Search - Ray Mckinley :: Ray McKinley and his Orchestra: 1946-1949

Ray McKinley's BEST Album..!

John Cooper | Wonderful West Virginia | 07/17/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Ray McKinley was not really appreciated until after his death, like so many ...Krupa stated McKinley was his favorite "big band" drummer. Gene said Buddy Rich was his favorite "jazz-swing"drummer...Ray's many devoted fans respected this all-around good-guy with the southwest drawl that played with top bands, including Glenn Miller, and never took himself seriously or so it seemed with such fun vocals,and his personal way with the sticks! THIS ALBUM,with his own band.. shows what clean numbers RAY turned out with superb arrangements and very top side-men. Also much FUN numbers in this I believe I would call actually .."Best Of McKinley".. Here is the original long time favorites, "Down The Road A Piece"..and "Comin'Out" spotlighting his featured wonderful drumming. The "Live-Broadcasts" such as the "Blubirds" as Ray almost breaks up his vocalist with an ad-lib, and the band amusingly joins in the classic "Red Silk Stockings"..among others. A big-band sound that gets you going and keeps you going from his familiar personal "sign-on" to the "sign-off" theme. If you like RAY McKINLEY , this album will be your favorite..if you haven't heard him..this album will be a great favorite of yours from now on."