JIMMIE LUNCEFORD AND HIS ORCHESTRA – 1930-1934 | The Classics Chronological Series – 501 (1990) FLAC (image+.cue), lossless

The first in Classics' "complete" Jimmie Lunceford series has two titles apiece from 1930 (when the band was based in Tennessee) and 1933 along with its first six sessions for Decca in 1934. Lunceford's band had an immediately recognizable sound by 1934 and, despite the presence of such top soloists as altoist Willie Smith, tenor-saxophonist Joe Thomas and high-note trumpeter Tommy Stevenson, it was its arranged ensembles (particularly those of Sy Oliver) that gave the orchestra its musical identity. Among the better selections on this CD are "Flaming Reeds And Screaming Brass," "White Heat," "Swinging' Uptown," "Rose Room," "Miss Otis Regrets" and the band's fresh interpretations of Duke Ellington's "Black And Tan Fantasy" and "Mood Indigo." Scott Yanow
Tracklist :
1    Jimmie Lunceford And His Chickasaw Syncopators–    In Dat Mornin' 3:21
Speech [Preaching] – Moses Allen
2    Jimmie Lunceford And His Chickasaw Syncopators–    Sweet Rhythm     2:41
3    Jimmie Lunceford And His Orchestra–    Flaming Reeds And Screaming Brass    2:57
4    Jimmie Lunceford And His Orchestra–    While Love Lasts     3:06
5    Jimmie Lunceford And His Orchestra–    White Heat 2:29
Arranged By – Will Hudson
6    Jimmie Lunceford And His Orchestra–    Jazznocracy 2:42
Arranged By – Will Hudson
7    Jimmie Lunceford And His Orchestra–    Chillun Get Up 3:19
Arranged By – Sy Oliver
Vocals – Henry Wells
8    Jimmie Lunceford And His Orchestra–    Leavin' Me 3:05
Vocals – Henry Wells
9    Jimmie Lunceford And His Orchestra–    Swingin' Uptown 2:37
Arranged By – Sy Oliver
10    Jimmie Lunceford And His Orchestra–    Breakfast Ball 3:00
Arranged By, Vocals – Sy Oliver
11    Jimmie Lunceford And His Orchestra–    Here Goes (A Fool) 2:45
Vocals – Henry Wells
12    Jimmie Lunceford And His Orchestra–    Remember When 3:20
Vocals – Henry Wells
13    Jimmie Lunceford And His Orchestra–    Sophisticated Lady 3:10
Arranged By – Willie Smith
14    Jimmie Lunceford And His Orchestra–    Mood Indigo 2:58
Arranged By – Willie Smith
15    Jimmie Lunceford And His Orchestra–    Rose Room 3:06
Arranged By – Willie Smith
16    Jimmie Lunceford And His Orchestra–    Black And Tan Fantasy 2:51
Arranged By – Sy Oliver
17    Jimmie Lunceford And His Orchestra–    Stratosphere 2:15
Arranged By – Jimmie Lunceford
18    Jimmie Lunceford And His Orchestra–    Nana 3:10
Arranged By – Sy Oliver
Vocals – Henry Wells
19    Jimmie Lunceford And His Orchestra–    Miss Otis Regrets 2:41
Arranged By – Edwin Wilcox
Vocals – Sy Oliver
20    Jimmie Lunceford And His Orchestra–    Unsophisticated Sue     3:08
21    Jimmie Lunceford And His Orchestra–    Stardust 3:02
Arranged By – Edwin Wilcox
Vocals – Henry Wells
22    Jimmie Lunceford And His Orchestra–    Dream Of You 3:09
Arranged By, Vocals – Sy Oliver
23    Jimmie Lunceford And His Orchestra–    Stomp It Off 3:13
Arranged By – Sy Oliver
24    Jimmie Lunceford And His Orchestra–    Call It Anything (It Wasn't Love) 3:18
Arranged By – Edwin Wilcox
Vocals – Henry Wells
25    Jimmie Lunceford And His Orchestra–    Because You're You 3:23
Arranged By – Sy Oliver
Vocals – Henry Wells
Credits :    
Alto Saxophone – Jimmie Lunceford (tracks: 1 to 12), LaForet Dent (tracks: 13 to 25)
Alto Saxophone, Baritone Saxophone – Earl Carrothers
Alto Saxophone, Clarinet, Baritone Saxophone – Willie Smith
Bass – Moses Allen
Directed By – Jimmie Lunceford
Drums, Vibraphone – Jimmy Crawford
Guitar – Al Norris
Piano, Celesta – Edwin Wilcox
Tenor Saxophone – George Clark (tracks: 1, 2)
Tenor Saxophone, Clarinet – Joe Thomas (tracks: 3 to 25)
Trombone – Henry Wells, Russell Bowles (tracks: 3 to 25)
Trumpet – Eddie Tompkins (tracks: 3 to 25), Sy Oliver (tracks: 1, 2, 5 to 25), Tommy Stevenson (tracks: 3 to 25), William "Sleepy" Tomlin (tracks: 3, 4)

