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Vince Giordano’s Nighthawks – Quality Shout!
1993 Stomp Off Records
SQ Issue:  Winter 2004, Volume 15, Issue 1

 The Band:
Cornet:  Peter Ecklund, Jon-Eric Kellso; Soprano and Tenor Sax, Clarinet:  Jack Stuckey, Scott Robinson, Dan Block; Trombone:  Herb Gardner; Piano:  Jeremy Kahn; Banjo, guitar:  John Gill, Matt Trimboli; Tuba, String Bass, Bass Sax:  Vince Giordano; Drums, Orchestra Bells:  Arnie Kinsella

You asked for it. And here it is .. finally. After Stomp Off Records received the most requests for a recording to be made of a particular band, Vince Giordano's Nighthawks did it up right with a program of particularly hot numbers from the 1920s. Worth the wait? You bet! Ten-piece jazz never was much better than this! – Album Notes

I discovered this band while in New York City this past Fall (2004).  They have a regular gig at the Times Square Grill (http://www.robertaonthearts.com/id215.html).   We were walkin’ the streets lookin’ for some dancing and by chance saw a big band in the window as we were strolling down the sidewalk.  We went in and were extremely surprised by this exceptional band.  We were even able to dance (which is no small feat because of the strict cabaret liscensing in NYC).  They are a brisk band that plays early jazz.  However, we were able to Lindy Hop just fine and threw in some Balboa, which the leader Vince, recognized immediately and told the large audience as we danced it.  I might add that I am a very novice Bal dancer, so the fact he was able to recognize it as such shows his keen eye for dance.

Giordano also has a keen ear for music.  If you like early jazz, you are going to want to get this CD.  Every track swings like nobody’s business and keeps your toes tappin’ for over an hour!  This band is fantastic.  Not only are they solid musicians but these guys know how to have fun and entertain their audience, whether live or Memorex!

I figure if you like to Bal or 6-Count, or if you like fast Lindy Hop, you are going to find 22 out of 22 tracks good for dancing.  The tempos range from 106 to 288 beats per minute.  Most of the songs break the 200 threshold.  But the songs are all great hot jazz tunes that just make you want to swing along!

I suggest this CD for your library only if you enjoy early jazz, hot jazz, Dixieland, whatever you want to call it.  If this isn’t your cup of tea, you won’t like this CD.  One side note, these guys had several CDs available.  I asked the sax guy which was the best one to get and he said this one.  I don’t know if he was right or wrong but I am definitely delighted with this purchase!  Go back to the first paragraph and reread the album notes.  Nothing more really needed to be said!