The
Krupa band of 1941 to 1943 had two great forces in it with the addition of trumpeter
Roy Eldridge and vocalist
Anita O'Day replacing Irene Day.
Eldridge almost singlehandedly transformed the orchestra from a pop-based dance band to a more jazz-inspired one, and
O'Day was simply the most swinging singer
Krupa ever had in the fold. Highlights include a wild "After You've Gone," "Stop! The Red Light's On," "Let Me Off Uptown," "Thanks for the Boogie Ride," "Knock Me a Kiss," "Bop Boogie," and the previously unissued "Barrelhouse Bessie From Basin Street." Those interested in
Krupa's career as a bandleader should start with this one. ~ Cub Koda