Super session in superior sound
Peter Bainbridge | southeastern PA | 11/27/2009
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This disc includes two excellent V-Disc sessions. The first is Louis Armstrong, Jack Teagarden and the V-Disc All Stars, recorded December 6 1944. This is an outstanding session - it is one of those all to rare occasions when everything in the studio clicked. All the musicians seem to have performed at the top of their games, and when those musicians include Louis Armstrong and Jack Teagarden this is jazz at a very high level indeed. Other contributors include Bobby Hackett, Charlie Shavers, Hot Lips Page , Johnny Guarnieri , Herb Ellis, and Don Byas. The second session, recorded January 24, 1945 is by Woody Herman and the Vanderbilt All Stars. It is a small band recording, also very fine. The band includes Bill Harris, Flip Phillips, Georgie Auld, Ben Webster, Ralph Burns, Billy Baurs, and Chubby Jackson among others. The sound is excellent for both sessions. Recommended to all fans of small-band swing."