Best of the Big Bands
Artist: The Dorsey Brothers

The Dorsey Brothers Orchestra was actually just a series of studio groups until Jimmy And Tommy decided to hit the road in 1934. This strong jazz-oriented CD covering the 1932-34 period actually finds the exciting trumpeter Bunny Berigan consistently stealing solo honors. Highlights include Bill Challis's torrid arrangement of "Someone Stole... Read More

1939
Artist: Harry James

The second Harry James CD put out by the Classics label, this set traces the trumpeter's recording career during a six-month period when his big band was struggling financially. It is surprising that James did not catch on immediately, considering how popular he had been with Benny Goodman and since his band at the time was pretty good. Other... Read More

Wrappin' It Up: The Harry James Years, Vol. 2
Artist: Benny Goodman & His Orchestra

The second of two volumes highlighting the Goodman band's history with Harry James is missing one major ingredient from the first -- Gene Krupa, who exited in March of 1939. Lionel Hampton fills in, followed by Dave Tough, who held the spot for a short time, only to be supplanted by Hampton and Buddy Schultz. The sound is looser and more... Read More

1935-1938
Artist: Chick Webb & His Orchestra

To a large extent, the Chick Webb big band is now chiefly remembered as the launching pad for Ella Fitzgerald, but during its peak years it was one of the top swing bands. This 25-song CD from the European Classics label reissues all of the band's recordings from a three-year period that did not feature Fitzgerald as a solo singer; she does make... Read More

1930
Artist: Duke Ellington & His Orchestra

Despite the rise of the Depression, Duke Ellington's orchestra was able to continue a hectic recording schedule, cutting the 23 selections on this CD (which are all master takes) within a four-and-a-half-month schedule. Some of the numbers are remakes or pop songs of the era (though those are usually excellent) and there are vocals by Irving... Read More

The Complete Benny Goodman, Vol. 4 (1936-1937)
Artist: Benny Goodman

The fourth of eight volumes (all are two-LP sets) documenting Benny Goodman's highly influential Victor studio sides, the 1936-37 period covered by this set found BG's amazing popularity still on the rise (he was now a household name), Harry James joining the orchestra and Martha Tilton settling in as the band's regular vocalist. Among the many... Read More

Plays 22 Original Big Band Records
Artist: Jan Garber & Orchestra

Jan Garber & Orchestra. Decent, but hardly essential. ~ Ron Wynn, All Music Guide Read More

Duke's Men: The Small Groups, Vol. 1
Artist: Duke Ellington

In the '30s, Ellington started recording prolifically with small groups taken from his big band. It gave him an opportunity to both debut new works and to let his sidemen stretch out and act as leaders once in awhile (under his direction). This two-disc set contains 45 recordings, almost all of them brilliant, including sessions ostensibly under... Read More

Back Room Romp
Artist: Duke Ellington

Fine late-30s small-band cuts, many of them hard to find. ~ Ron Wynn, All Music Guide Read More

The British Connexion 1933-1940
Artist: Duke Ellington

Ellington collectors will eagerly seek out this CD, a collection of music recorded in England during the maestro's first tour of Europe and tracks recorded for broadcast directly to Great Britain. The English session is the highlight of the release, with the only known recording of the swinging "Hyde Park" and two strong takes of the almost as... Read More