For this CD, 20 selections by
Jimmie Lunceford's highly-rated orchestra are reissued. Dating from 1935-37 and not as complete as the Classics series, the release does give listeners a good overview of
Lunceford's music. The arrangements by
Sy Oliver (including "Swanee River," "My Blue Heaven." "Organ Grinder's Swing" and "For Dancers Only") are generally the most memorable tracks; this CD also contains a previously unissued take of "Ragging the Scale." Among the main soloists are altoist
Willie Smith, tenor saxophonist Joe Thomas and trumpeter
Oliver. ~ Scott Yanow