Ray Eberle,
Glenn Miller's ballad vocalist from 1938-1942, never escaped from
Miller's shadow. By the mid-'50s he was considered a has-been, even though his voice was actually stronger than during his glory years. Eberle's only two albums as a leader were both tributes to his former boss, including this date (which was reissued on a 1997 CD). There are five instrumentals for the largely unidentified band (only trombonist
Will Bradley and lead altoist Hymie Schertzer are mentioned), and some of the soloists are a little more modern than their 1940 counterparts, looking more toward cool jazz than swing. However, the very familiar arrangements on tunes such as "In the Mood" and "Tuxedo Junction" are rather restrictive. Eberle does his best on his seven pieces (which include "Fools Rush In," "Skylark," and "At Last"), but his voice remains an acquired taste. Primarily of interest for its nostalgic purposes. ~ Scott Yanow