The initial release from the collectors' label IAJRC has eight radio transcriptions from the same number of bands dating from the 1930s on side one and eight rare recordings from the 1927-31 period on side two of this fine LP. Serving as a good introduction to classic jazz of both the swing and pre-swing era, this LP (which unfortunately does not give recording dates or personnel) has many fine performances from the likes of
Benny Goodman ("Yes, We Have No Bananas!"),
Fat's Waller,
Bunny Berigan,
Duke Ellington,
Bennie Moten, the Jungle Town Stompers, the Louisiana Rhythm Kings and
Tony Parenti among others. A bit of a hodgepodge, the set is worth picking up by fans of the era. ~ Scott Yanow