AMG Review of Swing Is Here

Scott Yanow
All Music Guide

Pianist Dick Hyman pays tribute to small-group swing with a collection of 15 swing-era tunes. Hyman is joined by vibraphonist Peter Appleyard, who sometimes purposely emulates Lionel Hampton, as well as clarinetist Ken Peplowski (nodding toward Benny Goodman), trumpeter Randy Sandke, veteran tenorman Frank Wess (whose solos are actually the most modern of the date), guitarist Bucky Pizzarelli, bassist Jay Leonhart and drummer Butch Miles. Nancy Marano contributes a few pleasing vocals. Nothing all that unexpected occurs, and the performances of such numbers as "I Hope Gabriel Likes My Music," "Dickie's Dream" and "Jive at Five" do not dwarf the original recordings. But mainstream fans should enjoy the well-played and often spirited outing.