An important musical director and conductor in the 1920s and '30s,
Nat Shilkret headed a series of "all-star" orchestras during 1927-1929. While most of his sidemen never made it to the all-star level (so the name was a bit of hype),
Shilkret used many of the top studio musicians of the time, some of whom are now considered important jazz players. Five of the recordings by
Nat Shilkret & His Victor Orchestra and all 19 of the selections issued by
the All Star Orchestra are on this Vintage Music Productions CD. The music is a perfect compromise between outbursts of hot jazz and arranged dance music. Some of the charts are particularly memorable, including versions of "My Melancholy Baby," "I'm More Than Satisfied," "Oh Baby," "Add a Little Wiggle," "There's a Rainbow 'Round My Shoulder," and "Steppin' Along." In the bands on some numbers are such fine players as
Andy Sannella (clarinet, alto, and steel guitar), trombonists
Miff Mole and
Tommy Dorsey,
Dudley Fosdick on mellophone, violinist
Joe Venuti, guitarist
Carl Kress, and even
Benny Goodman. The music, which has been largely left out of jazz history books, is still delightful, and 1920s collectors will find much to love on this perfectly conceived release, and throughout the valuable Vintage Music Productions catalog.