Search - Buddy Bregman :: Swingin Standards

Buddy Bregman

Bomojaz | South Central PA, USA | 12/17/2006

(4 out of 5 stars)

"This CD consists of two albums Buddy made in 1957 & 1959; one of them ("Swingin' Standards") is pretty good, the other is not. Some top-notch West Coast musicians put their studio hats on and assembled themselves to lay down excellent interpretations of great standards on the "Swingin' Standards" outing. Conte Candoli (tp) Frank Rosolino (tb) and the saxophone section of Bob Cooper, Bill Holman, Richie Kamuca, and Bill Perkins are the principal soloists, but just as impressive are the tight ensemble work and Buddy's arrangements. The band has a distinctive Basie feel to it, especially in Jim Hall's rhythm guitar work, and Neal Hefti must have been occupying Buddy's thoughts at the time. The band is polished and swinging. It's a tough transition going from this to the second album included ("Dig Buddy in Hi-Fi"), which hasn't got an ounce of jazz in it and is filled with mandolins, accordions and the sappiest sounds this side of Guy Lombardo without the saxophones. Therefore, this is a good half a CD, still worth getting for the "Swingin' Standards" material, though the rest of what's here will most likely disappoint."

My Best Big Band Album Ever

Buddy Bregman | West Los Angeles, CA USA | 09/06/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"THIS IS MY BEST BIG BAND ALBUM EVER-SEE REVIEW BELOW FROM LONDON



BUDDY BREGMAN SWINGIN' STANDARDS - Lonehill Jazz LHT 10243



Sometimes if you wait long enough, a favourite big band vinyl album gets missed on CD. It happened recently with an all-star U.S. West Coast studio orchestra arranged and conducted by occasional In Tune contributor, Buddy Bregman.



I rate this Buddy's best big band album in a fine career that has seen his sparkling creative arrangements grace many an instrumental and vocal collection. Ten great popular dance standards are played with precision and power by the likes of Conte Candoli, Frank Rosolino, George Roberts, Richie Kamuca, Bill Perkins, Russ Freeman, Mel Lewis and others. If you ever wish to demonstrate how the Hollywood session elite could play big band music that swings, this is the set.

"

At long last

Curtis Erland | Sweden | 09/21/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This gem, Buddy Bregman`s SWINGING STANDARDS, been wanted for years by aficionados.But no record company seems to have had interest.

I`m puzzled why the serious Mosaic records apparently been neglectful of Bregman`s works.

However now it`s been available thanks to Lonehill Jazz in Europe. A feather in the cap!

Great arrangements played by a star studded orchestra and if I should point out a winner it`ll be April in Paris,not to detract any from utmost admiration.

Bregman`s brilliant arranging skills come to the fore not only here but as well on recordings he did with recording big bands during his sojourn in London.

Let`s hope at least some of the Reader`s Digest Dynagroove recordings will be available on CD soon."