Larry Elgart and His Orchestra - Easy Goin' Swing (2017)

Larry Elgart’s highly stylized sound was unique in the band business of early 60s. There was never any doubt as to whom you were listening. The liquid-sounding reeds, the tart but punching trumpets, the distant-sounding trombones, the swinging, piano-less rhythm section —they all add up to a distinct sound… and a sound of distinction. Never raucous, never pallid, always understated (but with a bouncing beat), the music goes with a dance floor as well as this record goes with a phonograph.

The band’s repertoire was broad, encompassing both standard and rhythmically oriented originals, and Elgart, always the conscientious leader, was constantly aware of his audience. When most bands sounded like Count Basie or indirect descendants of Basie, a band with an identity of its own was well worth hearing. In the ensuing decade and a half, the “Elgart Sound” would became the synonym for brilliant achievement in listening pleasure. And that swingin’ Larry Elgart crew had just one reason for being: dancing.