This is one of the “gimmick” records from the early days of stereo, when “ping-pong” percussion and other effects were exaggerated to show off the new technology of 2 channels. This one is perhaps the only one of its kind, though, featuring the entire big band recorded while on a huge revolving bandstand. (bilrux)
This was an interesting (if not wholly successful) concept album in its time — utilizing stereo and some studio trickery, Les Brown and his band essentially emulate the kind of dance band showcase that one would have experienced in the 1930s, with a revolving bandstand. The result is that a piece fades as the platform “revolves” and the next outfit comes up, with its selection. It’s hokey and silly, but it was something different in the use of stereo circa 1962, when such details mattered to a lot of potential record buyers. And the juxtaposing of pieces such as “The Man with the Golden Arm,” “Unchained Melody,” “Stompin’ at the Savoy,” and “One O’Clock Jump” allows Brown and company to show off their range (and that of the arrangers) to great effect, and the hi-fi sound is still mighty impressive. (by Bruce Eder)
Personnel:
Abe Aaron (saxophone)
Leobardo O. Acosta (timbales)
John Audino (trumpet)
Don Bagley (bass)
Stumpy Brown (tuba, trombone)
Bobby Clark (trumpet)
Dick Collins (trumpet)
Herb Ellis (guitar)
Gene Estes (percussion)
Fred Haller (saxophone, flute)
J. Hill (trombone)
Roy Main (trombone)
Bill Mattison (trumpet)
Mickey McMahon (trumpet)
Ollie Mitchell (trumpet)
Bob Neel (drums)
Johnny Newsome (saxophone)
Frank Perry (saxophone)
Uan Rasey (trumpet)
Tony Rizzi (guitar)
Butch Stone (saxophone)
Terry Trotter (piano, celesta)
John Wanner (trombone)
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cello:
Eleanor Slatkin – Jesse Ehrlich
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viola:
Alexander Neiman – Stan Harris
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violin:
Amerigo R. Marino – Darrel Terwilliger – Felix Slatkin – Gerald Vinci – Jacques Gasselin – James Getzoff – John P. De Voogdt – Lou Klass – Mischa Russell
Tracklist:
01 This Could Be The Start Of Something (Allen) 1.23
02. Patricia (Prado) 2.27
03. The Man With The Golden Arm (Cahn/v.Heusen) 1.59
04. Unchained Melody (North/Zaret) 2.40
05. Stompin’ At The Savoy (Razaf/Goodman/Webb/Sampson) 2.32
06. Lisbon Antigua (Vale/Galhardo/Portela) 2.32
07. Peter Gunn (Mancini) 2.35
08. One O’Clock Jump (Basie) 2.27
09. Man With A Horn (Lake/Delange/Jenney) 2.58
10. Calcutta (Gaze) 2.25
11. Music Makers (Raye/James) 2.48
12. The Song From Moulin Rouge (Auric/Engvick) 2.11
13. Tea For Two Cha Cha (Caesar/Youmans) 2.15
14. Little Brown Jug (Miller) 2.28
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