The Art Of Van Damme - Art Van Damme

 

Laura

The Art Of Van Damme

Art Van Damme Quintet

Columbia CL 876

1956

From the back cover: The winners of the Down Beat poll in 1952 and 1954, the Art Van Damme Quintet stands as one of the most inventive, musical and swinging combinations around. A group based on accordion, vibes, guitar, bass and drums could easily enough veer toward salon sounds and concepts, but the cloying sweetness of such ideas are a far cry from the breezy presentations of the Van Damme group. Their work is founded on lively interplay of musical ideas, on solid standard pieces and on a jazz base; therein lies the art of Van Damme, and therein also lies the entertainment of countless musicians and laymen alike.

Art was born in Norway, Michigan, making his professional debut at the age of ten, eight years later he organized his first combination, and has been busy in similar musical activities ever since. In 1944 he joined the musical staff of the National Broadcasting Company in Chicago, making records and transcriptions, and for the last ten years has concentrated on the presentation of the quintet.

From Billboard - September 15, 1956: The quintet's performance in this package have the light, nimble touch of chamber jazz. The arrangements are complex and swinging, built around a group of great standards including "Don't Be That Way." "Laura," "All Of Me," "Jeepers Creepers," etc. Fine inventory for shops with a jazz and accordion trade. Cover is a real attention getter.

Autumn Leaves

Don't Be That Way

Laura

That Old Black Magic

Fools Rush In

Jamaican Rhumba

All Of Me

Dancing On The Ceiling

Cherokee

Imagination 

A Fine Romance

Jeepers Creepers