Fans who buy this
Johnny Frigo CD expecting to hear some hot swing violin will be surprised.
Frigo spent most of his career (until the mid-'80s) as a studio bassist in Chicago who played jazz now and then. In the early '70s, a dance teacher persuaded
Frigo to record some danceable jazz for his students to learn by. The result was 14 groove tunes that are an R&B-ish and funky brand of jazz.
Frigo is on bass throughout, keeping the rhythms going for a septet of local musicians that includes his son, Rick Frigo, on drums and pianist/organist
Dick Marx. Along with some funky originals are such unexpected tunes as
Buddy Miles' "Do Whatever Sets You Free,"
Isaac Hayes' "Walk From Regios," and a lengthy version of "Them Changes." The music is enjoyable enough; just do not expect it to be swing standards.