GENE KRUPA AND HIS ORCHESTRA – 1945 | The Chronogical Classics – 1143 (2000) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

Gene Krupa's recordings for a four-month period are traced on this CD in the Classics "complete" series. The first eight formerly rare selections feature the Gene Krupa Trio with the extroverted (and sometimes too enthusiastic) tenor saxophonist Charlie Ventura and pianist George Walters; three of the numbers were originally V-discs, three others were not released until the LP era, and the two remaining songs have never been out before. In addition, there are 15 numbers from the Gene Krupa Big Band. The returning Anita O'Day (who gave Krupa new hits in "Opus No. 1," "Boogie Blues," and "Chickery Chick") and ballad singer Buddy Stewart are on all but "It's Up to You" and "Lover." Among the soloists are trumpeter Don Fagerquist and Ventura. The 1945 Gene Krupa Orchestra did not catch on to the level of the 1941-1942 edition, but it definitely had its moments.  Scott Yanow  
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GENE KRUPA AND HIS ORCHESTRA – 1945-1946 | The Chronogical Classics – 1231 (2002) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

Although there are some moments of interest on this set of 25 performances, the Gene Krupa Orchestra's studio recordings are mostly weighed down by vocals. Bop trumpeter Red Rodney was with Krupa for part of 1946, but the band just recorded a dozen numbers during this period, with all but "How High the Moon" (which has an early swinging arrangement from Gerry Mulligan) featuring so-so vocals from Buddy Stewart and Carola Grey. Rodney sneaks in a few boppish licks here and there, but overall these are disappointing, particularly compared to the orchestra's radio transcriptions of the era. There are five cuts from 1945: three Anita O'Day vocals (including a fine "Tea for Two"), a good instrumental version of "Lover," and a bombastic Charlie Ventura tenor feature on "Yesterdays." In addition, there are also eight slightly later tracks. Charlie Kennedy gets in some boppish alto solos that sound similar to Charlie Parker, but vocals dominate five numbers, while the other three are not that essential. So this is a lesser release overall, mostly recommended to Gene Krupa completists. Scott Yanow  
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