An Anthology of Big Band Swing (1930-1955) (1931)

About this title: This two-CD set is an unusually successful sampler. Although there are a few hits among the 40 selections, many obscurities are also included, and not all of the big bands represented are major names, such as Tiny Bradshaw, Noble Sissle, Spud Murphy, Teddy Powell and Jan Savitt. The emphasis is very much on jazz, and this worthy reissue is overflowing with forgotten classics. The music is programmed in chronological order, so one can experience the evolution of big bands from Duke Ellington, Fletcher Henderson and Luis Russell to postwar recordings from Artie Shaw, Tommy Dorsey and Benny ... read more

Tracks:

1. Rockin' in Rhythm [Ellington/Carney/Mi]
2. The House of David Blues [Schoebel/Meyers/Mil]
3. Saratoga Drag [Russell/Walton]
4. Savage Rhythm [Hoffman/Goodman]
5. Chant of the Weed [Redman]
6. St. Louis Blues [Handy]
7. Rock and Rye [Mundy]
8. Down South Camp Meeting [Henderson/Mills]
9. Avalon [DeSylva/Jolson/Rose]
10. In the Shade of the Old Apple Tree [Williams/VanAlstyne]
11. The Darktown Strutters' Ball [Brooks]
12. Polka Dot Rag [Bechet/Sissle/Toliv]
13. Stompin' at the Savoy [Goodman/Razaf/Samps]
14. Peg O' My Heart [Bryan/Fisher]
15. One O'Clock Jump [Basie]
16. Casa Loma Stomp [Gifford]
17. South Rampart Street Parade [Haggart/Bauduc/Cros]
18. Liza (All the Clouds'll Roll Away) [Gershwin/Gershwin]
19. Dunkin' a Doughnut [Williams]
20. You Rascal You [Theard]
21. Panassie Stomp [Basie]
22. Transcontinental [Rose/Goodman]
23. Jamaica Jam [Norman/Powell]
24. O. K. For Baby [Carter]
25. Blues in the Groove [Durham/Battle]
26. Murderistic [Lipman]
27. Swingmatism [Scott/McShann]
28. Savoy [Millinder/Doggett]
29. Blue River [Washington/Young]
30. Chicago [Fisher]
31. Fish Market [Eldridge]
32. Gambler's Blues [Traditional]
33. I've Got You Under My Skin [Porter]
34. Skyliner [Barnet]
35. Million Dollar Smile [Hampton/Roberts]
36. Midriff [Strayhorn]
37. Bear Mash Blues [Lowe]
38. The Continental [Conrad/Magidson]
39. The Blue Room [Hart/Rodgers]
40. One O'Clock Jump [Basie]

Note: This is a general synopsis. Each listing is further described below.