Jivin' Miss Daisy

 

One of the UK’s favourite jazz double bass players, Simon Thorpe (nominated for British Jazz Awards in 2016 and 2017) has been running the 9-piece swing band Jivin’ Miss Daisy for nearly twenty years, alongside his career recording and touring with acts like Stacey Kent, Alan Barnes and the late great Bobby Wellins. The latest offering, featuring singer Liz Fletcher and the band - all top UK musicians - is a varied selection of feel-good tunes from the 1920s, 30s, 40s and 50s. 

 

Jivin’ Miss Daisy first appeared in 1999 playing for swing dance nights at venues like London’s 100 Club where they quickly became established as one of the finest little-big-bands around.  Since that time they have become regulars in Sunday lunchtime sessions at Ronnie Scott’s and have been playing at prestigious events such as the UK launch of HBO’s Boardwalk Empire, and appearing in BBC1’s The Village.

 

The tunes on this album really do have a feel-good factor, thanks to the sweet and mellow vocals of Liz Fletcher (reminiscent of Ella and Julie London), and the splendid ensemble playing and soloing from this stellar band. Simon Thorpe’s arrangements bind together the varied styles of songs and instrumentals from many decades into a coherent band sound, topped off by some great individual features, such as Colin Oxley’s beautiful guitar work on “Stairway To The Stars” and Alex Garnett’s sultry sax licks on “I’m In The Mood For Love”. Throughout the recording, the immaculate piano playing of John Pearce, and the driving swing of Thorpe’s bass and Matt Skelton’s dynamic drumming are to the fore.  Malcolm Earle Smith’s classic trombone sound, Simon Finch’s fiery trumpet and the evocative clarinet and alto sax of Luke Annesley complete the distinctive sound of this versatile and experienced ensemble.

 

The overall effect if you love swing jazz is that you’ll tap your feet and smile - Whoop-De-Doo!

 

“Crisp swing…sweet-sounding vocals…JMD put smiles on plenty of faces!” - Peter Vacher

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