Search - Jack Jenny :: Stardust

Jack Jenny's Stardust - virtuoso soloist

Arthur Cramer | Winnipeg Manitoba Canada | 12/30/1999

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Jack Jenny is perhaps one of the least known and unappreciated virtuoso trombonists of the swing era. A member of various pickup groups that included the likes of Bunny Berigan and Benny Goodman, Jenny had a band of his own for a short time in the late thirties, which is highlighted very well in this recording. From a technical standpoint, the arrangements featured are generally cliched, the musicianship tight and crisp, but tired sounding and unremarkable. However, this is a showcase for Jenny's brillance as both a "sweet trombonist" and virtuos improviser. His tone is sweet and understated, always in control, and possesing a clarity and brillance that was atypical of most trombonists of the swing era. Jenny displays an astounding control of his instruement, and an originality of style. The title track "Stardust" is Jack Jenny at his consumate best. It is marked by high range playing that displays what was for that time a fluidity and effortlessness that only a small number of trombonists of the time could match. Particulariy, it is evident that Jenny's technique matched that of another famous trombonist of the time, Tommy Dorsey, with the same ease of sound, smoothness, and clear, soaring sound. As an aside, Jenny replaced Dorsey in the Dorsey Brother's Orchestra in 1935 following Tommy's departure from that orchestra following a on stand fight with his brother Jimmy. Listening to Jenny, it is obvious why Jimmy chose him to fill Tommy's shoes. This is a truly exciting and gorgeous recording, and one gauranteed to satisfy even the most discerning of listeners. Again, while the content is commercial, the playing of Jenny should override anyone's objecitons to the commercial character of this recording. As a semi-professional trombonist of thirty years, I continue to hear things in Jenny's playing even now, even though this album has had a place in my personal record collection for almost twenty years. This CD is a "winner" and one that you will play over and over. An unappreciated and unknown talent, this is a show case of a master musician who deserved more noterity than he obtained. Five stars of trombone playing awaits! Add this to your collection to truly give it a complete reflection of the swing era trombonists whose day sadly came and went almost without notice."