JIMMIE LUNCEFORD AND HIS ORCHESTRA – 1934-1935 | The Classics Chronological Series – 505 (1990) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

The second of Classics' reissuance of all the master takes of Jimmie Lunceford's recordings finds the orchestra gaining in popularity and in power. Among the highlights (most of the songs were arranged by Sy Oliver or Ed Wilcox) are "Since My Beat Gal Turned Me Down," "Rhythm Is Our Business," "Shake Your Head," "Sleepy-Time Gal," "Four or Five Times" and "Swanee River." The high musicianship and clean ensembles (along with the showmanship) are most impressive and the concise solos (particularly from altoist Willie Smith, tenor saxophonist Joe Thomas and trumpeter Sy Oliver) are enjoyable and fit in logically as part of the arrangements. Scott Yanow
Tracklist :
1    Chillum, Get Up 3:03
Arranged By – Sy Oliver
Vocals – Henry Wells, Sy Oliver, Willie Smith
Written-By – Parker
2    Solitude 3:10
Vocals – Henry Wells
Written-By – Ellington, DeLange
3    Rain 3:20
Arranged By – Sy Oliver
Vocals – Henry Wells, Sy Oliver, Willie Smith
Written-By – Swansstrom, Morgan, Ford
4    Since My Best Gal Turned Me Down 3:30
Arranged By – Sy Oliver
Vocals – Henry Wells, Sy Oliver, Willie Smith
Written-By – Quicksell, Ludwig
5    Jealous 3:07
Arranged By – Edwin Wilcox
Vocals – Henry Wells
Written-By – Finch, Little, Malie
6    Rhythm Is Our Business 3:08
Arranged By – Edwin Wilcox
Chorus – Jimmie Lunceford And His Orchestra
Vocals – Willie Smith
Written-By – Lunceford, Cahn, Chaplin
7    I'm Walking Through Heaven With You 3:12
Arranged By – Edwin Wilcox
Vocals – Henry Wells
Written-By – Lunceford
8    Shake Your Head (From Side To Side) 2:52
Arranged By – Sy Oliver
Written-By – Gerow, Cahn
9    Sleepy Time Gal 3:08
Alto Saxophone – Jimmie Lunceford
Arranged By – Edwin Wilcox
Written-By – Lorenzo, Alden, Whiting
10    Bird Of Paradise 3:20
Arranged By – Eddie Durham, Edwin Wilcox
Written-By – Ellington
11    Rhapsody Junior 3:23
Arranged By – Eddie Durham, Edwin Wilcox
Written-By – Ellington
12    Runnin' Wild 3:11
Arranged By – Willie Smith
Vocals – Sy Oliver
Written-By – Gibbs, Grey, Wood
13    Four Or Five Times 3:07
Arranged By, Vocals – Sy Oliver
Written-By – Gay, Hellman
14    (If I Had) Rhythm In My Nursery Rhymes 3:01
Arranged By – Edwin Wilcox
Vocals – Willie Smith
Written-By – Ray, Lunceford, Cahn, Chaplin
15    Babs 3:07
Arranged By – Sy Oliver
Vocals – Dan Grissom, Sy Oliver, Willie Smith
Written-By – Ahlert, Young
16    Swanee River 2:45
Arranged By – Sy Oliver
Written-By – Foster
17    Thunder 3:04
Arranged By – Edwin Wilcox
Vocals – Dan Grissom
Written-By – Manners, Lewis
18    Oh! Boy 3:10
Arranged By – Eddie Durham
Written-By – Durham, Lunceford
19    (You Take The East, Take The West, Take The North) I'll Take The South 2:40
Arranged By – Sy Oliver
Vocals – Dan Grissom, Sy Oliver, Willie Smith
Written-By – Palmer, Klages
20    Avalon 3:05
Arranged By – Eddie Durham
Written-By – Jolson, De Sylva, Rose
21    Charmaine 2:50
Arranged By – Sy Oliver
Vocals – Dan Grissom
Written-By – Rapee, Pollack
22    Hittin' The Bottle 3:07
Arranged By – Eddie Durham
Vocals – Sy Oliver
Written-By – Arlen, Koehler
Credits :    
Alto Saxophone – LaForest Dent
Bass – Moses Allen
Clarinet, Alto Saxophone – Dan Grissom (tracks: 10 to 22)
Clarinet, Alto Saxophone, Baritone Saxophone – Earl Carruthers, Willie Smith
Clarinet, Tenor Saxophone – Joe Thomas
Drums, Vibraphone – Jimmy Crawford
Guitar – Al Norris
Leader, Arranged By – Jimmie Lunceford
Orchestra – Jimmie Lunceford And His Orchestra
Piano, Celesta – Edwin Wilcox
Trombone – Elmer Crumbley (tracks: 9 to 22), Henry Wells (tracks: 1 to 8), Russell Bowles
Trombone, Guitar – Eddie Durham (tracks: 9 to 22)
Trumpet – Eddie Tompkins, Paul Webster (tracks: 9 to 22), Sy Oliver, Tommy Stevenson (tracks: 1 to 8)

