EDDIE CONDON – 1944-1946 | The Chronogical Classics – 1033 (1998) FLAC (image+.cue), lossless

This is how traditional Chicago-style jazz sounded in New York during the mid-1940s. When he wasn't brusquely emceeing these bands on-stage at Town Hall, guitarist and organizer Eddie Condon presented this music on the air and in the recording studio. The phonographic evidence, chronologically arranged and carefully documented, makes for enjoyable listening. Three V-Disc sides for the armed forces have Hot Lips Page lined up next to Sterling Bose, Miff Mole and Pee Wee Russell. This interesting blend of musicians from radically different social and ethnic backgrounds is typical of Condon. Lips sings on a nearly four-and-a-half-minute version of the "Uncle Sam Blues," a wry ode to military conscription. The old "Tin Roof" is summed up in a mere 126 seconds, followed by a slightly longer "Ballin' the Jack." It seems as though V-Disc encouraged short takes so as to be able to squeeze as many tracks as possible on to their newly devised 'unbreakable' lightweight 12" 78rpm records. The Decca session of December 12, 1944 sounds a lot like the Town Hall mixture of pressure cookers and attractive love songs. Bobby Hackett turns "When Your Lover Has Gone" into a prayer. Lee Wiley (who was Eddie Condon's idea of the Perfect Woman) sings a couple of sweet numbers, and the band kicks the stuffing out of a theme only identified as "Impromptu Ensemble." Here Jack Teagarden blows hot trombone and sings up a parcel of lyrics he first used on a "Chicagoans" session back in 1929. Special mention should be made of baritone saxophonist Ernie Caceres who blows mellow for Lee and very hot during the stomps. Two days later the band emitted 59 seconds of "jump" music and 33 seconds of "blues" for radio broadcast purposes. Lee sang two more ballads and Teagarden hammed up the "Sheik of Araby" with strange new novelty lyrics before they swung it to pieces. Jack also sings and plays handsomely on "Somebody Loves Me." Speaking of melodies composed by George Gershwin, the 1945 sessions include what might be the loveliest version of "My One And Only" ever recorded, starring Bobby Hackett. "Lady Be Good" and "Swanee" take on an almost Dixieland flavor. On March 27, 1946 Wild Bill Davison, Gene Schroeder and Davey Tough incited a grand "Farewell Blues" with the bridge from "Weary Blues" grafted on to its midsection. "Improvisation for the March of Time" was built across the familiar slow blues/fast blues formula, and a couple of very attractive pop songs were magically transformed into honest instrumental jazz before the band knocked off for the day. The session of July 17th, 1946 is memorable for the presence of pianist James P. Johnson, who sends out sparks during "Just You, Just Me," and the voice of John "Bubbles" Sublett, one-time musical cohort of Buck Washington. Sublett is heard singing W.C. Handy's "Atlanta Blues," also known as "Make Me a Pallet on the Floor." That's the great thing about an Eddie Condon date: you never know who's going to show for the gig. arwulf arwulf  
Tracklist + Credits :

BENNY GOODMAN AND HIS ORCHESTRA – 1940-1941 | The Classics Chronological Series – 1154 (2000) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

The second Benny Goodman & His Orchestra (the one he organized after taking a few months off to partly recover from sciatica) is heard on this CD during their first recordings. Cootie Williams and Jimmy Maxwell are in the trumpet section, trombonist Lou McGarity and tenor saxophonist Georgie Auld have solo space, bassist Artie Bernstein drives the rhythm section, and Helen Forrest takes some fine vocals. Eddie Sauter's often-radical arrangements (including "Benny Rides Again," "Taking a Chance on Love," "Superman," and "Moonlight on the Ganges") really challenge the clarinetist and are quite often classic. In addition, an excellent small-group date with Williams, Auld, pianist Ken Kersey, and Charlie Christian includes "Breakfast Feud," "I Can't Give You Anything but Love," and "Gilly." Scott Yanow
Tracklist + Credits :

