HARLEM SWING

HARLEM SWING

Editorial Reviews
<"b00000iz435001"> Label Comments
"Riding the wave of swing that is currently underway comes Felix and all the Cats. They are a 14 piece orchestra lead by Felix Endico. Their latest CD, "harlem swing" is an extraordinary compilation of exciting big band sounds.

Most of the tracks are instrumental, the musicians having exceptional talent, combining their sounds creatively. Some of the finest tracks include "That's a Plenty" which has a rapid torrid tempo; great to dance to. Another favorite is their original arrangement of Gershwins "Liza" which is reminicent of Chick Webb's savoy ballroom days. The band demonstrates their versatility playing a Earl Hines rendition of "Julia" with Jim Malloy on vocals. The album is balanced , including some ballads such as Gordon Jenkin's "Goodbye" and medium tempo swing hits as Fletcher Henderson's "Wrappin It Up".

A superb upbeat rendition of the classic jazz tune "Sweet Georgia Brown" highlights the spontaneous combustion of good arranging with fabulous improvisations.

It is no wonder that Felix and the Cats found exceptional success with their array of talent. Such greats as Jonah Jones, Sonny Russo, and Preacher Robbins have appeared with the band, not to mention our own Sol Yaged, Al Bryan, Tootsie Bean, and Eddie Bert. The band plays live shows in the NYC area and are perfect for anyone who loves real big b and music. Felix is sure to be a significant contribution in keeping the swing generation alive a long time. Check them out next month at the 92nd Street Y." J. Lipp Good Times, Mar.22,1999

<"b00000iz432999"> About the Artist
The band is based on the Henderson and Mundy formula of call and recall brass against reed, two to four field in the bass, four man rhythm section, polyphonic music with modulation, and fluid creative improvisation. We also have created scores of our own that would approximate the sounds of the great arrangers if they were writing today. We regularly play at such venues as Wells of Harlem. Swing 46, O'Neils, Sullivans, Westchester Country Club, Towne Club, Rainbow Room, Washington Square Music... read more

<"b00000iz434999"> Album Description
This 14 piece swing band playing in New York City for over five years plays in the "harlem style" that is looser and blusier allowing for a greater degree of spontanity and creative freedom. The group plays regularly at Well's Restuarant on 132nd Str. in Harlem next where Count Basie started his band and night club. The band is an amalagum of young swing turks, and veteran luminaries such as Sol Yaged, Tootsie Bean, Al Bryant, and Eddie Bert. These men have played with such bands as Fletcher Henderson, Earl Hines, Erskine Hawkins, and Benny Goodman.This is the real stuff, full of feeling, played the old style without the commercial polishing.

HARLEM SWING

HARLEM SWING, Music, Felix and All The Cats Swing Band

HARLEM SWING

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