Suzy Bogguss - Swing

The truth is that Suzy Bogguss, whose early music reflected her love of Western tunes and yodeling, never really fit into assembly-line Nashville. Rarely did her major-label producers allow her to reveal her true self. This time, she reveals nothing but that. Masterfully produced by Asleep at the Wheel's Ray Benson, she's at home with every tune, be it time-honored jazz chestnuts like Billie Holiday's "Comes Love" and Duke Ellington's "Do Nothing Till You Hear From Me" or fresh, witty contemporary numbers by Nashville jazz chanteuse-writer April Barrows. Benson, who duets with Bogguss on Barrows's "Cupid Shot Us Both with One Arrow," wisely avoids using a big band. Instead, he surrounds her with a small band of Asleep at the Wheel alumni--including pianist Floyd Domino and driving, Stuff Smith-inspired fiddler Jason Roberts--that provides a sharper, more deft accompaniment than any bigger band could. Liberated from Music Row's relentless pursuit of radio-friendly mediocrity, Bogguss has at last nailed it to the wall with this smart, elegant, and joyous effort. --Rich Kienzle Amazon.com

SUZY BOGGUSS

This is a big departure from her usual, really great, catchy tunes, though! The kind of music that will keep your feet tapping. Definitely worth the money! February 4, 2007

A Swing and a Hit!

Darn good collection of swing music from one of the clearest, most versatile voices around. Suzy starts with the old Nat Cole standard "Straighten Up and Fly Right" and moves along with lesser-known numbers and several originals. The country/western swing element that Suzy and producer Ray Benson (Asleep at the Wheel) bring to the album is present but not overpowering. It's completely different from anything else she's ever done, but probably the best thing she's done for quite a while (her Christmas album is also outstanding). Certainly worth the price for any fan of Suzy or any fan of good ol' swing music. July 23, 2005

Stepping outside her zone

Suzy takes a step outside her usual zone of mellow pop country with this appropriately titled Swing album. The results are solidly listenable and exceptionately pleasant. Lacking in some of the harder edged messages of her country work, this album exudes a great deal of charm. January 19, 2005

A treat

Suzy Bogguss has produced some pretty forgettable Nashville product in the past, so this comes as something of a surprise. Unlike a lot of pop singers who suddenly do a standards album, she is not overly respectful or intimidated by the material. She wisely kept the band small and although the arrangements are excellent with a Texas swing feel, they do not overpower or overshadow her. The vocals are delivered with warmth and a light-on-her-feet swing. A delight. August 5, 2004

Include my vote

Please include my vote for what a good CD SWING is. You do not have to be locked into a particular genre of music to appreciate it. Thanks Suzy. January 28, 2004

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