Act The Scat

Editorial Reviews
About the Artist
It may not be the 1930's, but when Denver and the Mile High Orchestra take the stage, the audience is taken back to a time when big band was in full swing! But this is not just a bunch of kids playing garage rock with horns masquerading as a retro band. This is the real deal—well educated and highly skilled musicians filling the bandstand and delivering a massive sound unlike anything previously recorded in the contemporary Christian music industry.

As a backing musician on reggae artist, Christafari's studio recordings and their "Valley of Decision" tour, Denver realized his calling to pioneer another vintage genre. Denver and his Mile High Orchestra were formed at Belmont University in Nashville, TN (former stomping grounds of the likes of Trisha Yearwood and Steven Curtis Chapman). Although they began during the resurgence of swing, their multi-genre musical presentation exceeds far beyond a mere passing fad. It is contemporary big band music played by a……..BIG band. With a little R&B, a dash of Rockabilly, a touch of Dixieland, and even some Latin influence, this high energy dance band wails syncopated horn lines with complex harmonies and features the essential jazz-rooted element of true improvisation.

This compelling, twelve-member, jazz orchestra is led by a tremendous horn section that can scream notes a mile high. With trumpet in hand, reminiscent of the great Louis Armstrong, Denver sings unadorned vocals, influenced by vintage crooners such as Harry Connick Jr., Brian Setzer, and Frank Sinatra. His music defies standard age demographics reaching both the old and young alike. For some, Denver's sound is a step into the past while for others, it is an introduction to a new musical dimension.

Over the past two years, Denver has created quite a buzz in the industry, playing festivals, showcases and conferences. Performances have included the "Best of the Best Showcase" at the legendary Ryman Auditorium, Billy Graham pre-crusade rallies in Nashville, and performances with Curb recording artist Jonathan Pierce. The band has earned standing ovations and rave reviews for their powerful stage show and profound lyrics. With his freshmen release, "Act the Scat," Plymouth, Indiana native, Denver and his Mile High Orchestra are taking their big band sound a mile high.

Tracks:

Act the Scat
Confrontations
Take You Away
God's Eye View
Corduroy Blues
Spend My Life
Rhythm of My Heart
Heaven Knows
'Til Kingdom Come
Jesus Loogie Boogie
This Side of Town
Chasing the Wind
It Is Well With My Soul
Cantar A Tu Caminar (Act the Scat Spanish Version)

Customer Reviews:

Christian Scat.......2005-10-14

Who would believe it? This is as good as it gets. The music is original, but faithful to the genre and delivers a great message.

This is a must have for musicians...One of a kind!

This CD is 10 stars!.......2003-02-05

These guys are fantastic. I have bought Act the Scat and the new CD Stand. I love them both. D&MHO are live at the historic Paramount Theatre in Anderson, Indiana on March 29, 2003. I cannot wait to see them.

SO AMAZING!.......2003-01-27

I just saw these guys in concert today (01-26) at my church...I was blown away! Not only does Denver have a unique voice for singing...he's an excellent speaker! You just get sucked in to his every word. They looked like they were having so much fun so it made it very fun for me to watch. I heard the cd right after it came out and have been waiting to hear them in person and I finally did. I would recommend this cd to anyone! Finally we get the amazing Big Band sound with an amazing Christian band. I've been waiting for these guys for so long...don't pass this cd up!

Very Moving.......2002-05-23

The music is moving and unique. The lyrics are profound and very inspirational. Denver and the MHO are a one of a kind.

A Jazzy Twist for Christian Music.......2002-05-11

Here is an album that is defiantly one of a kind and worth getting. It has an obvious style of old time swing music, but remains fresh and unique with a Christian message, both attention getting for young and old. I have to say that the lyrics are just as catchy as the group's name. The songs of Confrontations, Spend My Life, God's Eye View and the title track are my favorites. But all tracks are full of wit and originality, which made the CD an instant favorite for me.

Besides the great music, this CD also keeps up with the new generation by having a few extra features. If you have the requirements you can view it on your computer. Bonus materials include a Bible browser, an interview with Denver and extensive history on jazz music. There is a LOT of reading and it's worth a look if you have the time and interest.

To sum it up, the album is pretty jazzy and has real appeal for young adults. I highly recommend it. Denver & The Mile High Orchestra show great promise with this very impressive album, and I bet we will be seeing more like this from them in the future.

Music:

Music

Music