Ted Weems is best known for having the hit "Heartaches" and leading a fine sweet-based big band during the 1930s and '40s that during one period featured the vocals of
Perry Como. However, in the 1920s,
Weems' orchestra was the definitive dance band, performing everything with a strong jazz flavor and concise solos, yet always being melodic and accessible to a wider audience. This two-CD set expertly sums up
Weems' prime jazz period, starting with his 1923 hit version of "Somebody Stole My Gal," followed by nine songs from 1924-1925. The band really found its sound in 1926, and the second disc in this reissue covers
Weems' peak period of 1928-1930. Along the way are such songs as "Big Boy," "Siberia," "She's Got 'It'," "Miss Annabelle Lee," "What a Day" (a gem), the hit "Piccolo Pete," "Miss Wonderful," "Harmonica Harry," and "A Girl Friend of a Boy Friend of Mine." None of the soloists (best known was clarinetist
Don Watt) became famous, but their musicianship was high and the vocals of
Parker Gibbs and Arthur Jarrett are not difficult to take. ~ Scott Yanow