This is a review from ELMORE Magazine's May/June issue.
ELMORE is based in New York - a somewhat "new roots" publication.
As soon as you hear the fluttering trumpets in the opening "Flight of the Foo Birds," you're transported to New York City's 125th Street in
your tux and tails, as John Burnett turns his 18-piece Swing Orchestra into a time machine. Despite being recorded in Berwn, Illinois in
2008, the music of West of State Street/East of Harlem is inspired by the jazz clubs of Manhattan circa 1930.
Burnett used his clout as a radio announcer in Chicago's 90.9 FM WDCB jazz station to assemble an extraordinary ensemble of seasoned big
band veterans, including a special guest, renowned trumpeter Randy Sandke.
Burnett's choices prove impeccable, among them such daunting standards as "A Night of Tunisia," One O'Clock Jump," "Sweet Georgia
Brown" and "April in Paris." Each of the 16 compositions (17 tracks total) was performed with the animated charm and confidence of past
iconic jazz orchestras- led by legends like Count Basie, Glenn Miller and the Duke - and yet they all have a new shine on them. Burnett's
lively arrangements and Robert G. Koester's sparkling production make this live performance seem to have come from a lavish recording
studio. All featured soloists play without pretension, keeping with the context of the composition. Sandke's solos in particular stand
out, best of all on Cole Porter's "Begin the Beguine" and "Love For Sale." West of State Street/East of Harlem impressed
an audience eager to hear a big band swing and swing hard, and if you listen carefully, you can faintly hear the footsteps of the Cotton
Club's cocktail waitresses.
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