Scott Yanow reviewed the latest from the Singapore Slingers back in February but I've been enjoying this album so much I thought I'd give it another pass. Matt Tolentino formed the Slingers in Dallas in 2007, when he was 22, and even though Tolentino now lives in Cincinnati the Slingers still call Dallas home.
For Tolentino the group is his chance to go large and make full use of the charts he loves so much while directing an 18 piece orchestra that even includes a string section. There are only a handful of bands playing in the hot dance band style and directing one is the dream of many creative young leaders. That is no surprise really, this sound dominated record sales of the late 20s and if your entry into early jazz appreciation was through 78s you were more likely to own Smith Ballew records than the coveted sessions by the like's of Morton's Hot Peppers.
The Slingers have produced two albums previously, the most recent, The Frank Skinner Project in 2014, was very impressive. On it the band explores the arrangements of Frank Skinner, a favorite of Tolentino, and we hear a few more Skinner charts on their new one, Light my Way to Love. In addition to original charts and transcriptions the band utilizes original instruments, some with pedigrees they can tie to specific bands like Jimmie's Joys.
After self producing their first two records, for this outing they had the ful
Mary Lou Williams: Profiles in Jazz
Scott Yanow
