FLETCHER HENDERSON AND HIS ORCHESTRA – 1921-1923 | The Classics Chronological Series – 794 (1994) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

This Classics CD reissues the first 23 recordings of Fletcher Henderson and his orchestra. The music is generally pretty primitive, but historically, it is quite significant, since Henderson's group would develop into the first real jazz big band; also, the 1921-22 sides have rarely ever been reissued. Oddly enough, his only three solo piano recordings date from this period. The earliest orchestra recordings are essentially period dance-band performances, but by the end of this CD, Henderson's big band was already beginning to display a bit of its own musical personality. However, needless to say, the best years were still in the future. Scott Yanow
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