Search - George Gee :: Swingin' At Swing City Zurich

Splendid Introduction to One of New York City's - and Americ

John Kwok | New York, NY USA | 10/19/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"New York City's popular alternative weekly, "The Village Voice" has honored George Gee by noting that he is quite simply the finest - and only - Asian-American jazz band leader. George and his swing jazz ensembles, most notably the George Gee Swing Orchestra, have played to jubilant crowds at venues such as Rockefeller Center's Rainbow Room and Lincoln Center's "Midsummer Nights Swing" for years. "Swingin' At Swing City Zurich" captures succinctly both the enthusiasm and musical brilliance of George's orchestra at a live jazz festival held in Zurich, Switzerland. So if you've been unfortunate to see and to hear George and his band play homage to traditional swing jazz music, I can assure you that you're in for a treat with this fine live CD. Without question, George is probably the best jazz musician to have graduated from Stuyvesant High School since Thelonious Monk (who actually dropped out even though he was a brilliant mathematician, since he found playing in jazz clubs to be far more lucrative than attending class). I am hoping that George Gee - a former classmate of mine at Stuyvesant - will have a musical career that's nearly as memorable as Monk's; without question, I think this CD demonstrates that he may have that career."

Back In Style With What We Love!

F. Hagan | Raleigh, North Carolina, USA | 07/09/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Great music is infectious, and the George Gee Swing Orchestra's newest release "George Gee Swingin' At Swing City Zurich (Zort Music)," could cause an epidemic of tremendous proportions. His appreciation for strong arrangements and his use of seasoned professionals (like Lance Bryant and Walt Szymanski) is only a fraction of the power that the meticulous Gee brings to a CD recorded in the 19th Century Hautbanhoff at the opening of Zurich Festival's Swing City Week. The energy erupts from the premiere track (this reviewer's pick for best new arrangement) covering Harry James' classics "Trumpet Blues and Cantible" woven into one seamless new tapestry by the arranging skills of Szymanski. Smooth Lindy fans are going to excitedly welcome the following new cuts of "Why Don't You Do Right" and "Blues In Frankie's Flat," for their imminent danceable texture (and respect for the source material of Joseph Gerald McCoy and Frank Foster). Hardcore big band addicts probably don't need any more versions of "Stompin' At The Savoy," "Take The "A" Train," or "Shiny Stockings," but they will appreciate the fresh face and energy that the George Gee Orchestra effortlessly seems to bestow on these much mined standards (and oh, the great dancing they will provide). More surprising is the inclusion of a token big band mambo like the Ray Santos "Sunny Ray." More appreciated is the fresh spin on slightly more neglected standards like "Soul Serenade," contemporary Bill Elliot's "Streamliner," and the Neal Hefti Count Basie Orchestra gem, "Splanky." Two tracks that really shine are the Duke Ellington selections "One Man Dance" and "Harlem Air Shaft," like the opening track of the CD, they brim over with an energy and exuberance that can only be represented by those who love what they are spreading to others. This may be one of the best CDs made in 2003 for current consumption. You want to catch this bug, it's going to lay you out."