The first Kings of Swing CD has just been released. The recording features some of Canada's finest musicians including THE GALAXY ALL-STAR ORCHESTRA directed by EDDIE GRAF and ROSS WOOLDRIDGE plus vocalists MATT DUSK, ROBIN LEA, LENNY GRAF, RUSS LITTLE and the three 'Sisters of Swing' ...Marsha, Melissa and Wendy Irvine...THE MOONGLOWS.

The Galaxy All-Star Orchestra has performed together since early 1998 when the band was formed for a series of shows in the historic Palais Royale Ballroom located at Sunnyside in Toronto. This highly acclaimed 14-member orchestra, the star element of the Kings of Swing Big Band Show, has performed in major theatres including the Elgin Winter Garden Theatre, St Lawrence Centre for the Performing Arts, Ford Centre for the Arts and is soon will be seen in the Living Arts Centre in Mississauga, Brantford's Sanderson Centre, The Oakville Centre for the Performing Arts plus other venues in southern Ontario. The CD, recorded this April at Toronto's Cherry Beach Sound studio contains music selections from the Kings of Swing stage production.

The performances on this CD certainly deserve praise and applause. Beginning with the infectious beat of Sing, Sing, Sing, the dynamic synergy and tightness (a result of talent, rehearsal and devotion), of the Galaxy All-Star Orchestra is clearly evident. Beyond that, numerous individual performances leap out for sheer perfection. Eddie Graf, Canada's foremost Big Band arranger, puts forth a sensational clarinet solo on Cole Porter's Begin the Beguine; Ross Wooldridge, co-music director, displays amazing clarinet dexterity on Artie Shaw's band-testing arrangement of Carioca and, along with Dave Caldwell on alto sax, a stellar show-stopping effort on Goodman's opening theme Let's Dance; Lauri Bower, acknowledged master of the trombone, shines on Tommy Dorsey's signature song I'm Getting Sentimental Over You; and Russ Little's rare vocal performance mixed with his jazzy bone improvisation produces an enjoyable Marie which also highlights the expertise of Steve Crowe on trumpet and Dan Bone on tenor sax.

This CD also showcases the exceptional ability and special personality of each vocalist. Rising-star Matt Dusk infuses Sinatra standards All Or Nothing At All and Ruth Lowe's I'll Never Smile Again with a youthful energy and modern appeal; Robin Lea, hailed as Canada's best Big Band vocalist, sparkles on Harry James' I've Heard That Song Before; while The Moonglows demonstrate an amazing blend of vocal skills and perfect harmony that perhaps only sisters can realize, on Bei Mir Bist Du Schon and Dorsey's Sunnyside of the Street.

We believe you will find that the Kings of Swing CD is one of all-round excellence: outstanding musicianship, well-balanced selections both instrumental and vocal, high quality digital recording and most importantly...musically entertaining. When you play this CD sit back...listen...and be ready for the best Big Band recording since the Swing Era.

Price for the tribute to the Kings of Swing CD Volume One is $20.00 plus $3.00 per CD to cover tax, shipping and handling. Please complete and mail the following .