Search - Artie Shaw :: 1939

One of the best swing bands of the era

10/01/1999

(4 out of 5 stars)

"There's no doubt that the 1938-39 Artie Shaw band was arguably the best swing orchestra of that era. This collection, along with the 1938 and 1939, Vol. 2 CDs will give you an idea why. Jerry Gray's arrangements are top notch, with lush but swinging ensemble passages (take a listen to "Lover, Come Back to Me" as an example) surpassing, in my mind at least, many of the solo spots. There's a tendency towards goofy novelty numbers, especially when they involve Tony Pastor's vocals, but several of Helen Forrest's numbers (including the great "Deep Purple") are top notch."