Swingadelic

"New Jersey's greatest little big band" with their fourth strike. In a manner that's hard to come by these days, these men, with up to eight horns, swing through a horn heavy repertoire of excellent quality. For seven instrumental and 5 vocal tracks long, the listener can't keep his mouth shut, out of sheer surprise. Straight or swinging, jazzy or bluesy, the tightly woven sound carpet of Swingadelic is unique in its own way. With a razor sharp production, this time it is New Orleans that is getting the attention, either with " The Deacon's Daughter",- from the pen of bandleader Dave Post, or with "The Gal from Joe's" from Duke Ellington. The former seems to pay homage to the Gospel genre as well. Vocal duties are taken care of by pianist John Bauers and trombonist as well as guitarist Neal Pawley, whereby Bauers, with his original composition "Back in New York City" contributes a great piece to the genre that we commonly call American Songbook. Totally timeless and smart !.
A little bit of Latin can't fail either , instrumental with "Burrito Malo" or vocal with "Early Morning Special". Big Band Horn Sound for every taste. No collection should be without it !. -DiHo- - Austria's "Concerto"

One of my favourite styles of Blues is the "Little Big Band" that focuses primarily on th emusic of the Swing Era. Swingadelic is a 14 piece "Little Big Band" from Hoboken NJ, and this album entitles "Big Band Blues" is an excellent example. It is their third album following the sucess of "Organ-ized" and "Boogie Boo". There are vocals on 8 of the albums 12 tracks, with 3 each from guitarist Fausto Bozza and trombonist Neal Pawley, and 1 each from pianist John Bauers and alto sax player Buddy Terry. The bandleader and bassist, Dave Post writes in the sleeve notes that "it is about having a good time", and everyone on the album seems to be doing just that, and it makes the album a sucess. Personal choices are "Don't Do It", this features baritone sax player John Martin, and an arrangement of Duke Ellington's "Way Back Blues" with a great alto sax solo from Buddy Terry. I really enjoyed this album, and I am sure that if you are partial to the blues with a swinging facade, you will love this too.
-Steve Nicholson - Blues Matters

Swingadelic is a collective of 16 musicians playing the Blues big-band style on (2). The music brims over with good-time fun where everyone gets into the act, including when it comes to the vocalizing assignments. Eight of the 12 tunes feature a band member in the singing role in front of the large cast. The musicians also rotate on most of the arranging tasks; bassist Post takes credit for five of the lively tunes, trombonist Pawley handled two, and guitarist Bozza one other. While structure and tight ensemble playing are fundamental to the music, instrumental soloists are not neglected. Alto saxophonist Terry takes the lead on several of these upbeat pieces, but the group appears to be egalitarian when it comes to stretching out. Pawley, Martin, Riedel, Francis, alvaro, Stinson. Rogers, Rauso, Susman, and Bozza each get a turn or two at bat for short swinging improvisations built around the bluesy arrangements.
The strength of the orchestra, however, is in the combined big-band sound that shows plenty of muscle or sensitivity depending upon the situation. The horns blare with mighty force or they offer restraint and control in providing a rich, mellow backdrop. The musical spirit shows the influence New Orleans has had on the development of the blues, but the impact of the Swing Era also surfaces, such as on "Castle Rock", where the 1940's formula for success is re-created. Gospel music also finds a home with this band. Swingadelic is a modern-day representation of the roots of Jazz; the members are articulate an their execution and make the songs cook. Try it on for your next dance party.
-Frank Rubolino - Cadence Magazine

Swingadelic, based in the New York City area and lead by acoustic bassist Dave Post, is a working swing and jump blues band that varies in size from 6 to 10 pieces. This album, the groups' second, incorporates the soulful Hammond B3 sound throughout. (The album is dedicated to the late organists"Brother" Jack McDuff and Charles Earland.) Tom "T-Bone" Stinson and Don Militello split the keyboard duties.

Tunes such as Post's "BC Boogaloo" and W.C.Handy's "Loveless Love" (aka "Careless Love") mine the 60's soul-jazz groove. But the disc also includes classic blues (Willie Dixon's "I Just Want To Make Love To You"), classic swing (Basie and "Sweets" Edison's "Jive At Five"), Latin jazz (Willie Bobo's "Spanish Grease" and plenty of jump tunes.

The rhythm is infectious on each performance, though the personnel and soloists vary from track to track. The usual instrumentation is alto, tenor and baritone saxophone, trumpet, trombone, guitar, organ, bass and percussion. Several instrumentalists also double as vocalists. Alto and tenor saxophonist and vocalist Buddy Terry is an asset in all departments. His Illinois Jacquet-style tenor is perfect on Post's "Meddlin' With Edlin." Trombonist and vocalist Neal Pawley also distinguishes himself, especially with his smooth lead vocal on "Cry To Me."

Swingadelic seems an excellent party band. It sounds authentic (as opposed to slick and faux retro). Its arrangements and solos make for fun listening as well as dancing.

Reviewed by Owen Cordle, JazzTimes - Jazz Times