Great Songs of the Swing Era

Editorial Reviews
Orange County Register, Friday, August 13, 1999
"In 1989, I sold short," Mike McCaffrey sings here in a clever update of Ira Gershwin's "I Can't Get Started" lyrics. But don't do the same thing with this fine homegrown CD. The generous 15-tune collection showcases McCaffrey of Laguna Beach, California, a well-known corporate motivational speaker with an equal passion for music, and pianist Page Cavanaugh, one of the most enduring figures in swing and jazz (with Phil Mallory and Warren Nelson). Imagine a cross between Tony Bennett and Bobby Short and you've basically got the warm, highly lyrical style of McCaffrey. "Oh Lady Be Good" has a nice, jaunty feel, with McCaffrey footloose and fancy-free, also offering one of Cavanaugh's most two-fisted solos. A classic torcher like "When Your Lover Has Gone" is a perfect match for the principals--McCaffrey is plenty earthy and Cavanaugh most sensitive in his accompaniment. Relaxed and fun and romantic enough for anyone.

From the Label
The label art design is an attempt to capture the feeling of the music of the 1930's and 1940's. "I think we succeeded at that," says Mike McCaffrey, Executive Producer and Owner of the label and The Swing Era Music Company. The Producer is Phil Mallory, Engineer Bob Schreiner (Westward Recorders), Photographer Don Johnston and CD Layout Designer Toni Scott.

Album Description
In the 1960's, the hot new piano man was Page Cavanaugh and his trio, appearing at the Captain's Table on La Cienega's Restaurant Row in Los Angeles, California. Mike McCaffrey, college student, discovered this and became a fan and friend of Page's. Thirty-five years elapsed as these two went about their respective careers: Page performing; Mike working and raising a family. When The Page Cavanaugh Trio recently appeared in concert in Orange County, California, the two reacquainted and this started a renewed friendship, with Page generously offering to coach Mike at the piano. Inevitably, Mike would sing a few bars during these sessions and what evolved was this CD. They both liked the same music and each admired the other's talent. So here's to renewed friendships and a salute to the resurgence of the music of the "Great Songs of the Swing Era."

Great Songs of the Swing Era

Tracks:

Nice Work If You Can Get It- G.Gershwin & Ira Gershwin
I Can't Get Started- Ira Gershwin & Vernon Duke
Oh Lady Be Good-G. Gershwin & Ira Gershwin
When Your Lover Has Gone - Einer Swan
The Way You Look Tonight- J. Kern & D. Fields
Brazil- Bob Russel & M. Ary Barroso
I Could Write A Book - R. Rogers & L. Hart
Mood Indigo - Duke Ellington, Barney Bigard & Irving Mills
At Long Last Love - Cole Porter
Taking A Chance At Love - Vernon Duke, J. Latouche & Ted Fetter
Ain't Misbehavin' - T. Fats Waller, Harry Brooks & W. Andy Razaf
You Do Something To Me - Cole Porter
You Brought A New Kind Of Love To Me - Sammy Fain, Irving Kahal & Piere Norman
Liza - G .Gershwin, Ira Gershwin & Gus Kahn
Don't Get Around Much Anymore - Duke Ellington & Bob Russell

Album Description

In the 1960's, the hot new piano man was Page Cavanaugh and his trio, appearing at the Captain's Table on La Cienega's Restaurant Row in Los Angeles, California. Mike McCaffrey, college student, discovered this and became a fan and friend of Page's. Thirty-five years elapsed as these two went about their respective careers: Page performing; Mike working and raising a family. When The Page Cavanaugh Trio recently appeared in concert in Orange County, California, the two reacquainted and this started a renewed friendship, with Page generously offering to coach Mike at the piano. Inevitably, Mike would sing a few bars during these sessions and what evolved was this CD. They both liked the same music and each admired the other's talent. So here's to renewed friendships and a salute to the resurgence of the music of the "Great Songs of the Swing Era."

Customer Reviews:

This cd brings back a lot of happy memories.......2001-12-23

This cd has sure brought a lot of smiles to me. It reminds me of happy times when life was a lot slower and the times were a lot more enjoyable. It makes me want to go back to the past.

I had heard of Page C. over the years, but had never had the opportunity to hear him play. Well what a pleasent surprise he has been. He and his trio play in a very exciting and entertaining manner. They are very laid back with their approch to music. Their repertoire is a good one that most people will know and enjoy.

Before this cd I had never hear of vocalist Mike McCaffrey, but since hearing him on this cd, I have become a fan of his. I do wish he and Page would do a sequel to this cd. I think they are perfect fit together.

If you would like to dream a little, this cd will help you do just that very thing. If you like being happy this cd will help along these lines too.

Recommendation: I would like to strongly recommend this cd.

memories.......2000-06-22

this is mike's grandson and wife. This is an excellent and historical CD. it is a milestone in the jazz genre and includes great substance. mike has a remarkable and memorable voice. as a matter of fact, speaking of memories, it brings back many memories for his wife. this CD will be remembered for years to come in the minds of everyone, from jazz purist to rappers. it is inspiring. it is powerful. we love this CD!

Music:

Music

Music