Oliver's Twist

Oliver’s Twist’ transforms some familiar standars into a freewheeling swing idiom, with the aid of a joyous orchestra headed by one of the greatest big band arrangers – Sy Oliver. Sy (a youthful nickname for “psychologist”) brings originality and style to the medium, with a rare musical insight that embraces varied and unexpected orchestral effects, exciting contrasts and an unrelenting drive that thrills the younger generation as well as the “youth of a decade or two ago.” As these “old chestnuts” will prove, Sy Oliver is also an innovator, injecting time-honored favorites with the exuberant, fresh approach of ‘Oliver’s Twist.’ His ensemble writing is never muddied, but sharp and clear, and the solo improvisations are always concise and imaginative. Here then are interpretations that communicate, in a manner that is swift, articulate and continually swinging. The hard-driving Sy Oliver Orchestra contains some of the most talented sidemen in the business. In the lead-off swinger, the often-Latinized Chiu Chiu does a turnabout and bursts out in a wailing rendition that stars Sam ‘The Man’ Taylor. Sam, the most famous tenorman in the rhythm and blues field, returns to lead the field in the low-down Oh, Them Golden Slippers in which his horn is incisive and booting all the way. In the sweet-swinging This Is Love, which follows, Charlie Shavers’ flamboyant trumpet shows itself to full advantage. It is also in evidence in the jazz roundelay The Blue Tail Fly, which highlights Sam ‘The Man’ and George Barnes on guitar. But Charlie’s full-toned, powerful attack comes into its own with the high-flying rendition of Annie Laurie, in which Jimmie Crawford’s drums chatter busily and continuously in a heightened rhythmic drive. ‘Craw’ also sustains the hand-clapping beat of the revival-meeting tempoed I’ll Fly Away that starts with an instrumental conversation between George Duvivier’s bass and Sam Taylor’s tenor, and gradually builds into a slam-bang finish. On the flip side, Lazy Mississippi Moon gathers momentum from Sam ‘The Man’ and Jimmie Crawford’s shining contributions. Then, the renowned Intermezzo takes on a new sound, guided by Ernie Royal’s thoughtful trumpeting. I Found The One I Love is an uptempo ballad with an interesting rhythmic interplay and solo spotlights by Vince Forchetti’s trombone and the clarinet of Seldon Powell. The next cut, the tuneful I’m A Little Teapot brews up a stormy romp that’s pierced by Joe Soldo’s clarinet. In Arkansas Traveler George Barnes draws warmth and lyricism from his graceful guitar chords in direct contrast to the brass biting ensemble sound in the exposition. George leads off the concluding Mansion Over The Hilltop, a tune played with directness and intensity, exhibiting the inventiveness and logic of Sy Oliver’s arranging talents to best advantage. The Sy Oliver Orchestra: Charlie Shavers, Ernie Royal, Dick Perry, Mel Davis, trumpets; Rodney Levitt, Vince Forchetti, Morty Bullman, Frank Saracco, trombones; Sam Taylor, Seldon Powell, Dave McRae, George Dorsey, Joe Soldo, Phil Bodner, reeds; George Barnes, guitar; Dave Martin, piano; George Duvivier, bass; Jimmie Crawford, drums.