This volume in RCA Bluebird's
Centennial Collection series (whereby the label offers a single-disc CD compilation of classic tracks and a bonus DVD of rare clips from television, documentary, and film footage) focuses on
Artie Shaw's late-'30s through mid-'40s period with the Victor and Bluebird labels. Eight of the tunes here originated with radio broadcasts. The 20 audio tracks commence with
Shaw's biggest hit, "Begin the Beguine," featuring
Georgie Auld,
Tony Pastor, and
George Wettling. "Grabtown Grapple" features a killer, if brief, solo by
Roy Eldridge, and
Oran "Hot Lips" Page is showcased on "Evensong" and "Suite No. Eight." The sound here is wonderful throughout. The DVD showcases the
Shaw band as widely portrayed in Hollywood movies from the era. There are clips here from Class in Swing, Second Chorus, and an interview with
Shaw from 2001 about its
Self Portrait box set issue. This is an excellent package and will be a nice addition to any
Shaw shelf.