[.ca] The Van Damme Sound/Martini Time

benny goodmans technique:
art fingers the accordian like goodman plays the clarinet...and that is fantastic. there should be more albums available to the jazz loving public.

Thanks Dad!:
My father has played Accordian since he was a very small child. He played in a polka band when he became old enough to play in bars. After hours he would go down town and sit in with the local jazz musicians. My father always had some vinyl of some great player on the turn table most every night while i was growing up. Monk, Diz, Bird, Miles and Art. It may seem funny sounding to you, But Art Van Damme is the king of his instrument and just as great an artist. He could play great ballads like Miles. Dizzying hot upbeat tunes like Bird or foot taping latin beats like Dizzy. I personally am greatful I had a chance to know who he was and am Very glad his work is coming out on CD.

Super listening:
The CD brings back *the* jazz accordionist of the 50's and 60's. Too many people dismiss the accordion as a toy, but in talented hands, it is a very much a musical instrument. Give it a listen and get ready for fun.

Great jazz accordion:
After trying to find any Van Damme recordings in our local stores I was delighted to find the excellect rendition on line. All the selections are presented with typical aplomb and unmistakable style.

Background music for background music:
Every hotel lounge, bar mitzvah, wedding, late nite bar & grille,housewarming and corporate gig of pre-dope days had this group as the signature sound of the 40's & 50's. This album, in particular, was theme music of my childhood. This album was responsible for me not to go a day without an extra dry vodka martini with a twist since I was old enough to ride a bike. Xylophones and accordians give synergy to the feeling of those one dimensional days after WW2.

• Carioca
• I'll Remember April
• Lullaby of Broadway
• Early Autumn
• Ol' Man River
• Slaughter on Tenth Avenue
• I Let a Song Go Out of My Heart
• Thou Swell
• Deep Night
• Let's Fall in Love
• Don't Worry 'Bout Me
• Tea for Two
• Adios
• Blue Lou
• Cheek to Cheek
• Let Yourself Down
• My Kinda Love
• I Hear Music
• If I Could Be With You (One Hour Tonight)
• I Didn't Know What Time It Was
• Surrey With the Fringe on Top
• Tenderly
• It's Easy to Remember
• Madame Van Damme