Music for dinner by candlelight - swing?

[Blue Velvet]

Hello everybody.
Just like in the topic. I need a piece of advice. I think swing music is exactly what I am looking for. It has to be that kind of elegant, sophisticated music that will fulfill affectionate atmosphere. It has to present only a background so it shouldn't be too brisk. I hope you know what I mean. I need something warm, sexy and tasteful. I tried already few songs of Duke Ellington and Benny Goodman, and it's almost what I'am looking for (especially the second one!), but unfortunatelly most of songs are too fast and brisky (it's like black and white Mickey Mouse dancing ). Could anybody recommend me any performer, album, or songs? I wan't to make this evening unique.
I hope I've choosen right place for my inquiry. If not please tell me where should I search for further information, because I've spent a lot of time already and haven't found much matching things.

[Derek Taylor]

Gene Ammons - Gentle Jug (Prestige), accept no substitute. Perfect for romancing the ladies (or gents depending on your inclination) over candlelight & a homecooked meal.

[Cem]

Grant Greene "Idle Moments" (some fast ones in there, too)
Wayne Horvitz "Sweeter Than The Day"
John Coltrane & Johnny Hartman
Archie Shepp & Horace Parlan "Goin' Home"

[bostontricky]

Maybe I'm a minimalist, but spare me those strings. Ella Fitzgerald - The Intimate Ella is nice, Ella with Paul Smith on piano. But I'm afraid this may be a little off from your original request. Sarah Vaughan's album with Clifford Brown might work. Maybe Sassy Swings the Tivoli?

I like Cem's Coltrane/Johnny Hartman rec.

[Ron Thorne]

Funny, but I don't associate "swing" with "romantic dinner music". I associate slower tempos ... ballads, mostly.

I also like CEM's Coltrane/Hartman suggestion.

Try Bill Evans' Sunday at the Village Vanguard[live] and Waltz for Debby [live].

Jon Lucien's new recording, Live in NYC could work some magic, too.

[Fred K]

Duke Ellington's Indigos is a nice mellow set of ballads.

A lot of Ben Webster would work -- Soulville, Ben Webster Meets Oscar Peterson, Coleman Hawkins Encounters Ben Webster.

Ike Quebec - Blue and Sentimental

[Squaredancecalling Steve]

Given Blue Velvet's original frames of reference -- Ellington and Goodman -- I'm going to back to the 40s with my recommendation: "The Uncollected Claude Thornhill and His Orchestra: 1947," a very elegant sounding late swing band which included Lee Konitz and Red Rodney, with Gil Evans and Gerry Mulligan arranging. The band's ballads -- like "Polka Dots and Moonbeams," "Puttin' and Takin'" and their theme song "Snowfall" -- might be just what you're looking for, B.V. (But keep an ear open for what the band does on "Donna Lee" and "Anthropology," too!)

[Squaredancecalling Steve]

Originally posted by Fred K
Ike Quebec - Blue and Sentimental

Probably more modern than you were looking for, Blue Velvet, but an album you very well might like. Beautiful saxophone ballads.

[John B]

Originally posted by bostontricky

I like Cem's Coltrane/Johnny Hartman rec.

agreed. If you are going to pick one album to start with this should be it.

The Coltrane / Ellington disc is a good one for this sort of mood as well.

[Pete C]

I need more data. It depends on whether this is to accompany a new seduction or ongoing romance.

[Squaredancecalling Steve]

Originally posted by Pete C
I need more data. It depends on whether this is to accompany a new seduction or ongoing romance.

I'd assumed it was a Tupperware Party.

[Blue Velvet]

Originally posted by Pete C
I need more data. It depends on whether this is to accompany a new seduction or ongoing romance.

Well, it's difficult to say.
In the end of June she went to Germany and I went to UK. We had spent two very nice months together. As you can imagine these three months of separation had much influence on our relationship. She comes back next week. I must check out if there is still a fire between us. If not, there is no sense in any dinner and It would be even pathetic. If there hopefully is, than I would like to spread it With this end in view I decided to cook something nice and want to be prepared.
I tried to search for the music you recommend, but unfortunatelly most of it I can't find anywhere. I really like John Coltrane & Johnny Hartman. Smashing! Great thanks!
I found some of Ben Webster and like it as well. In general, I like most of the music you recommended here even though I didn't listen to jazz a lot. It's really warm and relaxing.
Ella Fitzgerald suits such a evening excelent. It's a Magic!
If you have any other ideas, be sure I'am open.
Especially if these ideas apply to other aspects of such a evening, because I don't have any experience about it (I'm 23) (although I realise It's out of topic).
So please guys, If you have some good tips, don't hesitate to disclose it

(btw. I found that kind of jazz interesting in UK, listeningo to it from some old turntables - that was it!)

[Pete C]

Good luck! If it's still there, the music is a minor detail.

[Zephyr]

Whether it's a table for two or an intimate gathering of dear friends, set the mood for love with Robert Hampton's sophisticated renditions of timeless piano standards.


Track Listing:

An Affair to Remember
Someone to Watch Over Me
Someday My Prince Will Come
But Not For Me
Witchcraft
Misty
The Way You Look Tonight
My Romance
It Might As Well Be Spring
In a Sentimental Mood
The Very Thought of You
It Could Happen to You

[Blue Velvet]

Originally posted by Pete C
Good luck! If it's still there, the music is a minor detail.

Thank you. You are absolutely right!
That I can't stop thinking about her and I became to like jazz are two separete things, but these just coincided in one topic.

[Cem]

Originally posted by Blue Velvet
[B]So please guys, If you have some good tips, don't hesitate to disclose it B]

If you really like her, try not to be a Valentino. Follow your instincts, don't overprepare, improvise, be in the moment, have a blast!

[Zephyr]

Try these, very romantic stuff

Skylark - Scott Hamilton

Body and Soul - Monty Alexander

Time for Love - Warren Vache

It Never Entered My Mind - Marian McPartland

Polka Dots and Moonbeams - Frank Capp

[Pete C]

Originally posted by Cem
try not to be a Valentino.

[cookie]

Oh! This thread has developed so beautifully!

First off: Blue Velvet, good luck. The dinner sounds lovely.

Yes, I agree with Trane and Hartman. One of the most romantic albums ever.
Ben Webster is also a winner, IMO
Ella's always wonderful.

Here's my suggestion: I love Sarah Vaughan's "After Hours" with Mundell Lowe on guitar and George Duvivier on bass. This album contains moments of both stellar beauty and swingin' creativity. Because it is drummerless, it has a relaxing and intimate quality. It has been one of my favorite evening picks ever since I discovered it.

I hope your evening is beautiful.

Second on Cookies "Sarah" suggestion. If memory serves, it has Benny Carter's "Key Largo", a super version by Sarah.
Sarah's "Crazy And Mixed UP" album also superb.
Don't neglect some Frank Sinatra either.

[stonemonkts]

Originally posted by Blue Velvet
She comes back next week. I must check out if there is still a fire between us. If not, there is no sense in any dinner and It would be even pathetic. If there hopefully is, than I would like to spread it With this end in view I decided to cook something nice and want to be prepared.

I sure hope you'd still enjoy her company without the "fire". Call me old fashioned, but I think wanting to be with this person and also having the chance at seeing them again would be more than enough of a thrill. Please take no offense by my comment.

However, my recommendation for music would be Wayne Shorter - Speak No Evil, and Miles Davis - E.S.P. (also for Wayne Shorter). It is sensual without being obvious..which I find very cheesy (but that's just me).

Good Luck. I sincerely hope you both enjoy the reunion.