"Sinatra at The Sands" is nothing short of a swingin' time trip back to the Las Vegas Strip. Joey Jewell's performance is true to the incomparable phrasing and vocal texture of Frank Sinatra and evokes the swaggering spirit of Ol' Blue Eyes and Vegas in their heyday. And Jim Kerl's Swing Session big band has the energy and excitement to keep you going all night, wonderfully smooth and sophisticated arrangements, and the musical chops and passion to play it all.

The show is smart, funny, and a wonderful tribute to the lost art of livin' it up. You'll feel like you're in "The Big Room" at the Sands and life is good.

Dan Murphy
Operations Manager
KIXI Radio

Gene Stout, Music Critic, The Seattle Post Intelligencer

If you are looking for a swinging eveining, look no further than Sinatra at the Sands. Joey Jewell and Jim Kerl's Swing Session big band will entertain folks of all ages in this incredible Sinatra tribute.

Scott Giampino
Talent Buyer, The Triple Door

I am writing to you to express the unadulterated joy I experienced at the Swing Session Big Band performance at Harbor Ridge Middle School in early November, 2007. I attended the fundraiser in support of the HRMS band program with my wife.

Both of us were quite impressed with the high quality of the music and the remarkable versatility of the lead singer (Joey Jewell). Having lived in Las Vegas, Nevada for 32 years, we had many opportunities to attend various lounge performances by musical groups; I assure you the Jim Kerl Swing Session Big Band was superior to any similar performance we have ever seen. I was particularly impressed with the wide-range of songs performed as well as the sheer joy that was evident on everyone's face as they performed.

After the concert ended, the entire audience was ecstatic and uplifted. I hope we get the chance to witness a future performance of this remarkable group of musicians.

Sincerely,

Mike W
Tacoma, WA

M. Peterson
Plymouth Poultry .......................... December 5, 2008

To the average listener, there are basically three kinds of big bands: those that are as good as advertised, those that aren’t, and those that are much better than expected. Trumpeter Jim Kerl’s Swing Session Big Band definitely belongs in the last category.

The reasons are clear. First, the musicianship on the band’s inaugural album, With Thanks to my Friends, is beyond reproach; second, the charts, more than half of which were written by the incomparable Tom Kubis, are excellent; third, the solos, even though relatively concise, are invariably admirable; and fourth, the band lives up to its name by producing a session that really does swing.

Jack Bowers, All About Jazz

Click here to read the full review

Bill Gibson

Northwest Music & Recording

Hi Jim,
I'm playing your cd as I type this message. I really love your music!! My big band collection numbers in the area of 2000 cds and I have to put yours near the top of my favorites. Your swinging band section work as well as the solos are superb!!! I'm only sorry that the recording isn't longer than the 39:02 minutes. Hopefully, you will give us more of your great sounds on a new cd that is longer in duration. This isn't necessarily a negative, but merely a desire to hear More of your band and of you. Thanks for the sounds and I'm looking forward to hearing more. Be well, safe and keep swinging.

Len from New Jersey

Tom from Chicago.