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Mora's
Modern Rhythmists
Call of the Freaks
In the liner notes to Mora's Modern Rhythmists' new CD, Call of
the Freaks (Mr. Ace Records), bandleader Dean Mora explains that
he has struggled with defining the sounds presented here. He settles
on "vintage swing," which he hopes will distinguish his
recordings from both neo-swing outfits and big band recreationists
who focus strictly on WWII-era sounds. And vintage swing it is.
Think 1930s. Think Fats Waller. Think early Ellington, Basie and
Chick Webb. And then stop thinking and start enjoying, because while
this may be vintage, it's not a museum piece. These sides are delivered
with a loving energy and are meant to be appreciated in the here
and now.
The
Rhythmists are at their most powerful on the instrumental selections,
although the vocals, while occasionally bothersome, are certainly
acceptable. In one vocal highlight, 93-year-old Leonard Reed,
choreographer of the famous Shim Sham Shimmy, sings "It's
Over Because We're Through," which he composed in 1932. His
appearance is but one of the many pleasant surprises on this disc's
20 tracks.
-Gary
Miller
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