Vocalist Ivie Anderson made her debut with the Duke Ellington Orchestra in 1931. It was a dream job for a young singer: performing with the best band in the business. The Duke Ellington Orchestra were certainly that, with a music roster that included such luminaries as Billy Strayhorn, Barney Bigard, Ben Webster, Cootie Williams, and Johnny Hodges. Ellington handpicked the song that would catapult Ivie Anderson to fame. The refrain of "It Don't Mean a Thing if It Don't Have That Swing" captured the spirit of the age: the swing era was christened with the release of this song. Anderson's smooth and sultry voice and genius at scatting epitomized the desired qualities of a jazz band singer. Many of the artist's best efforts are gathered here on this remastered collection of her songs recorded with the band from 1932 to 1946. They are pure delight. Tunes such as "Stormy Weather," "Mood Indigo," "I Got It Bad and That Ain't Good," "When My Sugar Walks Down the Street," "My Old Flame,""Troubled Waters," and "All God's Chillun Got Rhythm" hearken back to an age characterized by sensuality and elegance. "I'm Checkin' out, Go'om Bye" reminds the listener that although, sadly, Ivie Anderson checked out of life when she was only 44, she left a musical legacy that has seldom been rivaled and will never be forgotten. ~ Rose of Sharon Witmer
Ivie Anderson was a classy yet swinging singer, one of the best that Duke Ellington ever had. After making her name at the Cotton Club, Duke hired her in 1931, and she spent 11 years with the band. "It Don't Mean A Thing" was Ivie's very first recording
Recorded between 1932 & 1946. Includes liner notes by Vic Bellerby.
Personnel: Fred Guy (guitar, banjo); Irving Ashby, Bernard Addison (guitar); Ray Nance (violin, trumpet); Johnny Hodges (clarinet, soprano saxophone, alto saxophone); Pete Clark, Harry Carney (clarinet, alto saxophone, baritone saxophone); Otto Hardwick (clarinet, alto saxophone, bass saxophone); Marshall Royal (clarinet, alto saxophone); Barney Bigard (clarinet, tenor saxophone); Willie Smith (alto saxophone); Joe Garland, Lucky Thompson, Ben Webster (tenor saxophone); Cootie Williams, Freddie Jenkins, Karl George, Arthur Whetsol, Wallace Jones (trumpet); Rex Stewart (cornet); Joe "Tricky Sam" Nanton, Lawrence Brown , Sandy Williams (trombone); Juan Tizol (valve trombone); Tommy Fulford, Duke Ellington, Phil Moore , Billy Strayhorn (piano); Chick Webb, Lee Young, Sonny Greer (drums).
Audio Remasterers: Tim Debney; Martin Haskell.
Liner Note Author: Vic Bellerby.
Personnel includes: Ivie Anderson (vocals); Johnny Hodges (soprano & alto saxophones, clarinet); Harry Carney (alto & baritone saxophones, clarinet); Otto Hardwick (alto & bass saxophones); Barney Bigard (tenor saxophone, clarinet); Ben Webster (tenor saxophone); Cootie Williams (trumpet); Rex Stewart (cornet); Lawrence Brown, Juan Tizol (trombone); Billy Strayhorn (piano); Chick Webb (drums).
(*) MP3 for this song is from a different CD. Listen to the sound sample to be sure this is the version you're looking for.
It Don't Mean A Thing If It Ain't Got That Swing Review
It Don't Mean A Thing If It Ain't Got That Swing Music Reviews
Guidelines Remember to focus your comments on Ivie Anderson - It Don't Mean A Thing If It Ain't Got That Swing CD - Import. Check our review guidelines for specific details regarding customer review policy.
To submit your review, please fill out the above form and click "Submit Review." A staff member will then verify your review meets our guidelines. Upon approval, your review will be published within a few days.
Please do not use this form to comment on web site errors or for order related questions. If you have concerns of this nature, please contact customer service by filling out this form.
Purchase It Don't Mean A Thing If It Ain't Got That Swing CD
Customers Who Buy It Don't Mean A Thing If It Ain't Got That Swing CD Purchase:
Share this Product