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CD REVIEW

By Charleston Hepston
March 16, 2010

Scott Robertson - Swing Patrol 
2008

 The Band:

Scott Robertson - drums; Ron Thompson - guitar; Danny Parker - bass; Brent Gubbels - bass; Evan Arntzen - saxophone and clarinet; Bria Skonberg - trumpet and vocal.

 “Swing Patrol was a Canadian Auxiliary Services Orchestra during WWII.  This CD is dedicated to my Dad, Morris Robertson, one of Swing Patrol's overseas truck drivers.  Growing up, I listened to Dad's stories of these fabulous musicians.  He taught me to loe the Swing Era.  This CD includes a variety of Trio, Quartet, and Quintet performances.”   --- Scott Robertson, from the CD Liner Notes.

 This is the kind of music you are going to hear in a fine jazz club.  It may not all be danceable but it is all very easy on the ear, keeping your toe tapping while you take it in. 

 Many numbers don't make you jump out to the dance floor  but a few are sure to get you there.  Track one comes poppin' right at you with Lester Leaps In.  A faster tempo at 230 bpms that kind of welcomes you in to the sound and technical abilities of the band.

 Robertson has picked some well known tunes like Shiny Stockings, Air Mail Special, Topsy and Walking My Baby Back Home, the latter a song made famous by Nat King Cole.

 I really liked the guitar work throughout the CD.  It is solid and pleasant with a relaxed but swingin' sound.  The drums keep time and fill in quiet spots nicely.  The drums are never overbearing but do get to showcase (of course, the bandleader is the drummer!).

 I like the horns in a song written by Robertson and Thompson, West Coast Street Beat and one of my personal favorites, Johnson Rag.  The latter is the only offering with vocals and Bria Skonberg blends magnificently with the instrumentation.  Keeps it very relaxed but very fun.  She handles the the trumpet quite well, too!

For dancers who are looking to only keep their feet moving on the dance floor, you might only find a couple selections that really grab you.  But if you are looking to fine tune your jazz ear, you will find this CD fills that bill quite nicely.  I found it very enjoyable from a listening standpoint and look forward to seeing the dancers move to Johnson Rag at upcoming dances.

 You can download the whole album from Amazon.com for $6.99 or just the songs you want for .89 each!  It's a win win.