JIMMIE LUNCEFORD AND HIS ORCHESTRA – 1935-1937 | The Classics Chronological Series – 510 (1990) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

Although there have been a few GRP/Decca samplers released domestically, the best way for serious collectors to acquire the recordings of Jimmie Lunceford are by getting the reissue CDs put out by the European labels. On Classics' third Lunceford set, the personnel stays the same (except for one minor change) during the 15-month period that is covered. The well-rehearsed unit continued to grow and develop during this time. Among the highpoints of the CD are "My Blue Heaven," "Organ Grinder's Swing," "Harlem Shout" and "Slumming on Park Avenue." Although one can do without the occasional Dan Grissom vocals, the concise solos, tricky charts and hip singing of Sy Oliver make this music well worth investigating by fans of the swing era. Scott Yanow
Tracklist :
1    My Blue Heaven 3:10
Arranged By – Sy Oliver
Violin – Al Norris
Vocals – Dan Grissom, Sy Oliver, Willie Smith
2    I'm Nuts About Screwy Music 3:03
Arranged By – Edwin Wilcox
Vocals – Willie Smith
3    The Best Things In Life Are Free 3:20
Arranged By – Edwin Wilcox
Vocals – Dan Grissom
4    The Melody Man 3:06
Arranged By, Vocals – Sy Oliver
5    Organ Grinder's Swing 2:37
Arranged By – Sy Oliver
6    On The Beach At Bali-Bali 2:57
Arranged By, Vocals – Sy Oliver
7    Me And The Moon 3:02
Arranged By – Sy Oliver
Vocals – Dan Grissom, Sy Oliver, Willie Smith
8    Living From Day To Day 3:04
Arranged By – Sy Oliver
Vocals – Dan Grissom
9    'Tain't Good (Like A Nickle Made Of Wood) 3:11
Arranged By – Sy Oliver
Vocals – Dan Grissom, Sy Oliver, Willie Smith
10    Muddy Water (A Mississippi Moan) 2:55
Arranged By – Sy Oliver
Vocals – Dan Grissom, Sy Oliver, Willie Smith
11    I Can't Escape From You 3:00
Arranged By – Sy Oliver
Vocals – Dan Grissom
12    Harlem Shout 3:01
Arranged By – Eddie Durham
13    (This Is) My Last Affair 2:48
Arranged By – Sy Oliver
Vocals – Dan Grissom
14    Running A Temperature 3:00
Arranged By – Eddie Durham
Vocals – Sy Oliver
15    Count Me Out 3:12
Arranged By – Eddie Durham
Vocals – Dan Grissom
16    I'll Sell You In My Dreams 2:46
Arranged By – Edwin Wilcox
Vocals – Dan Grissom
17    He Ain't Got Rhythm 2:43
Arranged By – Sy Oliver
Vocals – Joe Thomas
18    Linger Awhile 2:32
Arranged By – Sy Oliver
Vocals – Dan Grissom
19    Honest And Truly 2:59
Arranged By – Edwin Wilcox
Vocals – Dan Grissom
20    Slumming On Park Avenue 3:01
Vocals – Dan Grissom, Sy Oliver, Willie Smith
21    Coquette 3:10
Arranged By – Sy Oliver
Vocals – Dan Grissom
22    The Merry-Go-Round Broke Down 2:50
Arranged By – Sy Oliver
Vocals – Sy Oliver
23    Ragging The Scale 3:09
Arranged By – Sy Oliver
Credits :    
Alto Saxophone – Ed Brown (tracks: 21 to 23), LaForet Dent (tracks: 1 to 20)
Clarinet, Alto Saxophone – Dan Grissom
Clarinet, Alto Saxophone, Baritone Saxophone – Earl Carruthers, Willie Smith
Clarinet, Tenor Saxophone – Joe Thomas
Directed By – Jimmie Lunceford
Drums, Vibraphone – Jimmy Crawford
Guitar – Al Norris
Piano, Celesta – Edwin Wilcox
Trombone – Elmer Crumbley, Russell Bowles
Trombone, Guitar – Eddie Durham
Trumpet – Eddie Tompkins, Paul Webster, Sy Oliver

