GENE KRUPA AND HIS ORCHESTRA – 1939 | The Chronogical Classics – 799 (1994) APE (tracks+.cue), lossless

The European label's third Gene Krupa set reissues all of the recordings made by the drummer's big band during a five-month period in 1939. Although working steadily, Krupa's Orchestra had not broken through yet (it was still two years away from its prime period). With Irene Daye contributing ten pleasing vocals among the 22 selections and such soloists as trumpeter Nate Kazebier, trombonist Floyd O'Brien, tenor-saxophonist Sam Donahue and pianist Milt Raskin (along with the drummer/leader), the group was starting to show some strong potential, particularly on the instrumentals such as "The Madam Swings It" and "Hodge Podge." Well-played if not overly distinctive swing music. Scott Yanow          Tracklist + Credits :

GENE KRUPA AND HIS ORCHESTRA – 1939-1940 | The Chronogical Classics – 834 (1995) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

The fourth CD in the Classics label's "complete" Gene Krupa series contains 23 recordings recorded by the drummer with his big band during a seven-month period. Irene Daye does a generally fine job on her 14 vocals and singer Howard Dulany weighs down one ballad but naturally the instrumentals are of greatest interest. This period in Krupa's career is generally overlooked in favor of his famous performances with Anita O'Day and Roy Eldridge but there are several gems including a swinging rendition of "My Old Kentucky Home," "On the Beam," "Symphony in Riffs," the hit "Drummin' Man," "Three Little Words," the two part "Blue Rhythm Fantasy," "The Rumba Jumps" and "Boog It." The main soloists include trumpeter Corky Cornelius, the Artie Shaw-inspired clarinetist Sam Musiker and tenorman Sam Donahue in addition to the colorful leader. Scott Yanow       Tracklist + Credits :

GENE KRUPA AND HIS ORCHESTRA – 1940 | The Chronogical Classics – 859 (1995) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

The fifth Gene Krupa CD in Classics' series (which reissues all of the drummer's swing-era studio recordings as a leader) documents Krupa's big band during a four-month period. Of the 22 selections (the majority of which have not been reissued elsewhere), seven have commercial ballad vocals by Howard Dulany, and six have reasonably enjoyable singing from Irene Daye. Of greatest interest are the nine instrumentals (including "Say Si Si," "Manhattan Transfer," "Tuxedo Junction," "Tiger Rag," "No Name Jive" and "Blues Krieg"), although during this era Krupa's orchestra had few major soloists. Tenor saxophonist Sam Donahue plays well, as do trumpeters Shorty Sherock (before he departed in May) and Corky Cornelius, but the Krupa big band's great days were still in the future. Still, swing collectors will want this entire series. Scott Yanow           Tracklist + Credits :

GENE KRUPA AND HIS ORCHESTRA – 1940, Vol. 2 | The Chronogical Classics – 883 (1996) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

The seventh CD in the Classics label's Gene Krupa reissue series is mostly fairly weak. Despite Krupa's presence, his band at the time was average (only trumpeter Shorty Sherock had much of a reputation as a soloist) and, of the 21 selections on this disc, only three are instrumentals. Irene Daye's nine vocals are certainly listenable, although Howard Dulany's seven ballad features are more routine; Daye and Dulany take "You Forgot About Me" as a vocal duet. The instrumentals ("Hamtramck," "Full Dress Hop" and an excellent version of "Sweet Georgia Brown") are fine, but this CD is only recommended to completists. Scott Yanow
Tracklist + Credits :

MEZZ MEZZROW – 1928-1936 | The Chronogical Classics – 713 (1993) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

Mezz Mezzrow was never that strong a player. His technique was weak and although he played with enthusiasm and was decent on the blues, he fumbled a lot. However, Mezz did appear on a lot of significant recordings through the years, and some are on this Classics CD. Playing tenor, Mezzrow is heard in 1928 with the Chicago Rhythm Kings, the Jungle Kings (the same group under a different name), Frank Teschemacher's Chicagoans, and the Louisiana Rhythm Kings. Those six titles by overlapping bands feature such major players early in their careers as cornetist Muggsy Spanier, clarinetist Frank Teschemacher, pianist Joe Sullivan, Eddie Condon (on banjo), and drummer Gene Krupa; Red McKenzie takes a vocal on "There'll Be Some Changes Made." Also on this CD are eight swing-oriented numbers from 1933-1934 by a big band headed by Mezzrow and including such top musicians as trumpeter Max Kaminsky, trombonist Floyd O'Brien, altoist Benny Carter, Bud Freeman on tenor, and either Teddy Wilson or Willie "The Lion" Smith on piano. Despite the inclusion of such titles as "Free Love" and "Dissonance," the music is essentially no-nonsense swing. This CD is rounded off by four selections from Art Karle and His Boys (mainly showcases for the dated vocals of Chick Bullock, although trumpeter Frankie Newton is in the backup band) and two songs from Mezz's first 1936 session as a leader. The excellent and often essential music is obviously of greatest interest for the contributions of the many all-stars. Scott Yanow  
Tracklist + Credits :

