Steve Allen, who was most famous as one of the great standup comedians and talk show hosts, enjoyed writing songs. Of the thousands that he penned, only "It Could Be the Start of Something Big" made it to become a standard. Tom Kubis arranged 36 of Allen's better songs for his big band, recording two CDs of which this was the first one. Kubis' charts always swing and they certainly uplift Allen's obscure songs, giving them plenty of life. With such soloists as trombonists Andy Martin, Charlie Morillas, Alex Iles, and Rich Bullock, trumpeters Ron Stout, Stan Martin, George Graham, and Jeff Bunnell, and Kubis on tenor, flute, and soprano, there are plenty of fine individual moments throughout the spirited set. Steve Allen makes a guest appearance, singing "The Girl Can't Help It." Overall, this CD is one of the strongest recordings of Allen's music. ~ Scott Yanow.
Tracklist:
1.Fast Cars & Fascinating Women
2.Zamba
3.Step This Way, Sir
4.In Memory of Bix
5.The Girl Can't Help It
6.The Bluest Blues
7.I'm Kinda Crazy
8.Bahia Yodel
9.Certain Nights I Have the Blues
10.I'm Gonna Tell
11.Say That Again
12.Samba de Else
13.I've Got to Get Another Baby
14.The 5000th Song
15.Downtown Clown
16.Street Strut
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