HELEN FORREST with ARTIE SHAW & HIS ORCHESTRA — Sweeter As The Years Go By (2002) FLAC (tracks), lossless

One of the more popular big-band-era singers, a performer that some might not consider a jazz vocalist, but one with exceptional ability to project lyrics and also an excellent interpreter. Forrest used several names early in her career, among them the Blue Lady and Bonnie Blue.

She began singing in her brother's band in Washington, D.C., then was featured in Artie Shaw's band after Billie Holiday left in 1938. Forrest joined Benny Goodman when Shaw disbanded in 1939, staying until 1941. She recorded with Nat King Cole's trio and Lionel Hampton in 1940, then began to score hits working with the Harry James orchestra. During the early '40s, she had string of successes. Later she teamed with Dick Haymes on his radio show and on six duets that were big hits. Forrest cut back her activity in the '50s, then sang with Tommy Dorsey's Orchestra led by Sam Donahue in the early '60s. She continued to work on the club circut in the '70s and '80s, making a new album for Stash in 1983. Forrest died July 11, 1999 at age 82. Ron Wynn
Tracklist :
1.    You're a Sweet Little Heartache 3:00 
Ralph Rainger / Leo Robin
2.    Thanks for Ev'rything 3:20 
Mack Gordon / Harry Revel
3.    Day After Day 3:17 
Johnny Green / Richard Himber
4.    Say It With a Kiss 3:24 
Johnny Mercer / Harry Warren
5.    They Say 2:49 
Edward Heyman / Paul Mann / Stephen Weiss
6.    Supper Time 3:19 
Irving Berlin
7.    Bill 2:40 
Oscar Hammerstein II / Jerome Kern / P.G. Wodehouse
8.    I Want My Share of Love 3:09 
Sammy Cahn / Saul Chaplin
9.    It's All Yours 2:51 
Dorothy Fields / Arthur Schwartz
10.    This Is It  2:53 
Dorothy Fields / Arthur Schwartz
11.    Any Old Time 3:12 
Artie Shaw
12.    I'm in Love With the Honorable Mr. So-And-So 3:36 
Sam Coslow
13.    You Grow Sweeter as the Years Go By 3:11 
Johnny Mercer / Merer
14.    If You Ever Change Your Mind 2:56 
Johnny Green / Maurice Sigler / Mayme Watts
15.    I Poured My Heart into a Song 3:27 
Irving Berlin
16.    All I Remember Is You 2:33 
Eddie DeLange / James Van Heusen
17.    A Man and His Dream 2:58 
Johnny Burke / James V. Monaco
18.    Easy to Say 2:35 
Artie Quenzer / Artie Shaw
19.    I'll Remember 2:33 
Arthur Freed / Burton Lane
20.    The Last Two Weeks in July 2:59 
Sam M. Lewis
21.    Many Dreams Ago 3:19 
Fred E. Ahlert / Al Stillman
22.    Love Is Here 3:07 
Artie Quenzer / Artie Shaw
23.    I Didn't Know What Time It Was 2:59 
Lorenz Hart / Richard Rodgers
24.    Do I Love You? 3:01
Cole Porter
Credits :
Alto Saxophone – George Koenig, Hank Freeman, Les Robinson
Clarinet – Artie Shaw
Drums – Buddy Rich, Cliff Leeman, George Wettling
Guitar – Al Avola, Dave Barbour
Piano – Bob Kitsis, Les Burness
Tenor Saxophone – Georgie Auld, Ronnie Perry, Tony Pastor
Trombone – George Arus, Harry Rodgers, Les Jenkins, Russell Brown
Trumpet – Bernie Privin, Chuck Peterson, Claude Bowen, Harry Geller, John Best
Vocals – Helen Forrest

MILDRED BAILEY – 1945-1947 | The Classics Chronological Series – 1337 (2003) FLAC (image+.cue), lossless

As she neared the end of her recording career, Mildred Bailey suffered from a steadily shrinking voice, but her interpretive powers were undiminished. The Classics volume 1945-1947 proves that point with a program of 25 performances backed by orchestras including Eddie Sauter's and Ted Dale's, and sidemen including vibraphonist Red Norvo (Mr. Swing to her Mrs. Swing), pianist Ellis Larkins, clarinetist Hank d'Amico, and trumpeter Dick Vance. Bailey reflects on her long professional life with a raft of melancholy standards -- "Lover, Come Back to Me," "These Foolish Things," and a tender "Can't We Be Friends?" John Bush  
Tracklist + Credits :

BENNY GOODMAN AND HIS ORCHESTRA – 1946 | The Classics Chronological Series – 1375 (2004) FLAC (tracks), lossless

Tracklist + Credits :

ARTIE SHAW AND HIS ORCHESTRA – 1936-1937 | The Classics Chronological Series – 886 (1996) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

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ARTIE SHAW AND HIS NEW MUSIC – 1937 | The Classics Chronological Series – 929 (1997) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

Although Artie Shaw's big band did not catch on in 1937, they did record regularly for Brunswick, generally featured superior songs (with a few vocal novelties tossed in), and had impressive musicianship. On the third of the Classics label's Artie Shaw records, highlights include a few eccentric vocals by Leo Watson; the two-part "Blues March"; the original recording of Shaw's theme, "Nightmare"; and fine versions of "Just You, Just Me," "Free for All," and "Nonstop Flight." The clarinetist-leader, Tony Pastor on tenor, and trumpeter John Best are the band's main soloists, but Artie Shaw would have to wait until 1938 before hitting it big. Scott Yanow
Tracklist + Credits :

ARTIE SHAW AND HIS ORCHESTRA – 1938 | The Classics Chronological Series – 965 (1997) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

After an extensive series of recordings in 1937, Artie Shaw & His Orchestra did not record for seven months. When they returned to the studios, it was with a new contract for the Bluebird label. Their first Bluebird recording resulted in a giant hit with "Begin the Beguine," which immediately catapulted the orchestra to the top of the swing world. The band's personnel had become stronger -- Billie Holiday (whose lone recording with Shaw is here, "Any Old Time") and Helen Forrest joined Tony Pastor on vocals -- and such memorable charts as "Indian Love Call," "Back Bay Shuffle," a remake of "Nightmare," "Non-Stop Flight," "What Is This Thing Called Love," "Softly As in a Morning Sunrise," "Copenhagen," and "It Had to Be You" are among the highlights. All of the recordings by Artie Shaw & His Orchestra in 1938 are on this highly enjoyable disc. Scott Yanow
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