Old Bean / Old Soy
1999
Sweet Sounds
About This Album
In between getting his start as a bandleader in the early '40s and helping to start the Recording Academy in 1959, Les Brown made his name as one of the best-loved practitioners of the smooth big band sound. No layered or beard-stroking arrangements รก la Stan Kenton and Duke Ellington for Brown; he swung for the charts and sock-hop lovers across the country. With the hugely successful hit "Sentimental Journey," Brown's mid-'40s girl singer Doris Day cemented the band's place atop the jazz-pop heap. Later, Brown would avoid the '50s route of many a defunct big band by working extensively with Bob Hope. During this time, Brown's band continued releasing records, including this fine collection featuring Rosemary Clooney. On the heels of her own rise to fame, via novelty fare like "Mambo Italiano" and "Come on-a My House," Clooney shines here on chestnuts like "How Am I to Know," "Sleepy Time Gal," and "I Get Along Without You Very Well." Augmenting several vocal cuts, the band turn in some top-flight instrumentals, including "Man With a Horn," "My Romance," and "Little Brown Jug." A fine title for both Brown and Clooney fans. ~ Stephen Cook, All Music Guide
Track List (try tracks 2,4,10 and 13)

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