Panama Francis and the Savoy Sultans – Everything Swings

Description

“Everything Swings” is the fourth and final studio album by Panama Francis and The Savoy Sultans. Toward the end of his life, veteran drum legend Panama Francis led a “reboot” of the by then extinct “little Big Band” named the Savoy Sultans. Originally led by Al Cooper, the Savoy Sultans were known for kicking butt at the Savoy Ballroom in New York City, even when set against larger musical aggregations. The dancers and listeners alike loved them for their plaintive, hard-driving rhythmic style, so urgently riff-heavy, they might swing you into bad health! Jazz promoter George Wein helped Panama Francis take up the task of recreating the great sound of this classic American band in the 1980s, but Francis kept on keeping the band afloat, even after a long tenure at the Rainbow Room. This recording from 1984 represents the final studio session of the Sultans, and features some of the last of the great quintessential jazz men of the swing era. Featured are Spanky Davis, Irvin Stokes, George Kelly, Bobby Watson, and others.

1. Air Mail Special 4:35
2. Stolen Sweets 4:55
3. Stompin’ At The Savoy 4:40
4. Sentimental Journey 7:00
5. It Don’t Mean A Thing 3:24
6. In The Mood 4:27
7. Just You, Just Me 4:24
8. Take The A Train 4:58
9. Funky Willie 3:43
10. Undecided 3:17

Recorded in NYC, 1984

trumpets: Spanky Davis, Irvin Stokes
reeds: Bobby Watson, Sayyd Abdul Al-Khabyyr, George Kelly, Phil Bodner
piano: Sammy Benskin
guitar: John Smith
bass: Bill Pemberton
drums: Panama Francis