Circle Records presents a series of Lang-Worth Transcriptions by
Charlie Barnet and his Orchestra, most of which were recorded in New York's Liederkranz Hall on July 28, 1942; "Charleston Alley," using an arrangement by Horace Henderson, was committed to wax on January 27, 1941. Only six of the 14 tracks feature vocals; the singers are
Lena Horne, Huck Andrews, Bob Carroll,
Frances Wayne and
Peanuts Holland. Instrumental treats include "Victory Walk," "Wichita Windstorm," "Washington Whirligig" and a beautifully rendered salute to
Johnny Hodges and
Duke Ellington in the form of "Things Ain't What They Used to Be." Listeners are advised to savor the trumpeting of
Peanuts Holland and the soprano, alto and tenor saxophones of
Charlie Barnet. This excellent package of big-band swing recorded in the middle of the Second World War contains at least as much real jazz as any of the six Classics chronological
Barnet compilations documenting the years 1933-1940. ~ arwulf arwulf