Swingin' For Two - Don Cherry

 

I Didn't Know About You

Swingin' For Two

Don Cherry

With Ray Conniff and His Orchestra

Columbia CL 893

1956

From the back cover: Don Cherry's first collection for Columbia finds him in top form, swinging his way easily through a dozen memorable tunes, ably abetted by Ray Connie and his Orchestra. The result is not only a sizable helping of some of the finest singing to be heard anywhere these days, it is also an eminently danceable collection, composed of not-too frequently heard favorites.

Since he rocketed to the top of the best-seller lists recently with Band Of Gold and Wild Cherry, Don has been one of the most sought-after vocalists in the country. It was not that his singing style had undergone any particular change, it was only that finally the general public had dicovered his splendid ability to phrase and color a song, an ability based on a strong rhythmic sense. Here he presents some twelve songs with a variety of accompaniments, each of the songs marked by its own special style, and brings to them an appeal and vibrancy that gives them new life.

The songs themselves were chosen to make a program for either dancing or listening. As dance numbers, they move freely and easily in Don's expert performances, and as listening numbers they offer considerable lyric and musical value, in addition to the Cherry warmth. Attention is also due the Ray Conniff settings, providing even more variety in the program in a series of shifting accompaniments keyed to the mood of the song.

The variations in accomplishments splendidly set off Don Cherry's singing, showing once again his versatility and adaptability. In two numbers he is heard with a rhythm section, in three others with a five-piece group plus a vocal sextet, in four more with the full band with the addition of thirteen strings, and in five numbers with the full band. In two of the latter, a vocal group has been added. The play of instrumental colorings provided by these different combinations has been exploited to provide a showcase for Don's vocals, and the whole adde up to one of the most agreeably delightful presentations in many months.

Don Cherry himself, of course, is the major attraction, as he has been ever since the end of World War II. He started his career by appearances in Army shows toward the end of his three-year hitch, and the enthusiastic response he received encouraged him to continue studies in music. Attending Mid-Western University at Wichita Falls, Texas, he took a number of music courses, and developed a keen interest in golf at the same time. The result of the time spent on the golf links was that he was present at the country club whenever a band played there, and was consequently on hand to sing. One night orchestra leader Jan Garber heard him singing, and offered him a spot singing with his band. He travelled with the group for some time, finally leaving to do his own radio show over a Dallas station. This led to supper club engagements and soon to a recording contract. On records, his voice proved to have the personality and warmth that lead directly to the top, and he was well on his way when, at Columbia, he recorded the now-famous Band Of Gold and made it in one leap. Swingin' For Two is Don's first collection since his big hit, and provides a splendid survey of his style, the variety of his approaches, and a wonderful program of dancing as well.

When The Sun Comes Out

For You

Love Is Just Around The Corner

I'll String Along With You

I Didn't Know About You

So Rare

I'm Yours

I'm Gonna Sit Right Down And Write Myself A Letter

Please Be Kind

My Future Just Passed

I Don't Care If The Sun Don't Shine

Sleepy Time Gal