GENE KRUPA AND HIS ORCHESTRA – 1945-1946 | The Chronogical Classics – 1231 (2002) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

Although there are some moments of interest on this set of 25 performances, the Gene Krupa Orchestra's studio recordings are mostly weighed down by vocals. Bop trumpeter Red Rodney was with Krupa for part of 1946, but the band just recorded a dozen numbers during this period, with all but "How High the Moon" (which has an early swinging arrangement from Gerry Mulligan) featuring so-so vocals from Buddy Stewart and Carola Grey. Rodney sneaks in a few boppish licks here and there, but overall these are disappointing, particularly compared to the orchestra's radio transcriptions of the era. There are five cuts from 1945: three Anita O'Day vocals (including a fine "Tea for Two"), a good instrumental version of "Lover," and a bombastic Charlie Ventura tenor feature on "Yesterdays." In addition, there are also eight slightly later tracks. Charlie Kennedy gets in some boppish alto solos that sound similar to Charlie Parker, but vocals dominate five numbers, while the other three are not that essential. So this is a lesser release overall, mostly recommended to Gene Krupa completists. Scott Yanow  
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