Bob Crosby led one of the hottest big bands of the 1930s, a unit that although filled with swing stylists could play Dixieland with the joy and spontaneity of a small group. In time,
Bob Crosby's Bobcats would overshadow the big band, but this definitive CD shows how enjoyable the orchestra could be. With such soloists as trumpeters
Yank Lawson and
Billy Butterfield, clarinetists
Matty Matlock and
Irving Fazola, Eddie Miller (on tenor and clarinet), and pianists
Bob Zurke,
Joe Sullivan, and
Jess Stacy, among others, the
Crosby aggregation could hold its own with any other band of the time. On their CD, 20 of
Bob Crosby's finest performances (17 of which are from 1936-1939) are included, with the high points being "Little Rock Getaway" (
Zurke's classic interpretation of
Sullivan's most famous song), "South Rampart Street Parade," "Big Noise From Winnetka," the original version of "What's New" (known at the time as "I'm Free"), "My Inspiration," "Jimtown Blues," and several heated Dixieland standards. Essential music for any serious jazz collection. ~ Scott Yanow