FATS WALLER – 1934-1935 | The Classics Chronological Series – 732 (1993) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

Looking for the perfect Fats Waller album? This just might be it. With the exception of eight titles recorded in May and August of 1934, these are the earliest recordings to be issued under the banner of Fats Waller & His Rhythm. By now, Waller had begun to settle into his role as pianist, vocalist, and bandleader, using his own vigorous presentational formula that was still fresh and stimulating. The band he used on the 28th of September was slightly expanded by the inclusion of trombonist Floyd O'Brien and clarinetist Mezz Mezzrow. On November 7th, Eugene Sedric was back playing tenor and Bill Coleman had replaced Herman Autrey as trumpeter. It is fascinating to ponder which numbers Waller sang relatively straight -- "Let's Pretend There's a Moon" comes out as a delightful love song -- and which were instead subjected to his mischievous manhandling, like "If It Isn't Love," a tune he initially refused to record. The material recorded on January 5, 1935, includes instrumental flip sides to complement the vocal versions of "Baby Brown" and "I'm a Hundred Per Cent for You." The lovely "Night Wind" was Waller's recording debut on the Hammond organ, an instrument he pioneered after making a number of jazz pipe organ recordings between the years 1926 and 1929. He was in fact the very first jazz organist. This part of the Fats Waller chronology just happens to contain some of the greatest records he ever made. Every single song is perfectly presented by his excellent little ensemble. When combined with four of his very best piano solos from November of 1934, the results constitute an even better choice for both Fats Waller initiates and longtime fans than any number of "greatest-hits" collections. This rewarding package of essential Waller performances is strongly recommended. arwulf arwulf  
Tracklist + Credits :

WINGY MANONE – 1940-1944 | The Classics Chronological Series – 1091 (1999) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

The seventh in Classics' Wingy Manone series (reissuing all of the trumpeter-vocalist's recordings as a leader into the mid-'40s) has 21 numbers from his lesser-known 1940-1944 period. The good-humored Manone is heard leading Dixielandish groups that include at various times clarinetists Joe Marsala and Matty Matlock, trombonists George Brunies and Abe Lincoln, pianists Mel Powell and Joe Sullivan, and drummer Zutty Singleton plus many lesser-known names. The best cuts are "Ain't It a Shame About Mame," "Ochi Chornya," "Mama's Gone Good-Bye," a remake of "Isle of Capri," "The Tailgate Ramble" (which has Manone sharing the vocals with its lyricist Johnny Mercer), "Sister Kate," and the only instrumental, "Memphis Blues." The six-part 16-minute "Jam and Jive" (which is rarely reissued) is a disappointment, mostly featuring Manone jiving in unimaginative fashion with the vaudevillian Eddie Marr. But, otherwise, the music is reasonably enjoyable if not essential. Scott Yanow  
Tracklist & Credits :

BUD FREEMAN – 1928-1938 | The Classics Chronological Series – 781 (1994) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

