If swing is your thing, then Swingadelic’s The Other Duke is surely one for your collection. The 11-piece “little big band” from Hoboken, NJ pays tribute to the famous American pianist and jazz composer Duke Pearson on this electric album.
Though they make albums, Swingadelic’s main gig is providing entertainment for weddings and parties. They certainly do a fine job honoring the flair Pearson had for arranging pieces in a way that helped shaped the “hard bop” sound for Blue Note Records. He was a heavy hitter on the jazz scene in the 60’s and 70’s, leading his band and composing.
The Other Duke is a collection of Pearson’s compositions and favorites with the twist of Swingadelic’s members. They all have years of experience and expertise under their belts which is perfectly exemplified here. All the tracks are tight and clean cut; the sounds are crisp and the instruments work with each other like a well oiled machine.
“Mississippi Dip,” quite fittingly the opening track originally from the LP, Introducing The Duke Pearson Band, has a boogaloo feel with a twinge of mambo flavor. It leads us into “Chili Peppers,” an upbeat, spicy number that somehow leaves you with a feeling of slight foreboding. “Christo Redentor,” Pearson’s most famous song, slows it down and gives us some sweet saxophone that hasn’t been too prevalent up until now, at least in solo work.
“Sweet Honey Bee” changes up the sound with more of a two-step sound, putting the flute on display. It’s a light, fun song you can really shake to. If you want pure swing, turn up “Big Bertha” and get ready to dance. “New Time Shuffle” takes us out of the swingin’ 60’s era on a high note.
Swingadelic does a fantastic job honoring the man who made such an impact on the genre through his compositions and unique sound. The feel of The Other Duke is something different: an eclectic and unique layering of instruments that truly make this album a pleasure to listen to.
Key Tracks- Sweet Honey Bee, Chili Peppers, Big Bertha
Christen LaFond – Assistant Editor/Staff Development
September 6, 2011
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