Reviewed by Ian Hayter

The Rory Partin Band is the new name of the Bo Thorpe Orchestra and is, apparently, considered to be one of the best contemporary swing and jazz bands currently performing in the USA. They have performed at six Presidential Inaugural Balls and are much in demand on college campuses and at corporate functions. Vocalist and band leader Partin has a good voice and the band itself plays tightly together, with some good soloists (Cole Burgess on saxes, Jamie Simmons on trumpet and Al Javorcky on trombone). This album contains 10 standards, all ably arranged by Terry Waddell, including "Mack The Knife", "It Had To Be You", "The Way You Look Tonight" and "Luck Be A Lady". There's no explicitly Christian material on the album though Rory is a committed Christian and is the husband of well known CCM artist Jeni Varnadeau. If you enjoy the recordings of Harry Connick Jr and Michel Bublé this is up to that standard while much better than the grisly Robbie Williams big band album.

The opinions expressed in this article are not necessarily those held by Cross Rhythms. Any expressed views were accurate at the time of publishing but may or may not reflect the views of the individuals concerned at a later date.

Interested in reviewing music? Find out more here.