BENNY GOODMAN AND HIS ORCHESTRA – 1935 | The Classics Chronological Series – 769 (1994) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

This CD traces the evolution of Benny Goodman's orchestra from the beginning of 1935 when they were comparatively unknown to the beginning of July when they were on the brink of success, even though Benny Goodman was no longer appearing on the Let's Dance radio series and was about to embark on a risky cross-country trip. Singer Helen Ward, drummer Gene Krupa, and trumpeter Pee Wee Erwin were the key voices (along with the clarinetist/leader) at the beginning of the year, but by the time the band recorded the last eight numbers on this disc, Bunny Berigan was Benny Goodman's star trumpeter. His solos on "King Porter Stomp" and "Sometimes I'm Happy" (along with Fletcher Henderson's swinging arrangements) would make Goodman a major star. Berigan also has hot spots on "Blue Skies" and "Jingle Bells." Swing was almost ready to catch on big. Scott Yanow
Tracklist + Credits :

ARTIE SHAW AND HIS ORCHESTRA – 1939-1940 | The Classics Chronological Series – 1087 (1999) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

Artie Shaw reached the pinnacle of stardom in 1939, becoming a celebrity and having his band rated at the top of the swing world, at least in popularity. But Shaw did not enjoy the experience much, was under constant pressure, and in late November he left the bandstand and fled to Mexico. His band (which struggled on briefly under Georgie Auld's leadership) broke up a few months later. Running out of money, on March 3, 1940, Shaw gathered together a large studio orchestra (with a full string orchestra) and recorded six songs, including one ("Frenesi") that became a giant hit. This CD concludes with part of a second date (from May 13) with a different studio band. It would be a few months before Artie Shaw formed his third orchestra. Despite the turmoil, there are fine performances to be heard on this intriguing disc, the seventh Shaw CD put out by Classics. Scott Yanow
Tracklist :

PUTNEY DANDRIDGE AND HIS ORCHESTRA – 1935-1936 (1995) The Classics Chronological Series – 846 | FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

Putney Dandridge put on an act that was conspicuously similar to Fats Waller's, with an edge that often bordered on Leo "Scat" Watson's maniacal excesses. When excited, his voice shook with glee, and he liked to holler at his musicians while they swung. The best example of Dandridge's craft is "Nagasaki," closely resembling a version he recorded with Adrian Rollini's Tap Room Gang within days of the giddy rendition heard here. Throughout his brief recording career, Dandridge played piano and celeste but often ceded the keyboard to Teddy Wilson so as to be able to concentrate all of his energies on singing his heart out. This is campy stuff. Bear in mind that Dandridge developed his chops by accompanying the world's greatest tap dancer, Bill "Bojangles" Robinson, during the early 1930s. You can feel that kind of exuberant showmanship bubbling away during every song Dandridge ever sang. It mixes marvelously with the honest jazz blown by a steady parade of outstanding musicians drawn from bands led by Waller, Rollini, Willie Bryant and Fletcher Henderson. As entertaining as Dandridge could be, his act flourished largely because of the presence of saxophonists Gene Sedric and Chu Berry, trumpeters Roy Eldridge and Henry "Red" Allen, and clarinetist Buster Bailey (who also doubles on alto sax). Look more closely at the personnel and you'll meet less famous players of considerable merit, such as Lady Day's father Clarence Holiday who sat in with his guitar during the session of October 21, 1935. The bassist on the next session was Grachan Moncur, the father of modern jazz trombonist Grachan Moncur III. With the exception of one or two strong jazz standards, most of the material is 1930s Tin Pan Alley pop. Dandridge's version of "A Little Bit Independent" compares interestingly with Fats Waller's treatment of the same song dating from the same year. Maybe if Fats hadn't been working for Victor Records he could have gotten away with singing the naughty "Sweet Violets." Putney sounds pleased as punch to be able to pull it off.  arwulf arwulf  
Tracklist
1 You're A Heavenly Thing 2:43
 Jack Little / Joe Young
2 Mr. Bluebird 2:49
Carmichael
3 Nagasaki 2:45
 Mort Dixon / Harry Warren
4 Chasing Shadows 2:38
 Benny Davis / Oliver Silver
5 When I Grow Too Old To Dream 2:41
 Oscar Hammerstein II / Sigmund Romberg
6 I'm In The Mood For Love 2:49
 Dorothy Fields / Jimmy McHugh
7 Isn't This A Lovely Day 3:13
 Irving Berlin
8 Cheek To Cheek 3:05
 Irving Berlin
9 That's What You Think 2:43
 Pinky Tomlin
10 Shine 3:01
 Pinky Tomlin
11 I'm On A See-Saw 3:06
 Benny Carter / Vivian Ellis
12 Eeny Meeny Miney Mo 2:55
 Matty Malneck / Johnny Mercer
13 Double Trouble 3:00
 Ralph Rainger / Leo Robin / Richard A. Whiting
14 Santa Claus Came In The Spring 2:54
 Johnny Mercer
15 You Hit The Spot 2:52
 Irving Gordon / Harry Revel
16 No Other One 2:59
 Vee Lawnhurst / Tot Seymour
17 A Little Bit Independent 3:17
 Joe Burke / Edgar Leslie
18 You Took My Breath Away 2:51
 Richard A. Whiting
19 Sweet Violets 3:06
 Cy Coben
20 Dinner For One Please, James 3:12
 Michael Carr
21 A Beautiful Lady In Blue 3:13
 J. Fred Coots / Al Lewis
22 Honeysuckle Rose 3:11
 Andy Razaf / Fats Waller