Songs To A Swinging Band – CONNIE FRANCIS****

You’re Nobody ‘Til Somebody Loves You/Ol’ Man Mose/How Long Has This Been Going On/My Love My Love/It Might As Well Be Spring/Taboo/Love Is Where You Find It/I Got Lost In His Arms/Dat’s Love/Angel Eyes/Gone With The Wind/Swanee

Songs To A Swinging Band sees Connie Francis moving towards a more adult audience as she demonstrates her versatility performing big band numbers, backed by a large orchestra.

“Sultry and cool, Connie gives the performance of a lifetime. This might be the best album by Connie to date. She delivers some great standards giving them her special kind of magic. Her voice is perfect, she purrs and belts her way through the twelve songs, completely forgetting about her usual 'sob in the throat' delivery. I have no idea why this album wasn't a success when it was released as it deserves to be called a real classic.”

“Connie Francis could sing any kind of music, but Big Band is probably her best. Songs To A Swinging Band is a fabulous testament to her ability with good material. The songs are A1 standards, the balance between voice and band is perfect, the arrangements are spectacular, and Connie's voice soars above it all in the most magical and memorable way. It is truly a treasure of a recording and, in my opinion, has been overlooked by musical critics for years. For those who think Connie was only about Stupid Cupid and Where The Boys Are, think again.”

“This 1961 release was Connie's most mature venture at the time, exploring swing and big band. She is backed by a huge orchestra. The uptempo material drives home like a jackhammer. In sharp contrast, the ballads are soft and heartfelt. Listen to her pulsating version of the classic Swanee, then to the soft and wistful It Might As Well Be Spring. Sounds impossible, but Connie makes it work, as only she can.”

“Connie Francis' bubblegum hit singles didn't really represent her talent. But this album is a gem, consisting of great, sophisticated standards performed with powerful big band backing. I don't think Connie Francis ever sounded better.”

“One of Connie's best albums. Her vocals are bright, clear and strong. This LP contains many unusual tracks for Connie and the orchestrations are just as unusual. This album highlights Connie's versatility, from ballads to swing, a contrast to what we might usually expect. Connie can do it all, with style and charm.”