June 2000

Ray Anthony and His Big Swing Band
The Swing Club
Aero Space

By Sean Daly

Sure, Ray Anthony's music may be of the "elevator swing" variety, but the elder statesman sure has a helluva good time entertaining the tradition-loving masses. Plus, he certainly scores points with me for including a picture of Hugh Hefner dancing with a bouncy blond in his liner notes. (Is it Ray's tunes or a steady diet of Viagra that keeps the ultimate swinger going? You be the judge!) Ray and His Big Swing Band stuff The Swing Club with all the old faves: "Route 66," "The Hucklebuck," "Jump, Jive and Wail," just to name a few. The playing is tight but safe, the vocalists are energetic but plain, but who really cares: Ray Anthony has probably been to the Playboy Mansion. How many of you can say that?