Review by Kim Honig

The album Moonglow And Theme From Picnic Rio Batucada by George Cates And His Orchestra George Cates And His Chorus And Orchestra is a delightful collection of instrumental and choral pieces that transport listeners to a bygone era of big band and swing music. The album features Cates' signature lush arrangements and impeccable orchestration, which are brought to life by the talented musicians and vocalists in his ensemble.

The album opens with the romantic and dreamy "Moonglow," a classic tune that showcases Cates' mastery of the big band sound. The track features a beautiful saxophone solo and a soaring chorus that adds a touch of grandeur to the piece. The album continues with the upbeat and lively "Rio Batucada," a Latin-inspired number that showcases Cates' versatility as a composer and arranger. The track features a lively percussion section and a catchy melody that will have listeners tapping their feet along with the beat.

Another highlight of the album is the hauntingly beautiful "Theme From Picnic," a cinematic piece that captures the melancholy and nostalgia of the film it was written for. The track features a stunning string section and a soaring trumpet solo that adds a touch of drama to the piece. The album closes with the lively and upbeat "Tico Tico," a classic Latin tune that showcases Cates' love of dance music. The track features a lively rhythm section and a catchy melody that will have listeners dancing along in no time.

Summary by Kim Honig

Moonglow And Theme From Picnic Rio Batucada is a must-have album for fans of big band and swing music. Cates' masterful arrangements and the talented musicians and vocalists in his ensemble make this album a true gem of the genre.