Panama Francis - Panama Francis and The Savoy Sultans: Live At Liberty State Park - COMPACT DISCS [CD]

Toward the end of his life, veteran drum legend Panama Francis led a InchrebootInch of the by then extinct Inchlittle Big BandInch named the Savoy Sultans. Originally led by Al Cooper, the Savoy Sultans were known for kicking butt at the Savoy Ballroom in New York City, even when set against larger musical aggregations. The dancers and listeners alike loved them for their plaintive, hard-driving rhythmic style, so urgently riff-heavy, they might swing you into bad health! Jazz promoter George Wein helped Panama Francis take up the task of recreating the great sound of this classic American band in the 1980s, but Francis kept on keeping the band afloat, even after a long tenure at the Rainbow Room. This recording from 1993 is an example of live performances by the band at a show at Park Avenue Plaza, in New York City, and features a mixture of young generals and swing legends alike. Featured are Brian InchLordInch Sledge, Joey InchG-ClefInch Cavaseno, Harry Allen, Zaid Nasser, Wally Richardson, Julia Steele, Leonard Gaskin, and others. Album Tracks 1. Song of the Islands (Live) 2. Stitches (Live) 3. In a Mellotone (Live) 4. Speak Low (Live) 5. Undecided (Live) 6. Take the a Train (Live) 7. Stompin' at the Savoy (Live) 8. I've Got the World on a String (Live) 9. I Cried for You (Live) 10. Here Comes Panama (Live) 11. Just You, Just Me (Live) 12. Tea for Two (Live) 13. Honeysuckle Rose (Live) 14. In the Mood (Live) 15. Looney (Live) 16. Spanish Town (Live) 17. Panama's Waltz (Live) 18. Bill Bailey (Live) 19. I Got It Bad and That Ain't Good (Live) 20. Rhythm Dr. Man (Live) 21. April in Paris (Live) 22. All Too Soon (Live)

In 1995, legendary jazz drummer Panama Francis brought his own quartet, the Savoy Four, to Bern, Switzerland, to Marian's Jazzroom for a week's engagement. Featured on this warmly swinging affair are alto saxophonist Joey InchG-ClefInch Cavaseno, Pianist Richard Wyands, and bassist Reggie Johnson. Playing some Ellington as well Francis' usual Savoy Sultans tunes, this group, propelled by one of the Savoy Ballroom's favorite sons, will bring you that special nostalgic feeling of classic jazz. Francis at the time of this performance was 76, but was still in great form. Album Tracks 1. Just You Just Me (Live) 2. Moten Swing (Live) 3. All Too Soon (Live) 4. Jumpin' at the Woodside (Live) 5. The Jeep Is Jumping (Live) 6. In a Mellotone (Live) 7. My Old Flame (Live) 8. All God's Children Got Rhythm (Live)

Everything Swings is the fourth and final studio album by Panama Francis and The Savoy Sultans. Toward the end of his life, veteran drum legend Panama Francis led a InchrebootInch of the by then extinct Inchlittle Big BandInch named the Savoy Sultans. Originally led by Al Cooper, the Savoy Sultans were known for kicking butt at the Savoy Ballroom in New York City, even when set against larger musical aggregations. The dancers and listeners alike loved them for their plaintive, hard-driving rhythmic style, so urgently riff-heavy, they might swing you into bad health! Jazz promoter George Wein helped Panama Francis take up the task of recreating the great sound of this classic American band in the 1980s, but Francis kept on keeping the band afloat, even after a long tenure at the Rainbow Room. This recording from 1984 represents the final studio session of the Sultans, and features some of the last of the great quintessential jazz men of the swing era. Featured are Spanky Davis, Irvin Stokes, George Kelly, Bobby Watson, and others. Album Tracks 1. Air Mail Special 2. Stolen Sweets 3. Stompin' at the Savoy 4. Sentimental Journey 5. It Don't Mean a Thing 6. In the Mood 7. Just You, Just Me 8. Take the a Train 9. Funky Willie 10. Undecided