Susie Band Arioli Pennies From Heaven CD

Pennies From Heaven, the Susie Arioli Swing Band's sophomore release, would prove to be Ralph Sutton's last recording session. The stride piano master appears on a hushed, haunting "Don't Explain" and a boogie-woogie romp called "Walter's Flat," composed by Arioli's fabulous guitarist, Jordan Officer, who again gets front-cover billing. Arioli's vocals are chipper and versatile, taking plainspoken delight in songs by Fats Waller, Duke Ellington, Cole Porter, and more. In a quirky twist, Arioli also serves as the band's drummer, softly tapping out four with brushes on a snare drum. Officer, bassist Solon McDade (or Colin Bray), and acoustic guitarist Michael Jerome Brown round out the group's offbeat, minimalistic lineup. Jeff Healey walks on for a Django-esque acoustic solo flight on "Having Fun," a Memphis Slim tune that one could imagine being sung by Patsy Cline. But the chief attraction is Officer, whose twangy, old-school archtop sound and sparse, witty phrasing suit everything from Nat King Cole-style swing ("No Regrets") to rockabilly ("Jordan's Boogie") to Chicago blues (Otis Rush's "Sit Down Baby"). ~ David R. Adler

Recorded at Studio Victor, Montreal, Canada in December 2001. Includes liner notes by Eric Plourde.

Personnel: Susie Arioli (vocals, snare drum); Jordan Officer (acoustic guitar, electric guitar); Jeff Healey, Michael Jerome Browne (acoustic guitar); Solon McDade, Colin Bray (upright bass).

Audio Mixers: Danny Greenspoon; Billy Szawlowski.

Liner Note Author: Richard Flohil.

Recording information: Studio Victor, Montreal, Quebec, Canada (12/04/2001-12/14/2001).

Photographer: Claudine Sauvé.

Translator: Éric Plourde.

Arranger: Jordan Officer.

Personnel includes: Susie Arioli (vocals, drums); Ralph Sutton (piano); Jordan Officer (acoustic & electric guitars); Jeff Healy (acoustic guitar); Solon McDade, Colin Bray (upright bass).