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It don't mean a thing

from Mon amour by Benoit Viellefon & His Orchestra

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    In the early 2000s, the swinging music of the 1920s, 1930s and 1940’s was not considered fashionable and was all but forgotten by record companies and the world of show business.

    Since then, away from commercial music, from the fakery and manufactured artists of contemporary pop music, a revival has taken place across the world. The music, fashion, dance steps and lifestyle of this bygone era have captured the imagination of a new generation searching for a real experience. Retro clubs, period dance events, vintage fashion and swing music has spread just about everywhere in Europe and the USA and, it is no exaggeration to say that at the heart of the London revival scene is Benoit Viellefon & His Orchestra. And their growing fan base demonstrates time-and-time-again the public’s love for this music and lifestyle.

    Presently, after five years and over 600 concerts, Benoit Viellefon & his Orchestra are proud to present their landmark album Mon Amour. The album was recorded in January 2014 by extraordinary sound engineer Nick Taylor, at London's Porcupine Studios, a family run studio that has been a second home to successive generations of legendary British jazz artists since the early 1960s. Featuring a selection of tunes from the 1920s to the early 1950s, specifically the songbooks of the USA, England, and France, the album is an exciting look at the music of a time when dancing and entertainment were key, arguably show-business’ golden era!

    At the core of the album is the admirable rhythm section of drummer Gaspar Sena, bassist Geoffrey Threadgold and pianist Joe Webb, never failing to provide the swinging beat that drives the music and gets people moving on the dance floor. With the assistance of Sena, Webb worked tirelessly orchestrating the music. Brought together tastefully and stylishly, the arrangements are the Orchestra’s chance to put their stamp on the history of this music. Executing the horn arrangements and weighing in with inventive and swinging solos are the horn section. Talented reedsman Dave Shulman and trumpeter Pete Horsfall are founding members of the Orchestra. Their contribution is complemented by the tenor saxophone work of Duncan Hemstock and the tight section playing of saxophonist Fraser Smith and trumpeter Evan Clegg.

    Captured perfectly on the album are Benoit’s charm and personality, facets that tie the band together and give them a unique identity. In addition to contributing three original compositions, he provides both the quirky lead vocals (complete with French accent) and stomping rhythm guitar throughout. Making their debut with the Orchestra are Gabrielle Ducomble, an outstanding vocalist from Belgium now working in London, and talented actress and singer, Anna Tyrie. Their valuable contributions take the form of three duets with Benoit; title track Mon Amour sung in French by Gabrielle, the classic Cheek to Cheek, and original composition It Ain’t Me both sung by Anna. Not to mention their silky harmonies on Pennies From Heaven.

    Benoit Viellefon & his Orchestra have been fiercely independent in performing, producing and financing their own music. Wherever they play, they never falter in their endeavour to entertain their many audiences and to conquer each and every one of their hearts.

    Includes unlimited streaming of Mon amour via the free Bandcamp app, plus high-quality download in MP3, FLAC and more.
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    Includes unlimited streaming via the free Bandcamp app, plus high-quality downloads of London Paris, Paris London, Caught on film (Live at Oriole), Swing a la mode, (CD only!) Paris 19:36 - London 20:16, Out with the wrong women, Mon amour, Live at the Quecumbar, and 1 more. , and , .

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lyrics

----------------------------------------------------------------------------
IT DON'T MEAN A THING IF IT AI'NT GOT THAT SWING - LYRICS
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Music by Duke Ellington, lyrics by Irvin Mills
Published 1931


It don't mean a thing, if it ain't got that swing
(doo wap…)
It don't mean a thing all you got to do is sing
(doo wap…)

It makes no difference
If it's sweet or hot
Just give that rhythm
Everything you've got

It don't mean a thing, if it ain't got that swing
(doo wap…)
It don't mean a thing all you got to do is sing
(doo wap…)It makes no difference

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ABOUT THIS TRACK
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"It Don't Mean a Thing (If It Ain't Got That Swing)" is a 1931 composition by Duke Ellington with lyrics by Irving Mills. It is now accepted as a jazz standard, and jazz historian Gunther Schuller characterized it as "now legendary" and "a prophetic piece and a prophetic title". In 2008, Ellington's 1932 recording of the song was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame.

The music was composed and arranged by Ellington in August 1931 during intermissions at the Lincoln Tavern in Chicago; the lyrics were contributed by Irving Mills. According to Ellington, the song's title was the credo of trumpeter Bubber Miley, who was dying of tuberculosis at the time; Miley died the year the song was released.

The song was first recorded by Ellington and his orchestra for Brunswick Records on February 2, 1932. Ivie Anderson sang the vocal and trombonist Joe Nanton and alto saxophonist Johnny Hodges played the solos. In later performances, trumpeter Ray Nance often sang the vocal.

The song became famous, Ellington wrote, "as the expression of a sentiment which prevailed among jazz musicians at the time." It contains one of the earliest uses in popular music of the term "swing".

credits

from Mon amour, released June 14, 2014
Recorded in 3 days in the spring of 2014 at Porcupine Studio London.
Engineer by Nick Taylor.
Produced by Benoit Viellefon & Nick Taylor.

Benoit Viellefon - Lead Vocals & guitars
Joe Webb - Piano
Geoff Threadgold - Double bass
Gaspar Sena - drums & backing vocals
Dave Shulman - Alto saxophone, clarinet, backing vocals
Duncan Hemstock - Tenor saxophone, backing vocals
Peter Horsfall - 1st trumpet, backing vocals
Evan Clegg - 2nd trumpet
Gabrielle Ducomble - Lead and backing vocals

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Benoit Viellefon London, UK

Benoit Viellefon is a French singer and guitarist established in the UK. Specialised in 1920's 1930's and 1940's music, Benoit is resident at Ronnie Scotts and other famous clubs. Benoit appears in many Hollywood films, TV and radio productions, festivals, and performed for VIP such as Madonna, the Queen, or the Kremlin. He often tours with his 3 bands: The Orchestra, the Hot Club, the trio. ... more

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