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?
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