Album Notes

The music of Frank Sinatra and the wonderful orchestras that backed him up has always held a special place in my heart. One of the best musical collaborations of the twentieth century, Sinatra and Basie defined the art of popular music in the 1960's with their engagements at the Las Vegas Sands hotel, television appearances, and concerts. With "Celebrating Sinatra and Basie" we are paying tribute to the Chairman and the Count with this live recording at the Triple Door in Seattle. This show never fails to sell out; it is a testament to the enduring quality of the music and the performance by Joey Jewell and the Swing Session Big Band. - Jim

Celebrating Sinatra and Basie is nothing short of a swingin' time trip back to the Las Vegas Strip. Joey Jewell's performance is true to the incomparable phrasing and vocal texture of Frank Sinatra and evokes the swaggering spirit of Ol' Blue Eyes and Vegas in their heyday. And Jim Kerl's Swing Session big band has the energy and excitement to keep you going all night, wonderfully smooth and sophisticated arrangements, and the musical chops and passion to play it all.

The show is smart, funny, and a wonderful tribute to the lost art of livin' it up. You'll feel like you're in "The Big Room" at the Sands and life is good.

Dan Murphy
Operations Manager
KIXI Radio

"Frank Sinatra fans, you're in luck. The Sinatra at the Sands show starring singer Joey Jewell in the role of Old Blue Eyes is a live re-creation of Sinatra's famous appearance with the Count Basie Orchestra at the Sands Hotel in Las Vegas in 1966. Jim Kerl's Swing Session provides swinging, big-band backup for Jewell's warm, engaging tribute to Sinatra. Close your eyes and you'll feel transported back in time to the Rat Pack era."

Gene Stout, Music Critic, The Seattle Post Intelligencer