Tommy Dorsey – Swing Sensation

Tommy Dorsey – Swing Sensation

Released in 2000 on Going For A Song, Swing Sensation is a 23-track collection celebrating the classic sound of Tommy Dorsey and His Orchestra, one of the defining big bands of the Swing Era. Issued in the UK as GFS 283, the CD brings together a broad selection of Dorsey's recordings, from elegant ballads and sophisticated dance-band arrangements to lively, rhythm-driven Swing numbers.

Tommy Dorsey became one of the most important figures in American big-band music during the 1930s and 1940s. Nicknamed the "Sentimental Gentleman of Swing", he was renowned for his exceptionally smooth trombone playing, which gave the orchestra its distinctive melodic character. His band combined polished arrangements with a powerful rhythm section and featured many of the leading musicians and singers of the period.

The collection opens with Dorsey's signature "I'm Getting Sentimental Over You", the song that became closely identified with his trombone sound, before moving through a fascinating selection of period repertoire. "That Foolish Feeling," "There's Frost On The Moon," "Tea On The Terrace" and "I'm In A Dancing Mood" capture the polished dance-band style of the late 1930s, while "Keepin' Out Of Mischief Now," "Jamboree" and "The Goona Goo" bring a more energetic Swing feel.

There is plenty of variety throughout the programme, with "If My Heart Could Only Talk," "Mr Ghost Goes To Town," "Lookin' Around The Corners For You" and "Who'll Buy My Violets" illustrating the orchestra's lighter and more melodic side. Dorsey's arrangements could move effortlessly between romantic ballads, novelty material and hot Swing, making his orchestra equally suited to dancing, radio broadcasting and popular entertainment.

The second half includes several particularly recognisable pieces from Dorsey's repertoire, including "Melody In F," "Song Of India," "Marie" and "Where Are You." "Song Of India" is an especially notable example of the orchestra's ability to turn a classical melody into a dramatic big-band arrangement, while "Marie" and "Dedicated To You" showcase Dorsey's celebrated ballad style.

Although this is a 2000 compilation, the music belongs primarily to the golden age of American Swing, making it an appealing collection for listeners interested in the original 1930s and 1940s big-band era. Dorsey's orchestra was also an important launching point for some of the era's leading musicians and vocalists, most famously Frank Sinatra, whose tenure with the band in the early 1940s helped establish his career as a major popular singer.

For collectors of Tommy Dorsey, big-band jazz, Swing, vintage dance music and classic American popular music, Swing Sensation provides an accessible 23-track overview of the orchestra's distinctive sound. From the instantly recognisable "I'm Getting Sentimental Over You" to "Song Of India," "Marie" and "Where Are You," the album captures the elegant, melodic and highly polished character of one of the great orchestras of the Swing Era.

Tracklist

1. I'm Getting Sentimental Over You
2. That Foolish Feeling
3. There's Frost On The Moon
4. Tea On The Terrace
5. I'm In A Dancing Mood
6. Keepin' Out Of Mischief Now
7. Jamboree
8. The Goona Goo
9. If My Heart Could Only Talk
10. Mr Ghost Goes To Town
11. Lookin' Around The Corners For You
12. Who'll Buy My Violets
13. On A Little Bamboo Bridge
14. How Could You
15. Melody In F
16. You're Here, You're There, You're Everywhere
17. Song Of India
18. Marie
19. Dedicated To You
20. Sweet Is The Word For You
21. In A Little Hula Heaven
22. I'll Dream My Way To Heaven
23. Where Are You