Album Notes

This is the debut recording of The Swingsations, a group dedicated to preserving the classic jazz and swing music of the late 1920's to the early 1940's -- truly a golden era for this music. Founded by trumpeter Jim Ziegler, one of Southern California's best traditional jazz players, the group has been performing at clubs, concerts, and festivals since 1995.

Hello! This is Jim Ziegler. In this recording I have attempted to give the listener a good sampling of both fun and meaningful music from this era...there's the swinging opener,"Swing That Music", written by the great Louis Armstrong himself...some fun band vocals on "Rhythm Is Our Business" and "'Tain't Whatcha Do..." ( both from Jimmie Lunceford's Orchestra )...some rarely played gems like Fats Waller's "Ain't-Cha Glad?" and "Pagin' The Devil" ( a 1938 blues by members of Count Basie's Orchestra, featuring Walter Page)...and to wrap things up we have "Flat Foot Floogie", Slim and Slam's crazy number. All in all, it's a mix of swinging jazz that is sure to please.

One final note -- this was the drummer Ed Slauson's last recording. Ed played throughout the Los Angeles area for many years, and his tasty playing here is the ultimate final tribute. Thanks, Ed!