Search - Vince Giordano :: Quality Shout

Jazz Manna from Heaven

Danielle Bennignus | 03/02/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I must start out by mentioning that this album is actually called "Quality Shout!" - just a formality. And now, on to the review.



I am endlessly thrilled by this album - as a vintage jazz buff, I have always found it difficult to seek out bands that play the old stuff as it should be played, not in the form of caricature. This is the real thing - it makes me feel like I'm listening to my Victrola, but without any of the old 78 surface noise. It's incredibly listenable, and a real blessing for those who love vintage dance. Just plain fun.



The selections are perfectly arranged and performed, and in just the right playing order. Honestly, every number here is a highlight, but here are a few that really, really stand out: "Hurricane" - a complex, syncopated delight; "Five Pennies" - the finest rendering of Red Nichols' great piece; "The Ramble" - a sneaky, subversive little number that slips on into your brain and haunts you; "I'd Love It" - the happiest, most enthusiastic Charleston I've ever heard (and that's saying a whole lot); and "Sweetest Melody" - sweet, indeed - it's one of the most delicious (and downright sensuous) blues numbers I can think of.



I am lucky enough to live in the NYC area, and have heard Mr. Giordano and his Nighthawks in person on many an occasion, and they are even more wonderful live than they are on their albums - no electronic finessing here - just pure, enthusiastic talent...the real McCoy. If you're a lover of early jazz and haven't yet become familiar with Giordano and his band, get your hands on this album (and, well, everything else he's put out) NOW. If unavailable here, go to www.stompoff.com. I cannot praise this band enough - they're as good as it gets."

A fantastic disc!

"Gimpy" Peach Johnson | 09/30/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Vince Giordano and The Nighthawks play a special blend of dance band and jazz from the 1920's and early 1930's. This disc is packed full (nearly 64 minutes) of great intrumental tunes, all carefully transcribed from the original recordings. The pieces are upbeat, peppy, and great fun to listen to. It's nice to hear these 1920's-1930's pieces in sparkling modern stereo sound instead of crackly old 78's (if you can even find these tunes on 78's... many are quite rare in their original form). Even though these tracks were recorded in the 1990's, the band sounds very comfortable with the music--the players blend together splendidly. I find myself listening to this disc all the time. It's great!"

Cure for the blues!

Jim Hartmann | Minnesota | 09/10/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This music is so bouncy and happy its guaranteed to make you feel good. I first heard this band on "A Prairie Home Companion" on NPR. I searched high and low to find this CD and finally found it, elsewhere... but I'm glad to see it now on Amazon. The kids love this disc as well. Put it on in the morning to get 'em going."