VISIT JERRY'S SITE ONLINE TO HEAR SAMPLES OF HIS BIG BAND SOUND !!

www.jerrydrake.com

If you love the big band sound you'll be pleased with Jerry's Cds. They sing with the sound of experience. You can feel yourself transported back to the nostalgic time of the big bands. He features three CDs with different themes. I personally like "A Tribute to the Big Bands" best. "Doin' the Savoy" is a classic sounding piece which was featured in the movie "Pursuit of Happiness" starring Frank Whaley and Annabeth Gish. Also starring Jean Stapleton ( Edith Bunker-All in the Family) and Amy Jo Johnson (Julie Emrick-Felicity). Check it out online... http://www.pofhthemovie.com/
I think Jerry excells at his big band sound. He's been at it for years and has the education to handle the logistics of scoring the big band sound. I occasionally thought I heard some tuning problems, but sometimes a dissonant horn sound is essential for the big room sound. The only song on "A Tribute to the Big Bands" CD that I didn't care for was the last one "The New Boogie Woogie". I'm not saying it was bad, I just thought the tempo was a bit slow and I thought it had some timing problems. He did a great job overall and brought his particular brand of zest to it anyway.
"Latin Latitudes" was a little more problematic for me. The first cut "Samba Dance " is a winner, but the only tune I was taken by. Dont misinterpet me, the Jerry signature is alive and well on his perky arrangements. I just don't think the spanish works on cut #2 , "Cha Cha School". I think foreign language should only be done by someone from whichever country it happens to be. I enjoyed cuts #3 and #4 moderately, but not the last two.
His 3rd CD,"Songs From My Heart" is such a personal CD that I can't find anything negative to say about it. I didnt grow up in the era of the big bands but I've watched enough television to be familiar with the genre. I find them so corny at times, but good corny ! "Googie and Scogie" is deliciously corny ! I applaud Jerry for his unashamed innocence transferred to his music. I appreciate his 60s style on "Oh Girl", the 3rd cut. Jerry touches the heart and soul with his "To Be a Fireman". He winds up the Cd nicely with his love for "The Greatest Generation". I particularly liked the first cut "Island Breeze". Jerry Drake somehow managed to put his best foot forward on each of his Cds. The best tunes, or at least the ones I liked best, were the number one song on each Cd. I found myself loving these Cds when I had them traveling along in the backround as I worked in my studio. Like my own music, and many others, if I dont lend a critical ear to what's going on technically and just let them flow into my soul, I am seldom disappointed. I think Jerry's Cds have a unique and special touch that is a rare thing in these fast-paced rock oriented times. Bravo Jerry ! keep 'em coming !

reviewed by Jim Anderson November 15th 2005