Search - Fletcher Henderson :: Fletcher Henderson and His Orchestra (1927-1976) Hocus Pocus

A DECADE OF GREAT MUSIC-MAKING (1927-1936)

Barry McCanna | Normandy, France | 04/13/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Anyone wanting an introduction to Henderson could do worse than to come at him by way of this RCA Bluebird reissue, which samples the period from April 1927 to August 1936. The tracks reveal the kaleidascopic nature of the band's arrangements, which displayed the talents within the band to great effect. Its value to a more seasoned collector is that it features three takes that have not appeared previously, and four which made their first appearance in LP form. Of particular interest is Rex Stewart's salute to Bix Beiderbecke (recorded just over 3 months before the latter's death) by way of a note-for-note recreation of his solo on "Singin' The Blues". Coleman Hawkins is in evidence throughout, but amongst others Henry Red Allen, Roy Eldridge, Tommy Ladnier, J.C. Higginbotham, Buster Bailey, Hilton Jefferson, Russell Procope, Don Redman, and Chu Berry also put in appearances."