WEST COAST SERIES · Jazz & Swing Orchestras
Rare & Collectible Albums by Unsung Bandleaders

When the dust from the collapse of the Swing Era settled, there were few big bands left that had survived. Yet, because they loved the swinging drive of a full-on jazz orchestra, a series of adventurous and unsung bandleaders optimistically organized some fine, but short-lived, new orchestras that were packed with jazz and studio musicians, holding the flag of Swing high.

Dennis Farnon (1923-2019), this roaring, vibrant album has all the drive, sparkle and vibrancy that characterized swing big bands in their heyday, plus imaginative new ideas and brilliant stereo recording quality. “Caution! Men Swinging” stands out for its precision and powerhouse sound of the brass and sax sections in the overall set, arranged and conducted by Canadian Dennis Farnon. In addition, there is ample room for solo blowing by Don Fagerquist, who plays all the jazz trumpet; pianists Lou Levy and Jimmy Rowles, guitarist Howard Roberts, tenor Ted Nash, plus the superb lead trumpet work of Frank Beach and George Roberts' bass trombone very present at all times. This 1957 album was the only jazz LP Farnon recorded in his entire career and, possibly thinking he could hardly have surpassed it, he devoted his work primarily to writing arrangements and conducting for pop singers. Enjoy this fantastic swinging big band session!

Skip Martin (1916-1976) a topflight bandleader and film musical arranger, made this album of swing music, via the services of the title aggregation “8 Brass, 5 Sax, 4 rhythm.” The selections cover some of the finest standards in popular music and a Skip original with a fine solid beat and moving along its way with no waste of motion. It's very danceable stuff, but with a solid jazzy feel to it. Excellent solo work is done by Justin Gordon, Milt Bernhart, Pete Candoli, Frank Beach, Jimmy Rowles, and Milt Raskin. But, as good as the soloists are, Skip’s writing is the main show here. Skip Martin, one of the truly wise arranger-conductors of the 1950s’ Hollywood scene, revealed on this album the genius that made him one of the most successful conductors in American pop and swing music.