Tommy Watt And His Orchestra – Watts Cooking

Tommy Watt And His Orchestra – Watts Cooking

A wonderfully witty and stylish slice of British big band jazz, Watts Cooking showcases the charm, humour, and musical sophistication of Tommy Watt and his orchestra. Blending swing-era elegance with playful culinary-themed arrangements and light-hearted orchestration, the album captures the refined entertainment style of post-war British dance bands at their most inventive.

Originally released during the golden age of orchestral jazz and radio broadcasting, the record combines polished musicianship with tongue-in-cheek humour, transforming familiar standards and novelty tunes into richly arranged big band performances. Beneath the playful titles lies a highly accomplished ensemble featuring tight brass sections, smooth reeds, and swinging rhythm arrangements that reflect Watt’s skill as both arranger and bandleader.

This expanded edition also includes a valuable singles compilation and bonus medleys, offering a broader portrait of Watt’s work across jazz, easy listening, and orchestral swing. Full of warmth, nostalgia, and classic mid-century British musical charm, Watts Cooking is an enjoyable rediscovery for collectors of vintage big band recordings.

Tracklist:

The Original LP

1. An Apple For The Teacher
2. Life Is Just A Bowl Of Cherries
3. Small Fry
4. Crumpets For The Count
5. Embargo On Escargot
6. Victorian Plums
7. Little Jack Horner
8. (If I Knew You Were Coming) I’d’ve Baked A Cake
9. Sugar Mixture (When I Take My Sugar To Tea / When My Sugar Walks Down The Street / Candy & Cake)
10. I’m Putting All My Eggs In One Basket
11. Black Coffee
12. Honey Bun
13. Sugar

Singles Compilation

14. Grasshopper Jump
15. Holiday For Trombones
16. The Little Hut
17. Overdrive
18. Who Done It
19. The Tender Trap

Bonus Tracks

20. Medley: My Heart Stood Still / Zing! Went The Strings Of My Heart / My Heart Belongs To Daddy
21. Spring Medley: Lullaby Of The Leaves / It Might As Well Be Spring / September Song