Al Donahue, "Alabamy Bound" 1941

Nothing too exceptional here, just a hard-swinging rendition of this pop chestnut.

ALABAMY

Bob Chester, "Dewey Square" 1941

Here's a little fugue-like number with some brilliant unison reed section work.  Much of Bob Chester's catalogue is available on CD and well worth checking out.


DEWEY

Jan Savitt, "The Sorcerer's Apprentice" 1941

It was a common practice for big bands to record updated versions of classical standards.  Though criticized by many jazz critics of the day as non-jazz novelties, I find this to be an enjoyable sub-genre of swing music.  The first example of this style on this blog comes to us courtesy of Jan Savitt, one of its finest purveyors.  This swinging arrangement of Paul Dukas's symphonic poem was penned by Jack Pleis.  It shows respect to the original without sacrificing the big swing sound.

SORCERY