Kenny Ellis - Hanukkah Swings! (2005)

The great swing revival of the late '90s introduced the mostly forgotten style to a new legion of fans, as well as reconnecting with others. And while a landslide of swing-themed releases flooded the marketplace, it's safe to say that there wasn't a single swing release to incorporate Jewish and Hanukkah themes into its sonic stew. Singer Kenny Ellis realized the void, and did something about it -- issuing Hanukkah Swings! in time for the holiday season of 2006. The Frank Sinatra-styled album opener, "Swingin' Dreidel," sounds comparable to the similarly styled theme song from The Osbournes TV show, while the Ellis original "Hanukkah Candles" treads on schmaltz territory. Elsewhere, the big-band sounds of "Sevivon Sov, Sov, Sov" is a highlight, and "Hanu-calypso" manages to successfully merge two styles that you wouldn't expect. If you're looking to liven up your next holiday gathering with some fun and unexpected sounds, Hanukkah Swings! may just be the hit of your party.