BENNY GOODMAN AND HIS ORCHESTRA – 1941 | The Classics Chronological Series – 1202 (2001) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

All of the master takes from Benny Goodman's recordings from a two-month period in early 1941 are on this CD. Helen Forrest, one of the best big band singers, has 13 vocals, including "The Mem'ry of a Rose," "This Is New," and "Oh! Look at Me Now." Trumpeter Cootie Williams, trombonist Lou McGarity, and tenor saxophonist Georgie Auld have some brief solos with the big band, Teddy Wilson plays with the orchestra (which he did not get a chance to do during the early days), and Eddie Sauter contributes some of the arrangements. Charlie Christian is showcased on "Solo Flight," while "Scarecrow" (from Buster Harding) is memorable. But the best session included is by the Benny Goodman Sextet (Williams, Auld, Christian, bassist Artie Bernstein, and drummer Jo Jones) with Count Basie guesting on piano. "Breakfast Feud," "On the Alamo," "I Found a New Baby," and "Gone With What Draft" are all gems. Recommended. Scott Yanow
Tracklist :

BENNY GOODMAN AND HIS ORCHESTRA – 1941, Vol. 2 | The Classics Chronological Series – 1236 (2002) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

This CD in Classics' extensive Benny Goodman series starts out with the last Sextet date to feature Charlie Christian, including two songs ("Blues In B" and "Waitin" For Benny") performed by the band without Goodman during a rehearsal that was taped by an alert engineer. Otherwise, this CD consists of big band performances from Goodman's still-mighty orchestra, featuring trumpeters Cootie Williams (showcased on "Fiesta In Blue") and Jimmy Maxwell, trombonist Lou McGarity, and Georgie Auld on tenor. Helen Forrest has seven excellent vocals including "When The Sun Comes Out" and "Smoke Gets In Your Eyes," and there are diverse arrangements by the likes of Eddie Sauter, Jimmy Mundy, Edgar Sampson, and Margie Gibson. Several of these numbers are rarely reissued despite their high quality, so it is a pleasure to hear the complete sessions in chronological order by this memorable big band. Scott Yanow  
Tracklist :

BENNY GOODMAN AND HIS ORCHESTRA – 1941-1942 | The Classics Chronological Series – 1303 (2003) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

Tracklist :

BENNY GOODMAN AND HIS ORCHESTRA – 1942 | The Classics Chronological Series – 1324 (2003) FLAC (tracks), lossless

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BENNY GOODMAN AND HIS ORCHESTRA – 1947 | The Classics Chronological Series – 1396 (2005) FLAC (tracks), lossless

Tracklist + Credits :

BENNY GOODMAN AND HIS ORCHESTRA – 1949-1951 | The Classics Chronological Series – 1436 (2007) FLAC (tracks), lossless

This is the 34th volume in the Classics Benny Goodman chronology. It combines four titles from the Capitol records session of October 27, 1949 (Goodman's last for that label) with seven tunes recorded for Columbia on October 10 and November 24, 1950 and ten previously hard-to-find selections from a broadcast that aired April 1, 1951. Although the band on the Capitol date had Zoot Sims in the reed section, slick vocals by Dolly Houston, Buddy Greco and the Heathertones seem to use up all the air in the room. The Columbia sessions employed the Goodman Sextet, featuring pianist Teddy Wilson, vibraphonist Terry Gibbs and guitarist Johnny Smith, these last two helping to emphasize a contemporary bop-to-cool stylistic emphasis that was still playing a prominent role in Goodman's approach to music during this period. Vocalists on this leg of the journey include Nancy Reed, a carefully rehearsed, mixed vocal group known as the Pastels, and a deep-voiced male singer billed as "Rickey." This was none other than Jimmy Ricks, bass singer for the Ravens. Issued as Columbia 39121, the two instrumentals -- "Lullaby of the Leaves" b/w "Temptation Rag" -- are stunning examples of the Goodman/Gibbs collaboration at its finest. Yet the real gold in this compilation lies in the ten more traditional jazz melodies that were performed on the air, recorded and sold on a limited-edition LP in order to raise funds to benefit Fletcher Henderson, Goodman's greatest arranger as well as a pioneer of big-band jazz, who made his first jazz recordings in 1923. Henderson was ill and in serious need of cash. The fact that Goodman held this exciting jam session as a benefit for him adds considerable ethical ballast to an already superb bundle of live jazz. Teaming with Goodman in various combinations throughout the session were pianist Teddy Wilson, drummer Gene Krupa, bassist Eddie Safranski, guitarist Johnny Smith, trombonist Lou McGarity and trumpeter Buck Clayton. arwulf arwulf
Tracklist + Credits :