JIMMIE LUNCEFORD AND HIS ORCHESTRA – 1939-1940 | The Classics Chronological Series – 565 (1991) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

The Jimmie Lunceford Orchestra was at the height of its power and fame during the period covered by this Classics CD. Arranger-trumpeter Sy Oliver's defection to Tommy Dorsey hurt but his charts were still in the books and his replacement Snooky Young proved to be a superior first trumpeter and soloist. With altoist Willie Smith, Joe Thomas on tenor and trombonist Trummy Young still around as stars, the band was in top form on such numbers as "Uptown Blues," "Lunceford Special," "Bugs Parade," "What's Your Story, Mornin' Glory" and "Swingin' On C." All of the releases in this series are well worth picking up by swing collectors. Scott Yanow
Tracklist :
1    Put It Away 2:41
Arranged By – Will Beines
Vocals – Orchestra, Willie Smith
2    I'm Alone With You 2:37
Arranged By – B. Estes
3    Rock It For Me 2:38
Arranged By – Billy Moore, Jr.
Vocals – Joe Thomas
4    I'm In An Awful Mood 2:46
Arranged By – Billy Moore, Jr.
Vocals – Trummy Young
5    Wham (Re Bop Boom Bam) 2:53
Arranged By – Eddie Durham
Vocals – Orchestra, Willie Smith
6    Pretty Eyes 2:40
Arranged By – Billy Moore, Jr.
Vocals – Dan Grissom
7    Uptown Blues    2:53
8    Lunceford Special 2:49
Arranged By – Eddie Durham
9    Bugs Parade 2:29
Arranged By – Billy Moore, Jr.
10    Blues In The Groove 2:33
Arranged By – Eddie Durham
11    I Wanta Hear Swing Songs 2:54
Arranged By – Billy Moore, Jr., Sy Oliver
Vocals – Trummy Young
12    It's Time To Jump And Shout 2:53
Arranged By – Eddie Durham
13    What's Your Story, Mornin' Glory? 3:09
Arranged By – Billy Moore, Jr.
14    Dinah (Part I) 2:14
Arranged By – Sy Oliver
15    Dinah (Part II) 2:12
Arranged By – Sy Oliver
Vocals – Joe Thomas
16    Sonata By L. Van Beethoven ("Pathetique" Op. 13) 3:16
Arranged By – Chappie Willett
17    I Got It 2:55
Arranged By – Billy Moore, Jr.
Vocals – Trummy Young
18    Chopin's Prelude N°7 2:49
Arranged By – Billy Moore, Jr., Jimmie Lunceford
19    Swingin' On C 2:22
Arranged By – Eddie Durham
20    Let's Try Again 3:03
Arranged By – Billy Moore, Jr.
Vocals – Dan Grissom
21    Monotony In Four Flats 2:53
Arranged By – Billy Moore, Jr.
22    Barefoot Blues 2:43
Arranged By – Billy Moore, Jr.
Vocals – Willie Smith
23    Minnie The Moocher Is Dead 2:28
Arranged By – Roger Segure
24    I Ain't Gonna Study War No More 2:55
Arranged By – Roger Segure
25    Pavanne 2:48
Arranged By – Roger Segure
Credits :    
Bass – Moses Allen
Clarinet, Alto Saxophone – Dan Grissom
Clarinet, Alto Saxophone, Baritone Saxophone – Earl Carruthers, Willie Smith
Clarinet, Alto Saxophone, Flute – Ted Buckner
Clarinet, Tenor Saxophone, Flute – Joe Thomas
Drums, Vibraphone – Jimmy Crawford
Guitar – Al Norris
Piano, Celesta – Edwin Wilcox
Trombone – Elmer Crumbley, Russell Bowles, James "Trummy" Young
Trumpet – Gerald Wilson (tracks: 9 to 25), Paul Webster, Eugene "Snooky" Young, Sy Oliver (tracks: 1 to 8)
Vocals – The Dandridge Sisters (tracks: 22 to 25)

