Hannukkah Swings, reflects Ellis's lifelong affinities for Jewish culture and swing era legends Count Basie,Les Brown, and Benny Goodman. Ellis is featured on lead vocals performing lively,jazzy twists on festive classics (some done in medley form) in English and Hebrew.
The CD begins with "Swingin Dreidel." The Benny Goodman influence truly shines through on this number and the band swung with effortless ease to the superior tone of Kenny's voice. This song is a take on the classic "Driedel Song." that is well known by Jews and goyim alike. I know nothing about Jewish music and I do not know any Hebrew, but I really liked the swinging arrangement. Next is a medley of traditional Hanukkah songs,
"Hannukkah, Oh Hanukkah/Who Can Retell," gives one the big band sound of Benny Goodman and his group which featured Teddy Wilson, Lionel Hampton, and Charlie Christian. Kenny has a great time with this and even though, I did not understand any of the Yiddish lyrics, I could tell he was having a great time. He gives it a bit of that Adam Sandler feel, with the lyrics "One for each night/they shed a cuckoo light." Anyone who swings will definitely enjoy this one, and even if you don't swing-you will still enjoy these songs.The other traditional piece is track 7's, "Hannukkah Swingin Holiday/Pour the Oil."
The next song is "Hannukkah Candles," which is one of the original pieces, it begins with a maginificent piano intro which sets the tone for this beautiful song. The other original piece is track 8 which is "Hanu-calypso." This number has a fun-filled tropical flavor that features brilliant ensemble arrangements by Emmy Award winning composer/arranger Harvey R. Cohen, arranger and co-producer of Hannukkah Swings.!
"Ocho Kandelikas," is a fun, Latin ala salsa inspired number whose lyrics are in Ladino, the native language of many Sephardic Jews from Spain. It is actually a children's counting song put to a really cool sound for fans of Latin music. Even if you are not a fan of Latin muisc, you will have a great time swingin to the song. I could actullay see someone doing the Cha Cha or Tango to this Latin beat.
"Children of the Macabbees," follows and was written with a melody from the Italian Renaissance, utilizing an unending blend of classic Hebrew folk and finger snapping classic jazz sounds.
The last 2 tracks feature a Hannukkah favorite , "Rock of Ages," which is set to a fun big band sound. This is one of my favorite numbers along with the last song, "Twas the Night Before Hannukkah," the entire song swings and Goldberg's piano work is pure genius. The lyrics are hilarious and I recommend this album to anyone ready to get into the holiday spirit.
I can't say enough about this album! If you even think you might like Big Band music, you should love this Hannukkah Swings !