Susie Arioli Swing Band featuring Jordan Officer

Pennies from Heaven
2002 Justin Time Records, Inc.
SQ Issue:  Winter 2002/3, Volume 13, Issue 1

The Susie Arioli Big Band is:
Susie Arioli - vocals & snare; Jordan Officer - acoustic & electric guitar; Solon McDade - upright bass; Ralph Sutton - piano; Michael Jerome Browne - acoustic guitar; Jeff Healey - acoustic guitar; Colin Bray - upright bass.

"The Susie Arioli Swing Band exploded on the Montreal music scene in July '98, wowing Montreal Jazz Festival organizers and public alike during their near-flawless set- one that garnered them a last-minute invitation to open for Ray Charles!  Up until then Susie Arioli was known to many as a 'musician's singer' who evoked an earlier sound in the way that she used her voice...and as a lady who could certainly swing (she's the timekeeper with the brushes and snare).   A local jam session appearance led to her meeting the multitalented Jordan Officer, the band's lead guitarist and arranger and her musical soulmate.  Already a busy sideman in his own right (Stephen Barry Band) his playing has been heard on the soundtrack of the Quebec film l'Homme Ideal. - Press release.

Although Jordan Officer credits Les Paul, Charlie Christian and T-Bone Walker as inspiration, I'm sure you'll quickly be reminded of Django Reinhardt.  The guitar work throughout the CD is fantastic and drives the combo through every song.

Susie Arioli has a distinct vocal style that compliments the music.  She's soft, subtle and romantic.  Her vocals float and waft along the music while never overpowering it.  Her understated style is a perfect fit with the mucial arrangements of Officer.

As for dancing, you'll find a few good tunes in Honeysuckle Rose, Foolin' Myself, Sit Down, Baby and Do Nothing 'til You Hear from Me.  These represent the best Lindy Hop dancing, and cover slow to fast music with beats per minute ranging from 99 to 202.

There are some even faster tunes in Jordan's Boogie, a very rockabilly styled song at 242 bpm; Walter's Flat, a guitar jazz instrumental at 240 bpm; and No Regrets, a fun and peppy song at 252 bpm that will make Blaboa and Shag dancers happy.  The latter is a fantastic finish to a truly great album.

There are lots of ballads on this 13 track CD as well.  Even though the dancing tracks are limited, this is still a CD you should have in your library.  Arioli's vocals are outstanding and the band is fantastic.  This is truly a great CD through and through, and will be one of your favorites to listen to.  Definitely good for a romantic evening by the fire!

Bottom Line:  To buy or not to buy….. BUY THIS ONE!  If you do, here’s how: