The Home of Happy Feet - Van Alexander Orchestra

Throughout the 30s, Harlem's fabulous Savoy Ballroom served as the crossroads for the legendary bands that played a major role in developing big band music as we know it today. Here, Van Alexander pays tribute to the Savoy with his exciting new arrangements that grew and floursihed as "The Home of Happy Feet." (from liner notes of Capitol T1243 (mono)

This was one of the albums that influenced my musical career and convinced me (during the 50's and 60s) that swing had it all over rock n' roll.

The album was recorded in 1959 at Capitol tower. I've done my best to remove ticks and tiny scratches that resulted from literally hundreds of plays during my high school and college years. ENJOY!

Bands listed after the titles are those associated with these Savoy favorites.

Side One

1. Let's Get Together - Chick Webb

2. Chant of the Weed - Don Redman

3. Until the Real Thing Comes Along - Andy Kirk (my personal favorite of all the cuts)

4. Uptown Rhapsody - Teddy Hill

5. Stompin' at the Savoy - Goodman & Edgar Sampson

6. Undecided - John Kirby Combo

http://rapidshare.com/files/284163021/HomeofHappyFeetSideOne.mp3

Side Two

1. I Would Do Anything for You - Claude Hopkins

2. A Tisket a Taskit - Ella Fitzgerald (Alexander wrote the original arrangement)

3. East St. Louis Toodle-oo - Ellington

4. Organ Grinder's Swing - Chick Webb

5. Christopher Columbus - Al Coopers Savoy House Band

6. Ride, Red, Ride - Lucky Millinder/Red Allen

http://rapidshare.com/files/284163022/HomeofHappyFeetSideTwo.mp3

And, look at the personnel:

Trumpets: Conrad Gozzo, Mannie Klein, Uan Rasey, Shorty Sherock

Trombones: Joe Howard, Ed Kusby, Tommy Pederson, Ken Shroyer

Saxes: Paul Horn, Julie Jacob, Plas Johnson, Abe Most, Butch Stone

Piano: Paul Smith - Bass: Joe Comfort - Drums: Irv Cottler - Guitar: Barney Kessel

All arrangements by Van Alexander

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