BENNY GOODMAN AND HIS ORCHESTRA – 1951-1952 | The Classics Chronological Series – 1450 (2007) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

This is the 34th volume in the Classics Benny Goodman chronology. It combines four titles from the Capitol records session of October 27, 1949 (Goodman's last for that label) with seven tunes recorded for Columbia on October 10 and November 24, 1950 and ten previously hard-to-find selections from a broadcast that aired April 1, 1951. Although the band on the Capitol date had Zoot Sims in the reed section, slick vocals by Dolly Houston, Buddy Greco and the Heathertones seem to use up all the air in the room. The Columbia sessions employed the Goodman Sextet, featuring pianist Teddy Wilson, vibraphonist Terry Gibbs and guitarist Johnny Smith, these last two helping to emphasize a contemporary bop-to-cool stylistic emphasis that was still playing a prominent role in Goodman's approach to music during this period. Vocalists on this leg of the journey include Nancy Reed, a carefully rehearsed, mixed vocal group known as the Pastels, and a deep-voiced male singer billed as "Rickey." This was none other than Jimmy Ricks, bass singer for the Ravens. Issued as Columbia 39121, the two instrumentals -- "Lullaby of the Leaves" b/w "Temptation Rag" -- are stunning examples of the Goodman/Gibbs collaboration at its finest. Yet the real gold in this compilation lies in the ten more traditional jazz melodies that were performed on the air, recorded and sold on a limited-edition LP in order to raise funds to benefit Fletcher Henderson, Goodman's greatest arranger as well as a pioneer of big-band jazz, who made his first jazz recordings in 1923. Henderson was ill and in serious need of cash. The fact that Goodman held this exciting jam session as a benefit for him adds considerable ethical ballast to an already superb bundle of live jazz. Teaming with Goodman in various combinations throughout the session were pianist Teddy Wilson, drummer Gene Krupa, bassist Eddie Safranski, guitarist Johnny Smith, trombonist Lou McGarity and trumpeter Buck Clayton. arwulf arwulf
Tracklist : 

MUGGSY SPANIER – 1944-1946 | The Classics Chronological Series – 967 (1997) FLAC (tracks), lossless

