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Gadzooks! Are you fond of Tchaikovsky's "Nutcracker" and addicted to big band swing? If so, then The Harlem Nutcracker will immediately transport you to a most excellent and exuberant world for the holidays. David Berger and his 16-piece Sultans of Swing band make familiar Nutcracker themes explode with vitality and originality. This is first-class jazz built upon the sweetest classical foundation.

Although Tchaikovsky, Duke Ellington and Billy Strayhorn are the original architects of this superb music, it is Berger's genius (in collaboration with choreographer Donald Byrd) behind The Harlem Nutcracker, a full-length 2-hour dance piece that expands the original score into an American classic. Outstanding! This is largely instrumental music that is absolutely incandescent with the bright light of 1940s big band sound and hip contemporary swing; every note is joyously irresistible. The longest track is also my favorite. Xmas Be De Place/Sing Out is over eight minutes long, and the second half features the exceptional singing of a small choir (and the marvelous solo bits by Aria Hendricks), and the "Sing Out" refrain had me popping up and down in my chair. The musicianship is first-rate, and the production values are wonderful throughout.

If you favor the flavor of jazzy nutcracker sweets for the holidays, put yourself in the capable hands of David Berger and his Sultans of Swing. You can do no better than this cool-but-smokin' classic, The Harlem Nutcracker.

--Carol Swanson
(Reviewed in 2006)

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From the liner notes:

Music by Duke Ellington, Billy Strayhorn, David Berger
based on themes by Peter Ilyich Tchaikovsky

David Berger, conductor
Reeds: Jerome Richardson (alto/soprano), Jerry Dodgion (alto/clarinet/flute), Bill Easley (tenor, clarinet), Mark Hynes (tenor), Jay Brandford (baritone)
Trumpets: Bob Millikan, Brian Pareschi, Marcus Belgrave, Steven Bernstein
Trombones: Britt Woodman, Art Baron, Wayne Goodman
Piano: Isaac ben Ayala
Bass: Dennis Irwin
Drums: Jimmy Madison
Vocal Soloist: Aria Hendricks

Choir: Maeretha Stewart, Renay Peters, Diva Gray, Hilda Harris, Carline Ray, Althea Rogers, Kenny Williams, Joseph DeVaughn

Executive Producer: David Berger
Producer: Andy Farber
Associate Producer: Joe Muccioli

David Berger and The Sultans of Swing

The Harlem Nutcracker

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Track List