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Long before the current swing revival, saxophonist John Firmin was shaping his Johnny Nocturne Band into the classiest, hardest-swinging outfit on the West Coast, "the creme de la creme of contemporary jump / swing bands," according to San Francisco Examiner critic Philip Elwood. Million Dollar Secret is the first Nocturne album to feature the vocals of Kim Nalley, who Elwood calls "the best band singer, any style, I've heard in years." Still in her mid-20s, Nalley evokes the spirit of such singers as Dinah Washington and Helen Humes. Here is timeless music that excites dancers and listeners alike: the hottest little-big-band jazz you're likely to hear.