The HotFoot Club, Ithaca, NY's premier vintage jazz dance band, is pleased to announce the release of their latest recording, "Don't Ever Say Goodbye."
The recording features original songs and arrangements of classic swing tunes played with seasoned warmth and feeling, not to mention some of the best dance grooves around! The musicians in the HotFoot Club - Dave
Davies on guitar and vocals, Harry Aceto on bass, Brian Earle on clarinet and sax, Molly MacMillan on keyboards and vocals, and Mike Wellen on drums - have played in this ensemble since 1992, and in other configurations since 1985. Their 1997 recording, 3 x 5, was rated by the Syracuse New Times as one of the best new releases in Central New York for that year. That disc shows the versatility of the group as they gently sway old swing nuggets and rock the blues.
"Don't Ever Say Goodbye," the title track from The Hotfoot Club's latest recording, is an infrequently heard Duke Ellington tune, with lyrics by the HotFoot Club's leader, Dave Davies. Other cuts include "Wholly Cats" and "Airmail Special" from the Charlie Christian/Benny Goodman library, "Straighten up and Fly Right" and "I Like To Riff" from the Nat Cole Trio, as well as bluesy anthems such as "Mellow Down Easy" from Little Walter. Another original song on the CD called "Keep Doin' What You're Doin" features some good advice and a rocking New Orleans second line rhythm. Other tracks to listen for include Duke's "In A Mellow Tone" with Molly MacMillan's versatile and smooth voice, and her beautifully phrased "When I Fall In Love," done in waltz time. Throughout the recording, Molly and Dave join up in creative harmonies, often in a jazz duet style reminiscent of Ella Fitzgerald and Louis Armstrong, or Betty Carter and Ray Charles.
After all the years and gigs that this group of musicians have shared, a seasoned and relaxed joy comes shining through. Somewhere in this warm groove recipe, rare spices available only in the HotFoot Club's kitchen, blend together and delight the listener, and especially the dancer. Every song on the disc is 100% danceable, suitable for all Lindyhop styles, East or West Coast swing, Bluesy grinds, a couple Latin grooves and a waltz.
The HotFoot Club's dedication: "We dedicate this recording to dancers everywhere, especially the ones who dance rhythm for the same reason we play it - because they have to or they'll go crazy!"
This CD was recorded and mixed at Electric Wilburland.
