Classic rock 'n' roll from swing favourites

Steve Tucker's All Star Jazz Band Rock 'n' Roll CD Review: Philip Dalling

WHAT goes around comes around, particularly in the music business.

While the very idea of a traditional swing jazz band making a CD of classic rock 'n' roll sides may appear strange to purists on both sides of the divide, it not only enjoys plenty of precedents but, above all, it works superbly.

Steve Tucker's North Devon-based All Stars found that adding some rock 'n' roll to its set list proved popular, particularly with dancers. Steve decided to record a CD for dancing, with the proceeds in aid of cancer research, a decision largely prompted by the diagnosis and illness in 2009 of long-term piano player Dave Soby.

The tracks on the charity CD are a microcosm of rock 'n' roll, showing all its influences, from Shake Rattle and Roll, Hound Dog and Johnny B Goode, through Jailhouse Rock and Roll Over Beethoven to a really impressive version of the Everly Brothers' All I Have To Do Is Dream.

The All Stars' work focuses on the original American music but the interpretations, often with a distinctively laid-back tempo, are wholly British. As such, the CD is a fascinating reminder of the very early days of rock 'n' roll on this side of the Atlantic, when UK jazz alumni such as Benny Green, Tony Crombie and Don Lang provided the first home-grown answers to the US invasion.

The CD is on sale at gigs and through the band's website at a cost of £5.70 including postage and packing. This particular rock 'n' roll aficionado thoroughly recommends it.

Visit www.thestevetuckerallstarjazzband.co.uk/ merchandise.htm