JIMMIE LUNCEFORD AND HIS ORCHESTRA – 1940-1941 | The Classics Chronological Series – 622 (1992) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

The European Classics label's Jimmie Lunceford series has thus far stopped with this release, one CD short of completing its task. With the loss of arranger-trumpet-vocalist Sy Oliver, Lunceford's band was still pretty strong although it was no longer developing as quickly as it had previously. During the year and a half covered by this CD, such numbers as "Whatcha Know, Joe," "Siesta at the Fiesta," "Yard Dog Mazurka" and the two-part "Blues in the Night" were recorded along with lesser material (including some dreary vocal features for Dan Grissom). Although not essential, this CD is recommended to Lunceford completists. Scott Yanow
Tracklist :
1    Whatcha Know Joe? 2:36
Arranged By – Roger Segure
Vocals – Orchestra, Trummy Young
2    Red Wagon 2:30
Arranged By – Roger Segure
Vocals – The Dandridge Sisters
3    You Ain't Nowhere 2:52
Arranged By – Roger Segure
Vocals – Orchestra, The Dandridge Sisters
4    Please Say The Word 2:37
Arranged By – Lonnie Wilfong
Vocals – Dan Grissom
5    Okay For Baby 3:06
Arranged By – Lonnie Wilfong
6    Flight Of The Jitterbug 2:27
Arranged By – Don Redman
7    Blue Afterglow 3:09
Arranged By – Roger Segure
Vocals – Dan Grissom
8    Blue Prelude 2:56
Arranged By – Roger Segure
Vocals – Dan Grissom
9    Twenty-Four Robbers 3:08
Arranged By – Roger Segure
Vocals – Orchestra, Trummy Young
10    I Had A Premonition 2:54
Arranged By – Billy Moore, Jr.
Vocals – Dan Grissom
11    Battle Axe 2:44
Arranged By – Billy Moore, Jr.
12    Peace And Love For All (Prayer For Moderns) 3:11
Arranged By – Roger Segure
Violin – Al Norris
Vocals – Dan Grissom
13    Chocolate 2:53
Arranged By – Roger Segure
14    I'm Walking Through Heaven With You 3:08
Arranged By – Edwin Wilcox
Vocals – Dan Grissom
15    You're Always In My Dreams 2:41
Arranged By – Edwin Wilcox
Vocals – Dan Grissom
16    Flamingo 3:00
Arranged By – Roger Segure
Vocals – Dan Grissom
17    Siesta At The Fiesta    2:56
18    Gone 3:04
Arranged By – Edwin Wilcox
Vocals – Dan Grissom
19    Hi Spook 2:53
Arranged By – Gerald Wilson
20    Yard Dog Mazurka 3:11
Arranged By – Gerald Wilson, Roger Segure
21    Impromptu 2:49
Arranged By – Edwin Wilcox
22    Blues In The Night - Part 1 2:36
Vocals – Orchestra, Willie Smith
23    Blues In The Night - Part 2 2:45
Vocals – Orchestra, Willie Smith
Credits :    
Bass – Moses Allen
Clarinet, Alto Saxophone – Dan Grissom, Ted Buckner
Clarinet, Alto Saxophone, Baritone Saxophone – Earl Carruthers, Willie Smith
Clarinet, Tenor Saxophone – Joe Thomas
Directed By – Jimmie Lunceford
Drums, Vibraphone – Jimmy Crawford
Guitar – Al Norris
Piano, Celesta – Edwin Wilcox
Trombone – Elmer Crumbley, Russell Bowles, James "Trummy" Young
Trumpet – Gerald Wilson, Paul Webster, Eugene "Snooky" Young

