BUNNY BERIGAN – 1938-1942 | The Classics Chronological Series – 844 (1995) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

After the banner years of 1937-1938, Bunny Berigan's output took a serious downturn. Due to his alcoholism and bad management decisions, he had to break up his band and rejoin Tommy Dorsey's group in order to make a living. Berigan did rebound long enough to form his last band, which only survived until he passed away in 1942 at the age of 33. This Classics disc -- the last of several charting Berigan's career -- takes in the 1940-1942 last stand, along with a few sides from 1938. While there are some quality songs here, the majority of the disc is disappointing, especially alongside earlier triumphs like "I Can't Get Started" and Berigan's Ellington and Bix Beiderbecke covers. Stalwarts like tenor saxophonist George Auld, drummer Buddy Rich, and trombonist Ray Conniff add some spark, but for the most part the tunes lumber along. Best left for completists. Stephen Cook
Tracklist :
1     In the Dark 2:43
Bix Beiderbecke
2     Walkin' the Dog 3:03
Shelton Brooks
3     Patty Cake, Patty Cake (Baker Man) 3:27
J.C. Johnson / Andy Razaf / Fats Waller     
4     Jazz Me Blues 3:12
Tom Delaney    
5     Ya Had It Comin' to Ya 3:24
Alan Jay Lerner / Ben Oakland
6     There'll Be Some Changes Made 3:01
Billy Higgins / W. Benton Overstreet    
7     Little Gate's Special 3:02
Ray Conniff
8     Gangbusters' Holiday 3:17
Ray Conniff    
9     Peg O' My Heart 2:54
Alfred Bryan / Fred Fisher
10     Night Song 3:02
Juan Tizol    
11     Ain't She Sweet 2:35
Milton Ager / Jack Yellen
12     Ay Ay Ay 3:25    
Perez / Freire   
13     I Got It Bad (And That Ain't Good) 3:12
Duke Ellington / Paul Francis Webster
14     The White Cliffs of Dover 3:29
Nat Burton / Walter Kent    
15     'Tis Autumn 3:18
Henry Nemo    
16     Two in Love 2:32
Spencer Williams    
17     Skylark 2:44
Hoagy Carmichael / Johnny Mercer    
18     My Little Cousin 2:50
Steve Prizant / Arthur Schwartz    
19     Somebody Else Is Taking My Place 2:26
Bob Ellsworth / Richard Howard / Russ Morgan    
20     Me and My Melinda 3:10
Irving Berlin