 11/16/1998

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Bill Elliott's Swing Orchestra is a featured artist on a various artists swing selection titled "Swing This Baby". Usually the artists on a compilation have their "Best" songs on such albums. However I found almost all of the selections on "Calling All Jitterbugs" to be of the same high quality. They are all High, Bright, and Clear with that swing bounce that all swing music lovers are looking for. Even the selection "Bill's Bounce" ( Which sounds almost as familiar as the "Jesry Bounce" of days gone by) although a live recording, is as good if not better than the rendition on "Swing This Baby" and that selection is available on another Bill Elliott title called "Swing Fever" Also available from Amazon.Com. Both of these Elliott titles are full of the classic sounds of swing music that you just can't help but grabbing someone and start dancing. The vocal selections include top artists like Amy Weston (also included on Swing Fever), The Lucky Stars, Cassie Miller, Jeff Gilbert, and Frederick Hodges. Most of these I have not heard before but are as smooth and clean as the Giant swing stars of yesteryear. Yes it's true I like swing music that has a up beat and a lively tune but who wants to feel bad when they listen to music, and this Album is as bright and lively as they come."

Beter today than ever...

Kevin T. Van Meter | New York, New York | 08/16/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This CD came out in 1998. "Swing Fever" was Bill Elliott's first work and he was wading in new waters with his then new band. When he and his band struck gold with his first CD, he decided to upgrade his efforts. "Calling All Jitterbugs" is the CD that help establish his wonderful band to the staple of swing that it is today. "Streamliner" and "Twelve Cylinders" are wonderful Elliott original compositions which separates Bill's bands from many others. "On The Atchison, Topeka and the Santa Fe" let's Bill have his singing fun. But his wonderful singers, The Lucky Stars establish themselves with "I'm Beginning To Like It" (Which in some circles, has become America's swing motto.) But the song that captures the flavor of what today's Swing movement is about is "Mildred, Won't You Behave" which I guess you can consider Lindy's version of a rap song. (Without the offensiveness, that is.) It's great dancing to and it just a fun song, period. At the American Lindy Hop Championships in 2000, Bill's CD's were the most requested music. Lindy Hoppers I have spoken to have said that if there was one band they would travel to see in person or hear or dance to, Bill's band wins hands down. But why take my word for it? Purchase a CD of Bill's and you'll be convinced. Actor John Lithgow is. He uses Bill as his concert conductor along with Bill's Lucky Stars. His radio play is increasing on "American Popular Standard" stations. Need I say more? A Bill Elliott CD is MORE than worth the money! Bill's fans continue to like it!!!"