Bob CHESTER & His Orch. – Chester’s Choice

This compilation illustrates the different facets of a popular dance orchestra led by a personable, well-liked and competent musician who seems to have been "happy with his lot" The selection kicks off with the album’s title track, "Chester’s Choice". This fast moving opus, with a hint of "Hawaiian War Chant" and written by arranger Ben Homer, is not typical of the Chester style but it makes a great opener. The instrumental that follows, "Flinging A Wing Ding", has an easier pace and is more like the riff tunes favoured by the band.Several vocalists contribute to the proceedings, starting with Betty Bradley who sings sweetly on "Yes, My Darling Daughter" - there’s that link to Miller again as Glenn had some success with this catchy number. Betty has two other songs later in the disc, while Bill Darnell makes a single appearance with another Forties ‘Pop’, "Dolores", in a nice arrangement. Dolores O’Neill also has four solo features and is at her best on the delicate and charming slow version of "Deep River"; although brief, her vocal is full of sincerity and emotion. Her further ballad work on "Take Care" is notable too, and she shows her versatility on the swinging "Clap Your Hands On The After Beat". Trumpeter Al Stuart joins her to sing "Pushin’ The Conversation Along", a typical boy/girl novelty ditty of the time.

Track Listing

1. CHESTER'S CHOICE
2. FLINGING A WING DING
3. YES, MY DARLING DAUGHTER v. Betty Bradley
4. OLD BLACK JOE
5. DARK EYES
6. DOLORES v. Bill Darnell
7. DEEP RIVER v. Dolores O'Neill
8. AY-AY-AY
9. WITH THE WIND AND THE RAIN IN YOUR HAIR v. Dolores O'Neill
10. FROM MAINE TO CALIFORNIA
11. PUSHIN' THE CONVERSATION ALONG v. Dolores O'Neill & Al Stuart
12. JUST FOR A THRILL v. Kathleen Lane
13. OCTAVE JUMP
14. TAKE CARE v. Dolores O'Neill
15. HARLEM CONFUSION
16. TANNING DR. JEKYLL'S HYDE
17. BEAU NIGHT IN HOTCHKISS CORNERS v. Betty Bradley
18. WHAT TO DO v. Betty Bradley
19. 57th STREET DRAG
20. CLAP YOUR HANDS ON THE AFTER BEAT v. Dolores O'Neill
21. STRICTLY INSTRUMENTAL
22. BUZZ, BUZZ, BUZZ
23. OFF THE RECORD
24. SUNBURST (Theme)