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Critic's Review
Scott Yanow, All Music Guide
This excellent sampler CD (which does not duplicate the other Stan Hasselgård sets on Dragon) features the brilliant but ill-fated bop clarinetist on a variety of rare performances. The first dozen numbers were recorded in Sweden during 1945-47 (all but three are from 1947) and they trace Hasselgård's development from a Benny Goodman-influenced swing player to one open to the innovations of bop; trombonist Tyree Glenn is a guest on "Sweet Lorraine." The final ten selections are from Hasselgård's year in the U.S. including some songs from his own combos, a meeting with vibraphonist Red Norvo on "Who's Sleeps," four live selections taken from Hasselgård's brief period with Benny Goodman's Septet (a two-clarinet group that also included tenor saxophonist Wardell Gray) and a V-disc recording of "Cottontop." This enjoyable release is highly recommended to bop collectors who may not be aware of Stan Hasselgård's talents.
