16 Men & 1 Chick Singer Swingin’

About “16 Men & 1 Chick Singer Swingin'”

Just 16 to one? Hardly fair-for the band. Vocalist Roberta Gambarini nearly steals the session. No easy task considering the brothers Pratt front one of jazzdom’s hardest-swinging bands in captivity, rich with soloists whose ideas explode, even at Mach-3.

“Big Bad Basie” is highlighted by pianist Ronnie Mathews, whose dozen choruses are a study in perpetual motion, with fine work by Dean Pratt on muted trumpet; bro Michael on drums and an exciting tenor duel between Mike Karn and Willie Williams. Bassist Chip Jackson and baritonist Dave Schumacher solo expertly on “Old World New Imports,” as does bass trombonist Wayne Coniglio on “Falling in Love With Love.” The closing screech battle between trumpeter Joe Mosello and trombonist Scott Whitfield on “Waterjug” also features lead alto Alan Gauvin stamping his expertise on sax solis. Talk about expertise-Gambarini, who seems to be a distillation of Anita O’Day and Sarah Vaughan, can handle ballads and uptempo scat with equal ease. Her intonation is flawless, her phrasing instinctively swings, her trill is like a musical dimple and she obviously hears changes. She’s the most sensational Italian import since Sophia Loren.

UPDATED APRIL 25, 2019 – BY HARVEY SIDERS

5.0 out of 5 stars One of the great big band albums of the past 15 years!
Reviewed in the United States on April 24, 2015
Verified Purchase
I play selections from this one frequently on my jazz radio show. “Cup of Life” is–for me– one of the most stirring compositions in all the recorded big band-with-vocal literature. Based on Tom McIntosh’s “The Cup Bearers,” with lyrics by Meredith DAmbrosio, arranged by Michael Abene. Exquisite production in every way. A beautiful physical album as well with extensive photos and notes. Roberta Gambarini’s vocals are each treasures. And she now approaches Ella, Sarah, and Anita O’Day among jazz singers who sang with the great large bands. My favorite big band album of the past decade or so, Dean and Michael deserved a Grammy nomination for this one but somehow got passed over. Don’t miss this. Get a copy and be sure to get the physical album, which is a work of art in itself.

Reviewed in the United States on April 5, 2009
Wonderfull band
Wonderfull arrangements
Wonderfull engineering

But Roberta is the most amazing vocalist who sounds like a young Ella
and has the scat singing skills that beat all previous exponents!

This is a CD to play for the rest of your listening years!!!!!