Search - Vassar Clements :: Back Porch Swing

Swinging from string to string

Joseph A. Kengor | Youngstown, OH USA | 12/05/2000

(4 out of 5 stars)

"I bought this disc whilst on a fiddle binge; attempting to add discs to my collection from all the renowned fiddlers. Of course, Mr. Clements was at the top of the list. However, although this is a good recording of "swing" music, it is not a showcase for Mr. Clements fiddling talent. Thus, I am still in search of a disc where Vasser's skill dominates, rather than supplements the music."

Vassar's Best !

D. Knight | The Shadow Of St Albans Abbey | 03/06/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I have just noticed that someone who says they are a Vassar fan has given this truly brilliant record only 1 star!



I have a about 6 Vassar lps and this is without doubt my favourite. It does move away from the kind of thing for which he became known - but it does it with a combination of brilliant originals (not by VC, but by the other featured musicians) and inspited covers!



There's a pianist on here called Fred Bogert (who I hadn't heard of and don't recall him being on previous LPs - but not stating that as fact) and he has written 4 of the tracks, and they're marvellous!



It begins with a stomping version (no pun intended) of Jelly Roll Morton's "King Porter Stomp" - and it sets the tone perfectly.



There's another track called "Hillbilly Jazz" and thats what its a tribute to, with a short and jumping, potted history of hillbilly music and how in the old days you werent supposed to play hillbilly swing with a fiddle - and it's the best track on the whole album.



The LP is about half instrumental & half vocal tracks. There isnt a dud amongst them



I would respectfully suggest the person who gave this just one star go back and listen again!"