JIMMIE LUNCEFORD AND HIS ORCHESTRA – 1941-1945 | The Classics Chronological Series – 862 (1996) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

Jimmie Lunceford's Orchestra was starting to decline during the period covered by this 1996 CD from the European Classics label. There are nine numbers (including a two-part "I'm Gonna Move to the Outskirts of Town") that feature the 1941-42 orchestra, which still included trombonist Trummy Young (who has three vocals, including "Easy Street"), altoist Willie Smith, and tenorman Joe Thomas; unfortunately, Dan Grissom takes three dull vocals, and there is only one instrumental, the accurately titled "Strictly Instrumental." The second half of the set is from 1944-45, and although there are a couple worthwhile tracks (most memorably the two-part "Back Door Stuff" and "Jeep Rhythm"), Joe Thomas was the only major soloist remaining. The music overall is historic, but not as essential as Jimmie Lunceford's earlier performances. Scott Yanow
Tracklist :
1    Jimmie Lunceford And His Orchestra–    I'm Losing My Mind (Because Of You) 3:18
Vocals – Dan Grissom
2    Jimmie Lunceford And His Orchestra–    Life Is Fine 2:39
Arranged By – Edwin Wilcox
Vocals – Orchestra, Trummy Young
3    Jimmie Lunceford And His Orchestra–    It Had To Be You 3:07
Arranged By – Tadd Dameron
Vocals – Dan Grissom, Joe Thomas, Trummy Young, Willie Smith
4    Jimmie Lunceford And His Orchestra–    I'm Gonna Move To The Outskirts Of Town - Part 1 3:09
Arranged By – Edwin Wilcox
Vocals – Dan Grissom
5    Jimmie Lunceford And His Orchestra–    I'm Gonna Move To The Outskirts Of Town - Part 2 2:56
Arranged By – Edwin Wilcox
Vocals – Dan Grissom
6    Jimmie Lunceford And His Orchestra–    Strictly Instrumental 2:36
Arranged By – Edwin Wilcox
7    Jimmie Lunceford And His Orchestra–    Knock Me A Kiss 3:00
Arranged By – Edwin Wilcox
Vocals – Willie Smith
8    Jimmie Lunceford And His Orchestra–    Keep Smilin', Keep Laughin', Be Happy 2:20
Arranged By – Harry "Pee Wee" Jackson
Vocals – Joe Thomas
9    Jimmie Lunceford And His Orchestra–    I Dream A Lot About You 3:07
Arranged By – Tadd Dameron
Vocals – Dan Grissom
10    Jimmie Lunceford And His Orchestra–    Easy Street 2:58
Arranged By – Edwin Wilcox
Vocals – Trummy Young
11    Jimmie Lunceford And His Orchestra–    Back Door Stuff - Part 1 3:08
Arranged By – Roger Segure
12    Jimmie Lunceford And His Orchestra–    Back Door Stuff - Part 2 2:46
Arranged By – Roger Segure
13    Jimmie Lunceford And His Orchestra–    Jeep Rhythm 2:54
Arranged By – Horace Henderson
14    Jimmie Lunceford And His Orchestra–    I'm Gonna See My Baby 2:57
Vocals – Orchestra
15    Jimmie Lunceford And His Orchestra–    That Someone Must Be You 2:52
Vocals – Claude Trenier
16    Jimmie Lunceford And His Orchestra–    I'm In A Jam With Baby 3:03
Vocals – Bill Darnell
17    Jimmie Lunceford And His Orchestra–    Buzz-Buzz-Buzz 2:25
Vocals – Claude Trenier
18    Jimmie Lunceford And His Orchestra–    This Is My Confession To You    3:02
19    Jimmie Lunceford And His Orchestra And Delta Rhythm Boys–    Baby, Are You Kiddin'? 3:00
Vocals – The Delta Rhythm Boys
20    Jimmie Lunceford And His Orchestra And Delta Rhythm Boys–    The Honeydripper 2:44
Vocals – The Delta Rhythm Boys
Credits :    
Alto Saxophone – Chauncey Jarrett (tracks: 11 to 13), Kirkland Bradford (tracks: 14 to 20)
Bass – Moses Allen (tracks: 1 to 5), Charles "Truck" Parham (tracks: 6 to 20)
Clarinet, Alto Saxophone – Dan Grissom (tracks: 1 to 10), Omer Simeon (tracks: 11 to 20), Ted Buckner (tracks: 1 to 5)
Clarinet, Alto Saxophone, Baritone Saxophone – Earl Carruthers, Willie Smith (tracks: 1 to 10)
Clarinet, Tenor Saxophone – Joe Thomas
Directed By – Jimmie Lunceford
Drums – Joe Marshall (tracks: 11 to 20)
Drums, Vibraphone – Jimmy Crawford (tracks: 1 to 10)
Guitar – Al Norris (tracks: 1 to 13), John Mitchell (tracks: 14 to 20)
Piano, Celesta – Edwin Wilcox
Tenor Saxophone – Benny Waters (tracks: 6 to 10), Ernest Purce (tracks: 11 to 20)
Trombone – Earl Hardy (tracks: 11 to 20), Elmer Crumbley (tracks: 1 to 5), Fernando Arbello (tracks: 6 to 20), James Williams (tracks: 19, 20), John "Streamline" Ewing (tracks: 11 to 20), Russell Bowles (tracks: 1 to 13), James "Trummy" Young (tracks: 1 to 10)
Trumpet – Bob Mitchell (tracks: 6 to 13, 19 to 20), Charles "Chuck" Stewart (tracks: 19, 20), Freddy Webster (tracks: 6 to 10), Gerald Wilson (tracks: 1 to 5), Harry "Pee Wee" Jackson (tracks: 6 to 10), Melvin Moore (tracks: 11 to 18), Paul Webster (tracks: 1 to 10), Ralph Griffin (tracks: 14 to 18), Russell Green (tracks: 11 to 20), Eugene "Snooky" Young (tracks: 1 to 5), William "Chiefie" Scott (tracks: 11 to 20)

