SwingDJs

zipthebird wrote:I love Dark Eyes.

The other thread reminded me how much I love this song. I like the Slam Stewart, Fats Waller, Jack Teagarden and Erroll Garner versions. Also love the Wingy Manone "Ochi Chornya" version.

What else is out there worth getting?

Easy one. Twin Cities Hot Club, from their self-titled CD. First version I ever heard, and still my favorite. Clocks in right around 210 BPM, until the last 20 seconds or so when it builds up to 290.

http://www.twincitieshotclub.com/

Brent

Krupa Trio with Charlie Ventura had a hit on this in '45.

You need to see the Benny Goodman film HOLLYWOOD HOTEL. The Raymond Paige orchestra plays a 5 minute version of this with seemingly every known musical instrument ever invented - and a colossal vocal chorus. Even tosses in a section of marimbas. Stunning in some manner.

I don't have it (yet), but I know of a sweet version by Gunhild Carling.

The Gypsy Strings of Detroit has a live version of Dark Eyes on their first disc, "Jazz Le Hot." On their second outing, "Blue Drag," they play a studio version. Both of them melt my face off... of course, hearing them play it live in person is the best, haha.

Actually, get the Twin Cities Hot Club DVD "Live At The Times" if you want to hear them playing Dark Eyes even better. They'd been together longer at that point and even threw in a great trick.

I think Don Byas has a decent version.