Back in the fifties and sixties, Design Records was a subsidiary of Pickwick International. A low budget label, it churned out cheesy corn like, "Polkas For Parties", "99 Men In Brass Play Marches" and "The Fabulous Beats Go Country Style". In 1965, in a rare stroke of hipness, they released this excellent set of spy jazz.
Cashing in on the mid-sixties James Bond/secret agent craze, this album features swinging covers of "Thunderball", "Man From U.N.C.L.E” and the “I Spy Theme”. According to the liner notes (which were not always 100% factual) the album features jazz luminaries J.J Johnson on trombone and Milt Hinton on bass. The arrangements are heavy on brass (with trombone featured on several tracks) and the improvisation is excellent.
What separates the album from many other similar records that were released at this time is the fun factor. This album screams SIXTIES. From the album cover to the arrangements that feature such non-jazz elements as, hippieish flute solos and harpsichord runs. Imagine, a jazz album that doesn’t take itself too seriously. When’s the last time you heard one of those.
Casey Redmond
Casey’s Website
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