4 Classic Albums

I actually have 2 of the recordings on LP. The CD is pretty good and is reasonably priced. The sound quality is not as good as the original LP and the first cuts are rather thin and bright. However, this is probably the best CD available and if you are interested in Sauter Finnegan you should buy it. The last 2 albums are better in sound quality than the first 2.

The Sauter-Finegan Orchestra (AVID AMSC 1212) contains four RCA albums, namely “The Sound of the SFO” (1952/3), “Inside SF” (1954), “Under Analysis” (1956) and “Straight Down the Middle” (1957). The first three were mono releases, the last was available in stereo (and was a part-release on the Jasmine label in 2013). As I wrote then, Eddie Sauter and Bill Finegan were arrangers and composers, as well as playing trumpet and piano respectively. Sauter played and arranged for Red Norvo, then moved on - most notably - to Benny Goodman and Artie Shaw. Finegan's route was no less illustrious, including Tommy Dorsey and Glenn Miller. They became joint bandleaders in April 1952, and the orchestra played what was described as concert jazz. It was not a commercial success, and doesn't rate a mention in many jazz reference books, although the unusual instrumentation gained it a cult following.“The Sound” and “Inside” were their first two albums, and as the opening track of the former implies, half of the titles have association with childhood. Over half of the latter is comprised of Sauter/Finegan compositions, and both offer occasional vocals. Just to comment on two, the song “Now That I’m in Love” sounds very like the theme to the UK TV series “William Tell”, and “When Two Trees Fall in Love” is an extended duet for harp and piano. We’re on more familiar territory song-wise with the second CD, where the emphasis is very much on the standard songbook, although the approach to “Avalon” is reminiscent of Spike Jones! As is Avid’s usual practice, the original sleeve notes have been reproduced in full. The sound quality is clear and spacious, and this is recommended wholeheartedly.

I enjoyed these albums, they were somewhat more conventional than i had assumed, nice swinging big band music that for me never goes out of fashion. this was an interesting divertissement from the bands of Basie, Herman, etc.

in my humble opinion Sauter Finegan can do no wrong. Super stuff. Well arranged & superbly presented. Listen for yourself.Don Matthes

EXCELLENT!!!!