Album Information Section

Album Title: That Sentimental Gentleman

Artist: Tommy Dorsey

Original Release Date: 1957

Label: Collectables

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 primarily at the RCA Victor Studio in New York City, a hub for many legendary recordings during the mid-20th century. The specific recording sessions took place in the late 1950s, capturing the essence of big band jazz during its transitional phase. The album was produced by the renowned Billy May, known for his innovative arrangements and orchestration, while the engineering was managed by the skilled hands at RCA, who utilized state-of-the-art recording techniques of the time.

One notable aspect of the album’s production is the use of a large ensemble of musicians, which was characteristic of Dorsey’s style. The arrangements often featured lush horn sections and intricate harmonies, showcasing the big band sound that Dorsey was famous for. Anecdotes from the recording sessions mention how Dorsey often encouraged improvisation among the musicians, creating a lively and spontaneous atmosphere in the studio.

Band Context

By the time of the album’s release in 1957, Tommy Dorsey had already established himself as a leading figure in the world of jazz and big band music. Known for his smooth trombone playing and charismatic leadership, Dorsey had seen various phases in his career, from his early successes in the 1930s to the formation of his own band in the late 1940s. The 1950s marked a period of resurgence for Dorsey, who was striving to adapt to the changing musical landscape as rock and roll began to emerge.

During the recording of That Sentimental Gentleman, the lineup included some of the industry’s most talented musicians, such as saxophonist Budd Johnson and trumpeter Edythe Wright. The band had recently undergone some changes in personnel, which brought fresh energy and ideas to their performances. Dorsey was keen to incorporate contemporary trends while preserving the essence of the big band sound that had defined his career.

Track Commentary

The album features a diverse array of tracks that showcase both Dorsey’s musical versatility and the richness of the big band genre. The opening track, “Introduction: Margie,” sets a nostalgic tone, leading into the lively “Hawaiian War Chant,” which highlights the band’s rhythmic prowess. The medleys throughout the album, particularly the one combining “My Melancholy Baby,” “Time on My Hands,” and “I Can’t Give You Anything but Love,” reflect Dorsey’s ability to weave together different musical ideas seamlessly.

Ballads such as “You Can Depend on Me” and “Yearning (Just for You)” reveal the emotional depth of Dorsey’s music, while tracks like “Zonky” and “Heat Wave” display a playful energy that invites listeners to tap their feet. Noteworthy is “And the Angels Sing,” a classic that has been interpreted by many artists over the years, further cementing its status within the jazz canon.

The critical reception of That Sentimental Gentleman was generally positive, with particular praise for the album’s production quality and the tight arrangements. While it may not have reached the commercial heights of some of Dorsey’s earlier works, the album has since gained recognition for its rich musicality and historical significance within the big band repertoire. Overall, the album exemplifies Tommy Dorsey’s legacy as one of the great bandleaders and musicians of his time.