JUMP THE CHANNEL-VOLUME ONE.

dereksmusicblog ♦ June 6, 2013 ♦ Leave a comment

JUMP THE CHANNEL-VOLUME ONE.

Ever since the birth of modern music, far too many record companies have been content to churn out numerous generic releases. Often, that’s been their downfall. Whether they released soul, disco, funk, house or hip hop, labels, including innovative labels, have gradually, or even quickly, become stuck in a musical rut. Often, this wasn’t their intention, when they embarked upon their musical adventure. 

In the beginning, they were innovators, who were responsible for creating a genre or scene. Having developed a successful sound, rather than move on, they stuck with what they knew. After all, they were making money with their trademark “house” sound. Others jumped onto the bandwagon, enjoying the easy money. Then, suddenly, the easy money dried up. 

People had tired of the generic music. Now, they were moving onto new musical trends. Suddenly, the label owners wished they hadn’t put all their eggs in the one musical basket. They find themselves wishing they’d kept ahead of the musical curve. If only we’d released a much more eclectic selection of music they weep. This scenario has unfolded several times, including after disco found itself in intensive care. Why label owners don’t learn from musical history seems unfathomable? However, one label that have never bet the house on one musical genre is BBE Music. 

Rather than release just one genre of music, BBE Music have consistently released an eclectic selection of music. They’re released everything from jazz, Latin, soul, hip hop, house, strum and bass and R&B. Now, for BBE Music’s latest musical adventure, we’re heading back to the thirties and the age of swing. Jump The Channel-Volume One which was compiled by two of Europe’s top swing DJs, features twenty-six slices of swing. For hep cats everywhere, then Jump The Channel-Volume One, which is available as a digital download from BBE Music, is essential listening. 

To compile Jump The Channel-Volume One, BBE Music brought together two of Europe’s best swing DJs. Joining JC of Paris, was London’s Jeff “Two Tone” Boogie. They’d been friends for a while, originally having met when they DJ-ed together at the Hep Cats Holiday Weekender. From the friendship, came the idea to compile a compilation of English and French swing, Jump The Channel-Volume One. 

To compile a compilation, you need an expert. In the case of Jump The Channel-Volume One, BBE Music had two experts in JC and Jeff. What these two guys don’t know about swing, isn’t worth knowing. In more innocent times, these guys would be referred to as two of Europe’s top swingers. Sadly, not now. That would result in JC and Jeff making the front page of Britain’s tabloids. Instead, we’ll call them two of Europe’s swing Kings, who were on a mission to compile BBE Music’s first swing compilation. 

Delving into their extensive record collections, JC and Jeff dug deep. They had to find tracks that would appeal to the ever growing Swing Dance scene. However, Jump The Channel-Volume One wasn’t just for dancers. It was to appeal to dancers and listeners alike. That wasn’t going to be easy. It took Jeff and JC countless hours, days and weeks of research. Choosing just thirteen tracks that fitted the remit wasn’t easy. To appeal to both dancers and listeners, that meant sacrificing some classic dance tracks. Eventually, JC and came up with thirteen tracks each. These twenty-six tracks were recorded between the late-thirties and the late-fifties. So whether it’s thirties, forties or fifties swing that’s your guilty pleasure, then there’s plenty for fans of British and French swing to enjoy on Jump The Channel-Volume One.

One potential problem for any compiler is programming a compilation. Here, BBE music have come up with a novel, and simple way to program Jump The Channel-Volume One. What’s they’ve done is put the tracks in alphabetical order. Jump The Channel-Volume One bursts into life with the vintage delights of The Emile Carrara Swing Quartet’s 720 In The Books. This works well. Rather than carefully programmed album of tracks, it’s like the musical equivalent of Forest Gump’s chocolate box. Truly: “you never know what you’re gonna get.” Veering between English and French swing, JC and Jeff combine familiar tracks with hidden treasures. 

During the musical journey that is Jump The Channel-Volume One, we hear Pierre Allier Et Son Orchestre’s sultry take on Begin The Beguin, before the tempo increases with Big Top Boogie, played by Leslie ‘Jiver’ Hutchenson and His Orchestra. As for Phillipe Brun Et Son Orchestre, they’ve taken Harlem Swing almost literally. Even better is Nat Gonella and His Georgians’ delivery of Hep Hep The Jumpin’ Jive. It’s so good, that even someone cursed with two left feet will strive to jive, and join the hep cats and cool kittens. 

Flying the flag for English swing, is Jack Jackson and His Orchestra’s My Heart Jumped Over The Moon. It’s an irresistible slice of vintage swing, that’s reminiscent of another era. Somehow, it’s surpassed by Jack Harris and His Orchestra’s I Wanna Make Rhythm.Along with Harry Parry and His Orchestra’s version of Potomac Swing, they’re among the highlights of Jump The Channel-Volume One. 

Some of the tracks on Jump The Channel-Volume One epitomize an era. They’re a reminder of how very different life was. Tracks like Lew Stone and His Orchestra’s My Wubber Dolly are like snapshots of long-forgotten era. So too is Watch The Birdie, which closes Jump The Channel-Volume One. Played by Hatchett’s Swingtette it’s a nostalgic reminder of much more innocent times were, when swing epitomised and defined an  era.

While much has changed since the music on Jump The Channel-Volume One was recorded, the music has aged well. Indeed, much of the music on Jump The Channel-Volume One can be described as timeless. That’s because JC and Jeff have chosen well. They’ve delved in the furthest corners of their extensive record collection and come up with some swing classics. Whilst other swing compilations focused on dance tracks, Jeff and JC haven’t neglected the listeners. That narrowed their appeal. Jump The Channel-Volume One doesn’t make that mistake. Not at all. 

Instead, Jump The Channel-Volume One is a swing compilation for dancers and listeners alike. This broadens the appeal of Jump The Channel-Volume One, which was released as a digital download by BBE Music. Further broadening the appeal of Jump The Channel-Volume One, is the addition of French swing. That’ll be a welcome addition for veteran swingers weaned on English and American swing. Featuring twenty-six slices of vintage swing, Jump The Channel-Volume One is a welcome addition to BBE Music’s always eclectic back-catalogue. Thankfully, Jump The Channel-Volume One won’t be the last swing compilation BBE Music will be releasing.

Indeed, Jump The Channel-Volume One is the first of several compilations of French and English swing BBE Music will be releasing. That is a tantalizing prospect, especially given the quality of Jump The Channel-Volume One. For anyone interested in swing, whether veterans or newcomers, dancers or listeners, then Jump The Channel-Volume One is essential listening for hep cats and cool kittens everywhere. Standout Tracks: Phillipe Brun Et Son Orchestre Harlem Swing, Jack Harris and His Orchestra I Wanna Make Rhythm, Jack Jackson and His Orchestra My Heart Jumped Over The Moon and Harry Parry and His Orchestra Potomac Swing.

JUMP THE CHANNEL-VOLUME ONE.