Artist: Marie MacGillis and the Model Millionaires
CD: "Sittin' in the Catbird Seat"
Label: Sutcliffe
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Led by the talented (and lovely) Marie MacGillis the Model Millionaires present fine collection of vintage jazz compositions on their CD "Sittin' in the Catbird Seat".
I have to give them much respect for not working over the same songs that one frequently finds trotted out as "american standards". With the exception of "Blue Skies" (and possibly "Honeysuckle Rose"), the selections here are lesser known numbers that the band imbue with a vitality that makes them jump and shake. These are no dusty collector's items, they have life.
The Model Millionaires are wise enough to give us a range of mood and style, from swinging to sultry (but always sexy!). The emphasis is on 1930s jazz (with a bit of Western Swing for a full-bodied feel), but the band doesn't sound constrained by the era, it comes across as just a starting point. This makes me intrigued about future releases from the group. Will they continue to explore this era of vintage jazz? Will they work in (more) blues? Only time will tell.
Over all I found this album a delightful listen that I only enjoyed more with additional spins.
If I had to pick my favorite selections I'm going with "There'll Be Some Changes Made", "When I Get Low I Get High", "Slumming on Park Ave" and "The Stuff is Here".
Word to the queens out there: "The Stuff is Here" is just BEGGING to be used in a drag show.
