The Spitfire Band - Swings Down Broadway

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Review by Thierry Piguet

Swings Down Broadway by The Spitfire Band: A Timeless Swing Revival Released in 1986, Swings Down Broadway by The Spitfire Band is a gem of Canadian jazz that brings the golden era of swing roaring back to life. Backed by Attic Records and masterfully produced by Jackie Rae, this album doesn’t just pay homage to the classics—it reinvents them with a fresh energy that still feels relevant today. With Micky Erbe’s tight arrangements and Hayward Parrott’s clean engineering, it’s no wonder this record has stuck around in the hearts of jazz enthusiasts. The album dives deep into some of Broadway’s most iconic tunes, but two tracks really stand out for me: “Put On A Happy Face” and “What Kind Of Fool Am I.” “Put On A Happy Face” kicks things off with an infectious groove that grabs you right away. The Spitfire Band takes this tune—a standard if there ever was one—and gives it a jolt of electricity. It’s upbeat without being overbearing, and the brass section shines like crazy here. You can almost picture yourself strolling down a bustling street in Montreal (or maybe New York) while humming along. There’s something about how they balance precision with playfulness that makes it impossible not to smile. Honestly, I’ve caught myself whistling this one more times than I care to admit. Then there’s “What Kind Of Fool Am I,” which flips the vibe entirely. This track slows things down and lets the band flex its emotional muscles. The vocals are heartfelt, though slightly rough around the edges—which works perfectly for the song’s introspective tone. It’s the kind of performance that reminds you why these songs became standards in the first place. Listening to it feels like sitting alone in a dimly lit club, nursing a drink and letting the music wash over you. For a moment, everything else fades away. Of course, the rest of the album delivers too—tracks like “Just In Time” and “Hey There” keep the momentum going strong. But what makes Swings Down Broadway special isn’t just its tracklist; it’s how The Spitfire Band breathes new life into familiar melodies. They don’t just play the notes—they tell stories. Looking back, it’s kinda wild to think this came out in ’86. While everyone else was busy jamming to synth-heavy pop hits, here was a group from Canada reviving swing with authenticity and flair. Maybe that’s why it feels so refreshing now. Or maybe it’s just proof that great music doesn’t need gimmicks to stand the test of time. Either way, Swings Down Broadway deserves a spot in any jazz lover’s collection. And hey, if nothing else, it’ll give you a reason to dust off your dancing shoes—or at least tap your feet under your desk.

Download The Spitfire Band - Swings Down Broadway
Artist: The Spitfire Band
Album: Swings Down Broadway
Rating: 5.0

Table of Contents

Download

Filename: the-spitfire-band-swings-down-broadway.zip
  • MP3 size: 41 mb
  • FLAC size: 551 mb

Tracks

TrackDurationPreview
Baubles Bangles And Beads3:02
Strike Up The Band2:45
One3:03
Swonderful2:59
If I Were A Bell3:41
What Kind Of Fool Am I3:55
Just In Time2:36
But Not For Me2:46
Put On A Happy Face3:17
Hey There5:54

Images

ladda ner album The Spitfire Band - Swings Down Broadway

Catalog Numbers

LAT 1230

Labels

Attic

Listen online

  • online luisteren
  • ouvir online
  • écouter en ligne
  • ascolta in linea
  • online anhören
  • escuchar en línea
  • kuunnella verkossa
  • lyssna på nätet
  • lytte på nettet

Formats

  • Vinyl
  • LP

Credits

RoleCredit
Arranged ByMicky Erbe
EngineerHayward parrott
ProducerJackie Rae

About The Spitfire Band

Toronto dance band, formed in 1981 as a studio orchestra by singer , with the trumpeter as music director and arranger and the trombonist as vocal arranger.

Name Vars

  • Spitfire Band

Members

  • Jackie Rae
  • John MacLeod

Interesting fact about Album

Here’s something cool: The album *Swings Down Broadway* by The Spitfire Band is a hidden gem from 1986. It’s packed with jazzed-up versions of classic Broadway tunes. Micky Erbe arranged the whole thing, giving it that smooth swing vibe. Fun fact—this Canadian release was produced by Jackie Rae and engineered by Hayward Parrott. Tracks like "Put On A Happy Face" and "Just In Time" got a fresh, jazzy twist. If you’re into Swing, this one’s worth checking out!