The current swing revival, a very healthy development that has given younger dancers an opportunity to jitterbug to four/four music has, ironically, resulted in quite a bit of erratic music. Some of the so-called swing bands are really just playing rockabilly, '50s pop, or mere imitations of Louis Prima and Cab Calloway mixed in with R&B from later periods. But there are a few groups that really are playing swing, including singer Lavay Smith & Her Red Hot Skillet Lickers. The talented Smith has an appealing voice that sometimes sounds close to Dinah Washington's, but it's also flexible enough to handle material ranging from Bessie Smith to Anita O'Day. And, although the singer gets top billing, her instrumentalists are just as strong. The debut set by the Red Hot Skillet Lickers features heated and romping solos by trombonist Larry Leight, altoist Bill Stewart, tenor Harvey Robb, and Noel Jewkes on tenor, clarinet and baritone, along with a driving four-piece rhythm section. Pianist/arranger Chris Siebert is responsible for the inventive charts, which are sometimes a combination of earlier recordings and always leave space for solos. The material includes some blues, swing standards (such as "Blue Skies," "Squeeze Me" and "Between the Devil and the Deep Blue Sea"), and lots of riffing. The music is a joy. The fact that Lavay Smith's San Francisco ensemble has been able to benefit from the swing revival shows that it is possible to perform music that is both popular and quite swinging. ~ Scott Yanow
11 tracks from San Francisco vocalist who sings in the style of Ma Rainey, Bessie Smith & Ida Cox, backed-up by Bill Stewart/Harvey Robb/Noel Jewkes-sax, Larry Leight-trmb, Charlie Siebert-gtr + others
Audio Mixers: Bing Nathan; Chris Siebert; Michael Cogan.
Recording information: Bay Records, Berkeley, CA (1995-1996).
Photographers: Bob Holden; Katherine Miller; Mike D .
Arranger: Chris Siebert.
Personnel includes: Lavay Smith (vocals); Chris Siebert (piano); Harvey Robb (tenor saxophone).
Personnel: Lavay Smith (vocals); Noel Jewkes (clarinet, tenor saxophone, baritone saxophone); Bill Stewart (alto saxophone, tenor saxophone); Chris Siebert (piano); Dan Foltz (drums).
Down Beat (11/97, p.61) - 3 1/2 stars (out of 5) - "...her light and airy alto voice...shows natural affinity for the blues....the blended jazz and blues of all 11 selections flows refreshingly in smart arrangements..."
Smith, Lavay & Her Red Hot Skillet Lickers - One Hour Mama Songs
Smith, Lavay & Her Red Hot Skillet Lickers - One Hour Mama Album Track Listing
Trk
Song
1
Oo Poppa Do Her Red Hot Skillet Lickers
2
Blue Skies Her Red Hot Skillet Lickers
3
New Blowtop Blues Her Red Hot Skillet Lickers
4
What's the Matter With You Her Red Hot Skillet Lickers
5
Squeeze Me Her Red Hot Skillet Lickers
6
And Her Tears Flowed Like Wine Her Red Hot Skillet Lickers
7
Going to Chicago Blues Her Red Hot Skillet Lickers
8
Between The Devil And The Deep Blue Sea Her Red Hot Skillet Lickers
9
Downhearted Blues Her Red Hot Skillet Lickers
10
Walk Right In, Walk Right Out (The Walking Blues)
11
One Hour Mama Her Red Hot Skillet Lickers
One Hour Mama Music Review
Customer One Hour Mama Reviews
Average Rating: (4 out of 5 stars)
Great voice I guess I was spoiled by hearing her second album first which in my opinion is far superior than this her first effort and even in saying that I would reccommend this album highly. Lets face it the woman has a great voice. Submitted by a reviewer (Bellingham, Wa, USA) Was This Review Helpful? YesNo
Naughty! Naughty! Naughty! Once again, another excellent selection of songs. She hits on all eight! Submitted by Uncle Gary (Omaha, NE USA) Was This Review Helpful? YesNo
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