Album Information Section

Album Title: That Sentimental Gentleman

Artist: Tommy Dorsey

Original Release Date: 1957

Label: Collectables

Genres: Jazz, Big Band

Track Listing:

• 1. Introduction: Margie (2:41)
• 2. Hawaiian War Chant (3:24)
• 3. Blues No More (2:53)
• 4. Medley: My Melancholy Baby / Time on My Hands / I Can’t Give You Anything but Love (3:54)
• 5. Zonky (4:52)
• 6. You Can Depend on Me (2:02)
• 7. Yearning (Just for You) (3:22)
• 8. I’ll Take Talullah (3:21)
• 9. Medley: The Eyes and Ears of the World / Just a Melody for a Memory (2:32)
• 10. Hallelujah (3:06)
• 11. I Never Knew (2:32)
• 12. Old Black Joe (2:23)
• 13. Medley: Song of India / Marie (5:01)
• 14. Exactly Like You (4:53)
• 15. And the Angels Sing (2:11)
• 16. How Am I to Know (3:13)
• 17. Heat Wave (2:07)
• 18. Quiet Please (2:15)
• 19. The Song Is You (3:59)
• 20. Daybreak (2:52)
• 21. Mandy (2:29)
• 22. Perfidia (2:34)
• 23. Well, Get It! (2:47)
• 24. Swanee River (3:11)
• 25. Blue Blazes (2:45)

Recording Information

That Sentimental Gentleman was recorded in the early 1950s at the renowned Capitol Studios in Hollywood, California, a location known for its state-of-the-art recording technology. The exact dates of recording remain somewhat ambiguous, but the album was produced to capture the essence of Dorsey’s big band sound during a pivotal time in his career. The production team included notable figures such as producer and arranger Sy Oliver, who played a significant role in shaping the orchestrations that characterize the album.

During the recording sessions, Dorsey and his band utilized advanced microphones and innovative multi-track recording techniques that allowed for a rich, layered sound, essential for big band arrangements. Anecdotes from the studio sessions reveal Dorsey’s meticulous attention to detail and his insistence on perfection, which sometimes led to extended recording periods but ultimately contributed to the album’s polished quality.

Band Context

At the time of the album’s release in 1957, Tommy Dorsey was a well-established figure in the jazz and big band scenes. Known for his smooth trombone playing and as a talented bandleader, Dorsey had experienced both peaks and valleys in his career. The mid-1950s were a time of resurgence for Dorsey, as he had returned to the recording industry after a brief hiatus, revitalizing his band with fresh talent and new arrangements.

The lineup during this recording included accomplished musicians such as Buddy DeFranco on clarinet and the talented vocalists who contributed to the medleys featured on the album. By this time, Dorsey was focusing on blending traditional big band sounds with emerging jazz influences, reflecting a transitional phase in American music. The album came at a time when the popularity of big band music was waning, but Dorsey’s commitment to his craft and innovative arrangements kept his music relevant and engaging for audiences.

Track Commentary

That Sentimental Gentleman features a diverse array of tracks that showcase both the classic big band sound and Dorsey’s innovative approach to jazz. The album opens with the lively “Introduction: Margie,” setting an upbeat tone. Tracks like “Hawaiian War Chant” and “Zonky” further exemplify the band’s ability to blend spirited rhythms with intricate brass arrangements.

The medleys, particularly “My Melancholy Baby / Time on My Hands / I Can’t Give You Anything but Love,” highlight Dorsey’s knack for seamlessly transitioning between songs while maintaining thematic continuity. Each medley serves as a testament to his ability to tell a story through music, showcasing emotional depth and musicality.

Standout tracks like “And the Angels Sing” and “Exactly Like You” have received critical acclaim, and their legacy continues to resonate within the jazz community. “Perfidia,” with its lush orchestrations, remains a favorite among jazz enthusiasts for its romantic themes and melodic beauty. Overall, the album’s reception was positive, with critics praising Dorsey’s enduring talent and the high-quality production that characterized the release.

That Sentimental Gentleman is not just an album; it is a reflection of Tommy Dorsey’s artistic evolution and a celebration of the big band era, capturing the essence of a musical style that has influenced generations of musicians.