After breaking up his
Casa Loma Orchestra in 1950, for a time the former swing bandleader
Glen Gray retired. However, within a few years he came up with the idea of "bringing back the big bands," at least in the studios. He put together all-star orchestras that recreated the recordings, and sometimes even the solos, of a wide variety of formerly popular swing bands, and had strong commercial success during the second half of the 1950s. The LP
Solo Spotlight was a change of pace in 1959; the arrangements are new as
Gray has his impressive band perform a dozen songs by the then-recently deceased
Victor Young. Nearly every selection is a feature for a specific musician, so one gets a chance to hear altoist
Skeets Herfurt;
Murray McEachern on separate pieces for his trombone and alto; trumpeter
Shorty Sherock; drummer
Nick Fatool; trumpeter
Manny Klein; pianist
Ray Sherman; trombonist
Joe Howard, and clarinetist
Gus Bivona being showcased. In addition, three numbers feature the ensembles. Although nothing too innovative or surprising occurs, the music will please swing fans.