[.ca] The Tonight Show Band, Vol. 2

Tonight Show Vol. II is a great way to spend an evening!:
The Tonight Show Vol. II CD is a wonderful compilation of swing music as only the incomparable Doc/Tonight Show band can do. You just hear the fun these guys had doing this CD. Containing a mixture of pep and smooth, this CD is worthy of anyone's collection who likes the Big Band sound.

Doc Severinsen and co. have done it again!:
Doc Severinsen has one of the most beautiful sounds of anyone I've ever heard. This recording is one of the many times he proves this. On top of that, he's a great soloist and has great chops. His version of "In The Mood", arranged by Jeff Tyzik is great, full of energy and power. It's great to hear Doc, Conte Condoli and Snooky Young trade solos. Of course, Doc nails the double B-flat at the end. Hearing Doc play, you wouldn't realize his age. Tommy Newsome is also a great alto saxophone player, and shows a special personality of his own when he plays. The Johnny Carson influenced "Jersey Bounce" is a swingin' tune and the band's energy makes you forget that the arrangement is a bit corny. Doc contributes a nice solo. John Audino's lead playing is strong. "Georgia On My Mind" is a beautiful ballad by the man who composed "Stardust" and "The Nearness Of You", Hoagy Carmichael. Doc has recorded this tune separate times, and plays it with special feeling here. "Everyone Is Waiting For Sunrise" is a nice romp with Doc soloing and stealing the show. What a great ending. "Airmail Special" is a fast faced song with no Doc solo but Conte shines and someone hits a strong double D at the end (John Audino probably). "April In Paris" and "Take The 'A' Train" are both great jazz classics remade. "Do Nothin' Til You Hear From Me" is a nice, swingin' showcase for Tommy Newsome. "Hamp's Boogie Woogie" is a slightly corny arrangement but once again, wow! This band can swing! Snooky Young and Bruce Paulson have funky solos on that tune and Doc does his scream thing at the end. Ed Shaughnessy really keeps this band pumped throughout. This is a very versatile trumpet album, proving once again Doc Severinsen is one of the greatest trumpet players of all time.

• In the Mood
• Jersey Bounce
• Georgia on My Mind
• World Is Waiting for the Sunrise
• Air Mail Special
• April in Paris
• Stardust
• Take the "A" Train
• Do Nothin' Till You Hear from Me
• Serenade in Blue
• Hamp's Boogie Woogie
• Jumpin' at the Woodside