Search - Kenny Ellis :: Hanukkah Swings

There really aren't too many Hanukkah albums out there

George Dionne | Cape Cod, MA | 12/21/2005

(4 out of 5 stars)

"The Good

Honestly, if you've heard one swing style song in your life, then you have an idea of what these songs sound like. Ellis mixes traditional Hanukkah songs with some of his self-penned works. Most people are probably familiar with "Swingin' Dreidel," but Kenny sure makes it interesting and different. "Medley: Hanukkah, Oh Hanukkah / Who Can Retell" is mostly delivered in a spoken vocal style while Ellis switches between English and Hebrew lyrics. "Hanukkah Candles" is a track that Kenny wrote for adults, because according to him, most Hanukkah songs are geared toward children. This track deviates from swing, and leans more toward singer-songwriter with its warm strings and touching piano.



The rhythms of "Sevivon Sov, Sov, So" are inspired by Benny Goodman's "Sing, Sing, Sing." "Children of the Macabbees" is another track that isn't really swingin'. It's more of a chant that morphs into a big band jam session. I don't think I have to explain what "Hanu-calypso" sounds like. The lyrics made me laugh, so I hope that's what Ellis was going for. "'Twas the Night Before Hanukkah" is another parody that's worth a chuckle or two.



The Bad

It's tough to take the serious songs seriously when their intertwined with funny songs.



The Verdict

There really aren't too many Hanukkah albums out there, so it's a good thing that Kenny Ellis has released such a complete and enjoyable collection of material. One can only listen to Adam Sandler's "Hanukkah Song" so many times. Ellis makes the traditional songs unique by using the swing-era sound, and manages to toss in a few of his own without missing a beat. I don't think that kids or teenagers will care for this sound, but older adults will be pleased. If there's one thing I learned about these Hanukkah songs, it's that most of them are about eating and having a good time. That can't be a bad thing."

This Guy Swings !

Charles H. Levenson | new jersey | 11/19/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"There aren't a lot of Hanukkah albums out there to chose from...The traditionalist ones are,well,traditionalist,and mostly sound like what one might hear at home during the holidays..the non-traditionalist ones on the other hand are mostly weird,novelty items that connect to Hanukkah in the same dubious way that George W.Bush connects to honest,open government...Kenny Ellis has given us a swinging approach to Hanukkah that is not to be missed...Some other artists have come out with thier own Hanukkah albums,but none of these hold a candle to "Hanukkah Swings"...Ellis can both sing and swing,sounding like a sort of mix between Torme and Sinatra,and his renditions will mostly stick in your mind after the album has been put away,which is more than can be said for such drek as the Hanukkah effort put out by the Leevees..."

I'm lovin' Hannukkah!

S. Heller | Los Angeles, CA | 12/23/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This album is the perfect addition to the Hannukkah holiday. As I shop through different stores and dine at various restaurants during this time of year, all I ever hear is Christmas music. I can't wait for this album to become so popular that that I hear it along with the Christmas music, too.



This album is great! I'll definitely play it at all my Hannukkah parties. The tunes are so catchy that I have caught myself singing in my head. :)"