JIMMIE LUNCEFORD AND HIS ORCHESTRA – 1945-1947 | The Classics Chronological Series – 1082 (1999) FLAC (tracks), lossless

After a lengthy run of carefully laid-out chronological Lunceford, the folks at Classics gathered up material that wasn't included in the previous volumes and laid it out as a prelude to the very last of the records made by this excellent big band under Lunceford's leadership. Whatever the reasons were for the inconsistent chronology, this bag of remnants forms an interesting encapsulation of Lunceford's last years. The core sample opens with five previously unissued Decca recordings, the first dating from December of 1944. This pre-dates the range of years as stated in the CD's title, but who's counting. The serious problem involves Sy Oliver's departure from the band in 1939 and Lunceford's quest for stylistic stability from that point onwards. One tactic involved sentimental vocalists, some of them much less hip than singing tenor man Joe Thomas. Speaking of saxophones, this band had a wicked reed section and a justifiably famous load of brass on top. Four V-Disc sides show off all of the ensemble's best qualities. Finally we come to the Lunceford band's Majestic recordings, which are a gas. Slim Gaillard's "Cement Mixer" is nearly as delightful as the original. There is a similarly spiffed group vocal on "Sit Back and Ree-Lax (With Your Battle Ax)." In addition to several remakes of earlier Lunceford hits, this disc contains no less than three different versions of Eddie Wilcox's "I Need a Lift." By the time you get to the Majestic take, you'll be able to sing along with the band. Trummy Young practically whispers his way across a thoroughly cool portrait of "Margie," and Joe Thomas handles three more topical treats, including a funny, rocking theatrical take on "Call the Police," a song most commonly associated with the King Cole Trio. Lunceford's version has shouts from the band and more than a few blasts on a police whistle. Thomas also contributed "Shut-Out," a hard-boiled bit of swing with a particularly strong rhythm component. "Water Faucet" is a stupid, shameless imitation of "Cement Mixer" burdened by a lot of slapstick dialogue with all the dignity of a Fatty Arbuckle skit. A volcanic "One O'Clock Jump" (with a fade-out!) finishes off this grab bag of uncommon Lunceford, pointing the way to the next part of the story. This consists of recordings made after Jimmie Lunceford's death, with the orchestra under the direction of Ed Wilcox and Joe Thomas. arwulf arwulf  
Tracklist :
1    Oh Gee, Oh Gosh 2:38
2    I Passed Through Memphis Last Night 2:55
3    I Need A Lift 2:51
4    Where's The Melody 2:32
5    I've Got The Carolina Blues 2:57
6    The Jimmies 3:30
7    I Need A Lift 2:30
8    For Dancers Only 2:28
9    What To Do 3:06
10    Cement Mixer 2:44
11    Just Once Too Often 3:05
12    Jay Gee 2:44
13    Sit Back And Ree-Lax 2:37
14    The "Jimmies" 2:59
15    I Need A Lift 2:33
16    Them Who Has Gets 2:55
17    Margie 3:05
18    Four Or Five Times 3:16
19    Shut-Out (Close Out) 2:39
20    Call The Police 3:01
21    Water Faucet 2:39
22    One O'Clock Jump 3:11