Bud Freeman was virtually the only key tenor saxophonist of the 1928-35 period who did not sound heavily influenced by Coleman Hawkins. Freeman, whose style fell between Dixieland and swing and who has long had a distinctive sound, is heard on this Classics CD at the head of several classic groups. There are two titles from 1928 with an octet also including obscure trumpeter Johnny Mendel, pianist Dave North, drummer Gene Krupa and (on "Can't Help Lovin' That Man") singer Red McKenzie. While those performances have early examples of Freeman's style, the tenor's sound was very much formed by the time of the 1935 sextet date with the brilliant trumpeter Bunny Berigan; Bud and Bunny made for an exciting team. The bulk of this CD features Freeman in prime form jamming in a trio with pianist Jess Stacy and drummer George Wettling; these versions of "You Took Advantage of Me," "I Got Rhythm," "Keep Smiling at Trouble" and "My Honey's Loving Arms" are definitely classics. Also on this CD are five numbers on which Freeman leads an all-star octet also including cornetist Bobby Hackett, clarinetist Pee Wee Russell, Stacy and Eddie Condon. Although this music has been reissued in many different settings through the years, it is certainly essential (in one form or another) to all historical jazz collections. Scott Yanow  
Tracklist :
1    Bud Freeman And His Orchestra–    Craze-O-Logy 2:55
Written-By – Freeman
2    Bud Freeman And His Orchestra–    Can't Help Lovin' Dat Man 3:20
Vocals – Red McKenzie
Written-By – Kern
3    Bud Freeman And His Windy City Five–    What Is There To Say? 3:27
Written-By – Harburg, Duke
4    Bud Freeman And His Windy City Five–    The Buzzard 3:07
Written-By – Freeman
5    Bud Freeman And His Windy City Five–    Tillie's Downtown Now 3:18
Written-By – Freeman
6    Bud Freeman And His Windy City Five–    Keep Smilin' At Trouble 3:09
Written-By – Jolson, De Sylva
7    Bud Freeman Trio–    You Took Advantage Of Me 2:50
Written-By – Rogers-Hart
8    Bud Freeman Trio–    Three's No Crowd 1:55
Written-By – Freeman, Wettling, Stacy
9    Bud Freeman Trio–    I Got Rhythm 2:48
Written-By – Gershwin
10    Bud Freeman Trio–    Keep Smilin' At Trouble 2:49
Written-By – Jolson, De Sylva, Gensler
11    Bud Freeman Trio–    At Sundown 2:55
Written-By – Donaldson
12    Bud Freeman Trio–    My Honey's Lovin' Arms 2:59
Written-By – Ruby, Meyer
13    Bud Freeman Trio–    I Don't Believe It 2:57
Written-By – Freeman
14    Bud Freeman And His Gang–    Tappin' The Commodore Till 2:45
Written-By – The Bunch
15    Bud Freeman And His Gang–    Memories Of You 3:13
Written-By – Razaf, Blake
16    Bud Freeman And His Gang–    "Life" Spears A Jitterbug 2:50
Written-By – King, Gabler
17    Bud Freeman And His Gang–    What's The Use? 3:16
Written-By – Newman, Jones
18    Bud Freeman Trio–    Three Little Words 2:56
Written-By – Kalmar, Ruby
19    Bud Freeman Trio–    Swingin' Without Mezz 3:07
Written-By – Anderson, Gabler
20    Bud Freeman Trio–    The Blue Room 3:02
Written-By – Rodgers-Hart
21    Bud Freeman Trio–    Exactly Like You 2:44
Written-By – McHugh-Fields
22    Minerva Pious And Bud Freeman–    Private Jives 5:05
Written-By – De Vries
Credits :    
Alto Saxophone – Dave Matthews (tracks: 14 to 17)
Banjo – Norman Foster (tracks: 1, 2)
Bass [String Bass] – Artie Shapiro (tracks: 14 to 17), Grachan Moncur (tracks: 3 to 6), John Mueller* (tracks: 1, 2)
Clarinet – Bud Freeman (tracks: 4, 5), Bud Jacobson (tracks: 1, 2), Pee Wee Russell (tracks: 14 to 17)
Cornet – Bobby Hackett (tracks: 14 to 17)
Drums – Cozy Cole (tracks: 3 to 6), Dave Tough (tracks: 14, 15), Gene Krupa (tracks: 1, 2), George Wettling (tracks: 7 to 13, 18 to 21), Marty Marsala (tracks: 16, 17)
Guitar – Eddie Condon (tracks: 3 to 6, 14 to 17)
Piano – Claude Thornhill (tracks: 3 to 6), Dave North (tracks: 1, 2), Jess Stacy (tracks: 7 to 13, 14 to 21)
Speech – Bud Freeman (tracks: 22), Minerva Pious (tracks: 22)
Tenor Saxophone – Bud Freeman (tracks: 1 to 21)
Trombone – Floyd O'Brien (tracks: 1, 2)
Trumpet – Bunny Berigan (tracks: 3 to 6), Johnny Mendel (tracks: 1, 2)
Trumpet, Piano – Joe Bushkin (tracks: 22)