If you're looking for a straight, unfiltered shot of full-strength Chicago-style traditional jazz, this disc pulls no punches. Three of the four opening tracks are incendiary Commodore blowouts. Bob Haggart whistles during the opening and closing choruses of his own "Whistlin' the Blues," which comes as a bit of a breather after all that stomping. The next six selections were released on the Manhattan record label, available to the public as souvenirs to be purchased at Nick's Tavern, a hot spot for old-fashioned jazz in Greenwich Village. Four of these tracks feature the exciting baritone saxophone of Ernie Caceres, who exchanges a few words with Muggsy Spanier at the beginning of yet another whistling tune, "Feather Brain Blues." As Haggart whistles in the background, Caceres, speaking in a husky theatrical voice similar to that used by Harry "The Hipster" Gibson, exclaims that he hears a mockingbird. Spanier insists that the creature in question is "a feather brain bird," and vows to "blow him right away" with his trusty cornet. This results in a grand, easygoing blues with a big juicy finale, during which whistler and bassist Haggart gets the last word. The V-Disc session is solid and satisfying, right from the first few bars of a smooth walking treatment of the old "Tin Roof Blues." Creamy tenor saxophonist Bud Freeman is the star of this ensemble, as he transforms good music into something truly wonderful. Loudmouth comedian Phil Harris introduces a five-minute jam on "China Boy," counting it off in a tempo that is far slower than the one used by the band. This was a noticeable feature of V-Discs -- the spoken introductions were almost invariably recorded separate from the songs themselves, and usually sounded that way. Identifying his music as "Dixieland," Muggsy speaks at the beginning of "You Took Advantage of Me," a feature for Freeman, who had made a wonderful recording of this Rodgers & Hart dance tune for the Commodore label back in 1938. This 1945 "update" version is guaranteed to please all fans of Bud Freeman. This fine CD closes with six delightful sides originally released on the innocuous Disc record label. On "Pee Wee Squawks," Pee Wee Russell, who is heard on every session except the V-Discs, sings about how he needs a break: "My horn ain't in tune and my chops are hangin' low." The producers of the Classics Chronological Series are to be commended for periodically dredging up recorded examples of Pee Wee Russell singing in his own weirdly stilted, slightly sloshed manner. arwulf arwulf
Tracklist + Credits :

BOBBY HACKETT AND HIS ORCHESTRA – 1943-1947 | The Classics Chronological Series – 1047 (1999) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

When Bobby Hackett's band is in the house and presents a pretty tune at a relaxed tempo, the spirit within the song has a chance to climb out of its shell and perch for a few minutes over the front door like one of William Blake's pigmented angels. Hackett's sensitivity turns every ballad into a magical daydream. When the band turns on the heat, you're getting Chicago-style, Eddie Condon-approved traditional jazz, right straight out of the bottle. Condon in fact played guitar on the session of December 23, 1943, along with a swell tenor saxophonist named Nick Caiazza and no-nonsense trombonist Ray Conniff. Pianist Frank Signorelli, composer of "Serenade in Blue" and cardinal member of the Original Memphis Five, takes an occasional break during some of the stomps but really gets to shine with a full-length solo during his magnum opus, "I'll Never Be the Same." Some may feel that this one track is reason enough to seek out the entire album. It all depends on how much respect you have for Signorelli, and for the Art of Melody. The Commodore session of 1944, presented in part as "Jam Session at Commodore No. 6," makes lots of room for Ernie Caceres' magnificent baritone saxophone, with a few diversions supplied by Pee Wee Russell. Lou McGarity was a trombonist comparable to George Brunies. Jess Stacy's piano chemistry worked exceptionally well when combined with Hackett's dignified persona. These excellent jams also perfectly illustrate the artistry of George Wettling, Eddie Condon's preferred percussionist. Wettling drove a substantially different band through four sides for the Melrose label in May of 1945. The ballads are gorgeous; the hot numbers really rip. Both of the sessions from February 1946 utilize a big-band sound intended for slow dancing, with sentimental arrangements by ex-Paul Whiteman anesthesiologist Bill Challis. Lush reeds hover behind Hackett's romantic horn with brief spotlights on clarinetist Hank d'Amico and guitarist Carl Kress. Johnny Guarnieri noodles gently on a celeste, sweetening up an already honey-drenched confection. A nice four-minute V-Disc trio performance is provided to clear the palette. arwulf arwulf
Tracklist

JACK TEAGARDEN AND HIS ORCHESTRA – 1944-1947 | The Classics Chronological Series – 1032 (1998) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

