Riot In Rhythm - Henri Rene

Mangos

Riot In Rhythm
Henri Rene and His Orchestra

Arranged and Conducted by Henri Rene

Produced by Herman Diaz, Jr.

Recored in Webster Hall, New York City, December 5, 11 and 15, 1958

Recording Engineer: Bob Simpson
RCA Victor
LPM-2002
1959

From the back cover: First of all, it should be understood from the start that this album does not contain music to start a riot by. Not that such an idea wasn't considered at a recent album idea session... but that is another matter entirely. What this album is is just what the title implies... a riot in rhythm. There were no outbreaks of physical violence at the session, of course; and tear gas was definitely not needed to quell any of the participants. Instead, what happened was that Henri René ran amok a bit as he worked on the arrangements for the set.

Until now, Henri has been considered a mild-mannered arranger and conductor whose forte has been bright and sweet played by a large orchestra with a respectable string section. It will come as a surprise to many of his friends, but beneath Henri's placid exterior there beats a quite rowdy heart.

For this set, René assembled five saxes, four trumpets, four trombones, four percussionists, and three rhythm section members – all crack New York Musicians. and for this group of valiants, René produced the Hyde side of his musical personality and wrote a set of singing arrangements on a wide variety of themes. Oddly enough, the results hounds please aficionados of his ballad albums because the same spirt of polish and imagination went into this set. Needless to add, this aid an album to delight those among us who have excellent high fidelity and stereo equipment. Four separate percussionists! – Ferris Benda

Whispering

Oh, Lady Be Good

Hansel And Pretzel

When Days Is Done

Time On My Hands

Chinatown, My Chinatown

The Swinging Stars And Stripes

Mangos

You're Driving Me Crazy

Blah-Blah-Blah

Without A Song

Every Little Movement