LINER NOTES:
This album was recorded in person, over two days in November 2020, and it represents the only time the seven of us made music together in 15 months of lockdown. But rather than mourning that fact, I’m really just amazed we managed to make it happen at all.
Like a lot of musicians I know, I tried to make the best of finding myself with “all the time in the world”, so to speak, and invest time into my craft, especially at first. I went through periods of focus and creativity, writing new tunes and practicing furiously, but usually fell back into being unmotivated or too overwhelmed.
It seemed audacious, but by September, it became clear that it would be reasonably safe to come together to record in person, provided testing and masking protocols, and a really big room. We chose historic Studio 1 at EastWest Studios, and booked dates in November. Planning the album helped provide a sense of purpose that I had been lacking. While those spurts of creativity may not have been consistent or sustainable, they did result in writing four new tunes that made their way on to this album.
During the sessions, it felt revelatory to make music again. At times, I closed my eyes and tried to savor the feeling, because I knew it wouldn’t last. It was lucky that we got those sessions in while we could, because immediately afterward, conditions here quickly degraded to their worst points of the pandemic.
Since those darkest winter days, the Spring and Summer have returned hope here in Los Angeles, if incrementally and haltingly. Vaccines have made it possible for many of us to finally hug our family and friends again, and start planning again for the future, even while we acknowledge that many of our friends around the world haven’t yet had the opportunity to get vaccinated.
Until we meet again, I’m proud to offer this album of Swing music improbably made in the middle of a Pandemic. While it may have been the only time the seven of us made music together in all those months of isolation, I’m immensely grateful we had the opportunity at all, and that we can share the result with you all.
- Jonathan Stout
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Jonathan Stout and his Campus Five, featuring Hilary Alexander is the nation’s premier swing dance band. Showcasing the small-group sound of the late 1930’s and early 1940’s, the Campus Five is the most danceable swing band anywhere. The 7-piece Campus Five captures the true sound of the Swing-era, with all the energy and excitement that inspired millions to dance. Influences include the Benny Goodman Sextet, Artie Shaw's Grammercy Five, Count Basie's Kansas City Six, and the Harlem-based small groups of Illinois Jacquet, Cootie Williams, Coleman Hawkins, and Hot Lips Page.
Both founders (Hilary and Jonathan) have been dedicated Swing dancers for over 20 years, and the relationship between Swing music and Swing dance informs all aspects of the Campus Five. Song selection, tempo, song length and feel are all chosen with danceability in mind. The Campus Five’s albums are favorites of Swing DJs and Swing Dance Instructors all over the globe. The Campus Five have been featured at many of the premier Swing dance events around the world, and are known for their unparalleled competition music, which inspires dancers to new heights.
The Campus Five has been featured on ABC's "The Bachelorette" (2016), and on Warner Brothers TV's "Ellen" (2004).
Here’s a partial list of the swing dance events the Campus Five have been featured at around the world:
Frankie 95 (NYC)
Camp Hollywood / National Jitterbug Championship (Los Angeles)
International Lindy Hop Championships (Washington, DC)
Lindy Focus (Asheville, NC)
Lindy Blossom Weekend (Seoul, S. Korea)
London Balboa Festival (London, UK)
Great Southwest Lindyfest (Houston)
Camp Jitterbug (Seattle)
Inspiration Weekend (Orange, CA)
All Balboa Weekend (Cleveland)
Beantown Swing Camp (Boston)
DCLX (Washington, DC)
Stompology (Rochester, NY)
Rocky Mountain Balboa Blowout (Denver)
credits
released June 4, 2021
Jonathan Stout, guitar
Hilary Alexander, vocals
Albert Alva, tenor sax
Jim Ziegler, trumpet and vocals
Christopher Dawson, piano
Wally Hersom, bass
Josh Collazo, drums
All arrangements by Jonathan Stout, except “Doggin’ Around” arranged by Albert Alva, and “Goodnight My Love” arranged by Dan Barrett
Recorded by Keith Munson at EastWest Studios, Hollywood, CA
Mixed, Edited, and Mastered by Wally Hersom at Wallyphonic, Pasadena, CA
Additional audio editing by Josh Collazo
Produced by Jonathan Stout and Hilary Alexander
Album Design: Chris Wilkinson
Jonathan Stout and his Campus FiveLos Angeles, California
Jonathan Stout and his Campus Five, featuring Hilary Alexander is one of the world's premier swing dance bands. Showcasing
the small-group sound of the late 1930’s and early 1940’s, the Campus Five is the most danceable swing band anywhere. The 7-piece Campus Five captures the true sound of the Swing-era, with all the energy and excitement that inspired millions to dance....more
Just 1 of 4 quarantine EP's recorded by one of our dearest friends and collaborators, Michael Gamble, and this one features Jonathan, Josh Collazo and Chris Dawson. Jonathan Stout and his Campus Five
Jonathan's Solo Guitar CD: 15 tracks of 1930's-style chord-melody Swing guitar, ala Allan Reuss, Frank Victor, Carl Kress and Roy Smeck Jonathan Stout and his Campus Five
supported by 136 fans who also own “Hummin' to Myself”
The laid-back groove of the Brooks Prumo Orchestra hits the sweet spot. This is fine swing without any try-hard hype. The studio mix is balanced, and it hops and slides like music should (unlike some other contemporary jazz). "Out of Nowhere" is outstanding: inspired arrangement, knockout playing, genuine emotion. The vocal numbers get better with every listen, and "Blue Lester" has about it a certain sunburn-on-your-skin mint julep nighttime ease. jakespatz