Minute by minute and track for track, this disc contains an invigoratingly high concentration of Jack Teagarden's best music. Nearly half of the performances are instrumental and, with the exception of a pretty torch song sung by Christine Martin and a gruffly cheerful duet with Wingy Manone, the primary vocalist is Big Tea. After three marvelous V-Discs, including a six-minute version of "If I Could Be With You (One Hour Tonight)," a Commodore session erupts with a smokin' run through "Chinatown, My Chinatown" and a deeply steeped "Big T Blues," introduced by Jack's sister Norma Teagarden at the piano. While singing his homespun lyrics to this bluesy slow drag, Jack introduces Norma by name, then pays tribute to trumpeter Max Kaminsky. Norma proves that she was an exceptionally fine stride pianist as she sets up "Pitchin' a Bit Short" and Detroiter Bob Zurke's lively theme song, "Hobson Street Blues," which sounds a bit like a Broadway show tune. Back in Chicago on April 11, 1946, Mr. T's orchestra waxed half a dozen sides for the Teagarden Presents record label. Bobby Fischer delivers some Gene Krupa-styled drumming during the quirky "Martian Madness," the band smokes the tar out of "Way Down Yonder in New Orleans," and there is a grandiose rendition -- minus Rudyard Kipling's lyrics -- of "On the Road to Mandalay." On the first day of March 1947, Teagarden created one of his all-time greatest vocal and trombone ballad testimonials in the form of an intoxicating version of "Body and Soul." This precious live V-Disc recording begins with a spoken introduction by Bob Bach of Metronome magazine. Nine days later, master percussionist Davey Tough provided propulsive persuasion for Jack Teagarden's Big Eight, an ensemble including Max Kaminsky, clarinetist Peanuts Hucko, butter-toned tenor saxman Cliff Strickland, and one of Eddie Condon's most trusted pianists, Gene Schroeder. After a couple of expertly rendered blues, a tasty stomp with modern overtones simply called "Jam Session at Victor" sails in like a steam locomotive. As a surprise for dessert, the producers of this series have tacked on a pair of leftover big-band sides dating from November of 1939, issued in 1947 on V-Disc. This provides an example of how Dave Tough sounded as part of Teagarden's 16-piece big band. Their two-minute version of Jelly Roll Morton's "Wolverine Blues" is the perfect coda for this solidly satisfying album of rare and exciting traditional jazz. arwulf arwulf
Tracklist
1    Jack Teagarden And His Orchestra–    Beale Street Blues     3:53
2    Jack Teagarden And Band–    I Swung The Election     2:13
3    Jack Teagarden And The V-Disc All Stars–    If I Could Be With You One Hour Tonight     5:50
4    Jack Teagarden And His Swingin' Gates–    Chinatown My Chinatown     2:49
5    Jack Teagarden And His Swingin' Gates–    Big "T" Blues     3:13
6    Jack Teagarden And His Swingin' Gates–    Rockin' Chair     4:09
7    Jack Teagarden And His Swingin' Gates–    Pitchin' A Bit Short     4:09
8    Jack Teagarden And Band–    Hobson Street Blues     1:58
9    Jack Teagarden And His Dixieland Jazz Orchestra–    Muskrat Ramble    2:56
10    Jack Teagarden And His Dixieland Jazz Orchestra–    Way Down Yonder In New Orleans     2:57
11    Jack Teagarden And His Orchestra–    Basin Street Blues     3:06
12    Jack Teagarden And His Orchestra–    Martian Madness     2:38
13    Jack Teagarden And His Orchestra–    On The Road To Mandalay     2:33
14    Jack Teagarden And His Orchestra–    Sabino You For Me     2:55
15    Jack Teagarden And His Trombone–    Body And Soul     4:19
16    Jack Teagarden's Big Eight–    St. Louis Blues     3:05
17    Jack Teagarden's Big Eight–    Blues After Hours     3:15
18    Jack Teagarden's Big Eight–    Jam Session At Victor     3:14
19    Jack Teagarden's Big Eight–    Say It Simple     3:11
20    Jack Teagarden And His Orchestra–    On Revival Day     1:40
21    Jack Teagarden And His Orchestra–    Wolverine Blues     2:06
All Credits : 

