Stanley Kay had a successful career as back-up drummer and manager for the Buddy Rich Band; he’s also credited for coming up with the idea of the DIVA Jazz Orchestra, which returns the favor by putting together an album of his swinging compositions. Fellow drummer and music director Sherrie Maricle delivers a hard hitting set here, making swing the thing.
The rhythm team of Maricle with Noriko Ueda/b and Tomoko Ohno/p snap along with the five piece reed section on the muscular “Did You Do That” and “Three Sisters and a Cousin” while the brass section shines brightly on “ Nothin’.” Hints of the Basie blues is felt as Ohno is delicate with the spaces on “To Sweets With Love” featuring Tanya Darby Jami Darbi, Carol Morgan and Barbra Laronga delightfully on the trumpets. The drums crack and the sections sizzle on ”Where’s the Food” and the team bops with delicacy on the aptly named “The Brush Off” featuring the leader on a soft shoe with the snare. Tons of fun and energy on this one. It’ll charm your socks off!