JIMMIE LUNCEFORD'S ORCHESTRA – 1948-1949 | The Classics Chronological Series – 1151 (2000) FLAC (tracks), lossless

After Jimmie Lunceford's death on July 12, 1947 (reportedly of poisoning by a disgruntled racist owner of a restaurant who was mad at being forced to feed Lunceford and his musicians), his orchestra struggled on under the leadership of pianist Ed Wilcox and tenor saxophonist Joe Thomas. The band's final 18 recordings (very rare numbers cut for the Manor, Dot, and Perception labels) are on this CD. The orchestra was still potentially strong, featuring fine high-note trumpet work from Paul Webster, clarinetist Omer Simeon, and Thomas on tenor and vocals. But without their leader, it was a losing battle for the ghost orchestra. To the credit of Wilcox and Thomas, the band's last recordings do not feature recreations of past glories but instead look ahead to the potential future, with some R&B-ish jams and jivey vocal numbers; unfortunately there would be no further hits. This intriguing CD concludes with a two-part version of "When the Swallows Come Back to Capistrano" from 1942 by a completely unidentified orchestra, under the title of "A Tribute to Jimmie Lunceford." Scott Yanow  
Tracklist :
1    Scratch My Back 2:53
Vocals – Joe Thomas
2    Saxology    2:31
3    What 'Cha Gonna Do? 3:01
Vocals – Joe Thomas
4    One For The Book    2:35
5    Sneaky Pete 3:19
Vocals – Joe Thomas
6    Moonbeams    2:46
7    Ooh, That's What I Like 2:37
Vocals – Freddy Bryant
8    Fatigue    2:57
9    Midriff    2:37
10    At Sundown    4:15
11    A Study In Blue 2:55
Vocals – Savannah Churchill
12    Jackie 2:55
Vocals – Joe Thomas
13    Arleen    3:10
14    Gug Mug (Grazing)    2:39
15    The Worm    2:35
16    My Baby And Me 2:37
Vocals – Joe Thomas
17    That's The Way You Fall In Love 2:57
Vocals – Freddy Bryant
18    Magic Of You    2:35
19    When The Swallows Come Back To Capistrano, Part 1    2:44
20    When The Swallows Come Back To Capistrano, Part 2    1:59
Credits :    
Alto Saxophone – Curby Alexander (tracks: 12 to 18), Otis "Hashim" Hicks (tracks: 1 to 11)
Baritone Saxophone – Earl Carruthers (tracks: 1 to 18)
Bass – Ed Sneed (tracks: 1 to 18)
Clarinet, Alto Saxophone – Omer Simeon (tracks: 1 to 18)
Drums – Danny Farrar (tracks: 12 to 18), Joe Marshall (tracks: 1 to 11)
Guitar – Al Norris (tracks: 1 to 18)
Piano, Directed By – Edwin Wilcox (tracks: 1 to 18)
Tenor Saxophone – Lee Howard (tracks: 1 to 11)
Tenor Saxophone [poss.] – Slim Henderson (tracks: 12 to 18), Todd Rhodes (tracks: 12 to 18)
Tenor Saxophone, Directed By – Joe Thomas (3) (tracks: 1 to 18)
Trombone – Al Cobbs (tracks: 1 to 11), Arnett Sparrow (tracks: 12 to 18), Elmer Crumbley (tracks: 1 to 18), Russell Bowles (tracks: 1 to 18)
Trumpet – Bob Mitchell (tracks: 1 to 18), Paul Webster (tracks: 1 to 18), Rostelle Reese (tracks: 12 to 18), Tommy Simms (tracks: 12 to 18), Willie Cook (tracks: 1 to 11)