BUD FREEMAN – 1945-1946 | The Classics Chronological Series – 942 (1997) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

The third Bud Freeman CD in Classics' reissues of all of his early sessions as a leader has some memorable performances. The classic tenor heads an all-star octet (with trumpeter Yank Lawson, trombonist Lou McGarity and clarinetist Edmond Hall) on four hot numbers; he creates a pair of hilarious verbal introductions to a couple of satirical V-Disc numbers ("The Latest Thing In Hot Jazz" and "For Musicians Only"); and on "The Atomic Era," Freeman performs an unusual duet with drummer Ray McKinley. However, this CD gets a lower rating than expected because 12 of the 21 performances showcase the Five De Marco Sisters, a pleasant but fairly mediocre swing vocal group. Although there are some good solos and ensembles on those selections, the recordings overall are only of interest to completists. Scott Yanow
Tracklist :
1    Bud Freeman And His Orchestra–    I'm Just Wild About Harry    3:04
 Eubie Blake / Noble Sissle
2    Bud Freeman And His Orchestra–    I Got Rhythm    2:34
 George Gershwin / Ira Gershwin
3    Bud Freeman And His Orchestra–    Where Have You Been?    2:53
 Cole Porter
4    Bud Freeman And His Orchestra–    Ol' Man River    3:17
 Oscar Hammerstein II / Jerome Kern
5    Eight Squares And A Critic–    The Latest Thing In Hot Jazz    1:16
 Traditional
6    Bud Freeman And The V-Disc Jumpers–    For Musicians Only (A Musical Treatise On Jazz)    6:07
 Traditional
7    The V-Disc Jumpers–    Love Is Just Around The Corner    4:45
 Lewis Gensler / Leo Robin
8    Bud Freeman And His Boys–    Coquette    4:44
 Johnny Green / Gus Kahn / Carmen Lombardo
9    Five DeMarco Sisters Acc. By Bud Freeman And His Orchestra–    Flat River, Missouri    2:59
 Shannon
10    Five DeMarco Sisters Acc. By Bud Freeman And His Orchestra–    It's Been A Long, Long Time    2:34
 Sammy Cahn / Jule Styne
11    Five DeMarco Sisters Acc. By Bud Freeman And His Orchestra–    Love Is Such A Crazy Thing    2:53
Unknown
12    Five DeMarco Sisters Acc. By Bud Freeman And His Orchestra–    Chico Chico (From Porto Rico)    2:44
 Harold Adamson / Jimmy McHugh
13    Bud Freeman And Ray McKinley–    The Atomic Area    2:43
 Eddie Sauter
14    Five DeMarco Sisters Acc. By Bud Freeman And His Orchestra–    Hop, Skip And Jump!    2:41
 Milton Drake / Al Hoffman / Jerry Livingston
15    Five DeMarco Sisters Acc. By Bud Freeman And His Orchestra–    I Don't Know Why (I Just Do)    3:02
 Fred E. Ahlert / Roy Turk
16    Bud Freeman And His Orchestra–    I'll Tell You How I Feel    2:52
Unknown
17    Five DeMarco Sisters Acc. By Bud Freeman And His Orchestra–    Sweet I've Gotten On You    2:56
 Brad Reynolds / Willard Robison
18    Five DeMarco Sisters Acc. By Bud Freeman And His Orchestra–    Blue    3:10
 Kenny Dorham / Horace Silver
19    Bud Freeman And His Orchestra–    Her Majesty's Dance    2:43
Unknown
20    Five DeMarco Sisters Acc. By Bud Freeman And His Orchestra–    Doin' What Comes Natur'lly    2:50
 Irving Berlin
21    Five DeMarco Sisters Acc. By Bud Freeman And His Orchestra–    That Wonderful Worrisome Feeling    3:06
Hoffman / Roberts / Livingstone