Yes indeed, this is a 5 star recording. Artie Shaw was a true master of swing. I strive to post the best quality transfers and I am very glad that you found this and enjoyed it.
I don't belief it! -- an instance at this channel in which I actually have this recording in my collection. This date, one of a number of transcription sessions for the band in this early period, is fascinating, as we can hear in development the sound that would soon captivate swing audiences. One thing I really like about the '38-'39 Shaw orch is that for his solos, Artie would frequently have everybody except the rhythm lay out; he does this in an extended way here. And of course he had a very fine rhythm section at this time; Al Avola's contribution here is a real treat. I must say, though, while I like Cliff Leeman's work with Shaw, I feel that he was at his most effective (in the swing orchestra setting, anyway) with Barnet; that band's rhythm had a very distinctive, irrepressible kind of sound with Leeman, Bill Miller, Phil Stevens and the great Bus Etri. ... Absolutely true that no one could hit those high notes with the power and clarity that Shaw did -- his mastery is on glorious display on this bit of boogie woogie.
Given the breadth and depth of your knowledge, it was only a matter of time before I posted something that you have! I agree regarding Cliff Leeman, his playing here is markedly different from his work with Barnet. In 1937/1938 he was a relative newcomer with Shaw and sounds to me to be somewhat constrained. Clearly he blossomed with his talented rhythm mates in Barnet’s band creating a truly swinging rhythm. Thanks as always for your insight.
![Artie Shaw - Greatest Hits [HQ Audio]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/GsiKy_H1KUM/mqdefault.jpg)
Wish he had done a session with just the rhythm section…so interesting to hear them like this.
Oh yeah! Love me some boogie…thanks DT.
I hear the influence of the Basie rhythm section here -- inescapable in 1938. And wonderful Cliff Leeman!
Thank you for posting this! It has been so hard to find a decent version of this recording on UA-cam! This is one of my top five swing recordings.
Yes indeed, this is a 5 star recording. Artie Shaw was a true master of swing. I strive to post the best quality transfers and I am very glad that you found this and enjoyed it.
I don't belief it! -- an instance at this channel in which I actually have this recording in my collection. This date, one of a number of transcription sessions for the band in this early period, is fascinating, as we can hear in development the sound that would soon captivate swing audiences. One thing I really like about the '38-'39 Shaw orch is that for his solos, Artie would frequently have everybody except the rhythm lay out; he does this in an extended way here. And of course he had a very fine rhythm section at this time; Al Avola's contribution here is a real treat. I must say, though, while I like Cliff Leeman's work with Shaw, I feel that he was at his most effective (in the swing orchestra setting, anyway) with Barnet; that band's rhythm had a very distinctive, irrepressible kind of sound with Leeman, Bill Miller, Phil Stevens and the great Bus Etri. ... Absolutely true that no one could hit those high notes with the power and clarity that Shaw did -- his mastery is on glorious display on this bit of boogie woogie.
Given the breadth and depth of your knowledge, it was only a matter of time before I posted something that you have! I agree regarding Cliff Leeman, his playing here is markedly different from his work with Barnet. In 1937/1938 he was a relative newcomer with Shaw and sounds to me to be somewhat constrained. Clearly he blossomed with his talented rhythm mates in Barnet’s band creating a truly swinging rhythm. Thanks as always for your insight.
Did meade lux know about this ?