Back in the Big Band era, Orchestras were divided into “Sweet” and “Hot”. Believe it or not, Artie Shaw would win the former category, with Benny Goodman the latter. One of the sweetest sounding bands of all was the one organized and led by Guy Lombardo, and it lasted for almost half a century. While many jazz police denigrate the orchestra for his pieces like the venerable “Auld Lang Syne”, Lombardo had his followers. Duke Ellington formed his reed section due to his inspiration for Lombardo’s sound, Louis Armstrong loved his melodicism and Ella Fitzgerald was a devotee, so don’t put him down just yet, my friend!
This four disc-90 song collection is the first volume of the Lombardo set, covering the early swing years. The signature features of this orchestra include the lyrical and hip trumpet dashes by Lebert Lombardo, Carmen Lombardo’s lithe flute obbligatos as well as his impressive vocals on a plethora of the tunes. Lombardo knew how to satisfy the dancers, as tunes like “Boo-Hoo” with a vocal trio or “The Way You Look Tonight” sound on a similar level with Tommy Dorsey.
Lombardo was also a hit machine, with bona fide alluring versions of “September In The Rain” and “Stars Fell On Alabama” qualified inspirations for the likes of Nelson Riddle. The band is in a festive mood for “You’re Driving Me Crazy” and the sax section is a velvety delight for “Charmaine,” “Red Sails In The Sunset” and a joyful “Cheek To Cheek.” Lombardo definitely had more to offer than New Years Eve!