Tommy Dorsey & His Orchestra - It's D'lovely 1947-1950 (CD)

All Music Guide

Although the swing era was over by 1947, Tommy Dorsey put together a new orchestra and continued playing swing as if the era of the big bands was still in its prime and completely ignoring bebop. Due to TD's celebrity status, he was able to keep his orchestra working and recording pretty regularly during 194750, the period covered by this CD. 24 of his best recordings from the period are included, with the emphasis on the more swinging and jazzoriented performances. The first two numbers feature an allstar octet backing singer Hannah Williams that includes trumpeter Charlie Shavers, clarinetist Johnny Mince and pianist Teddy Wilson. The final two selections on the CD feature a dixieland version of the Clambake Seven with cornetist Bobby Hackett and clarinetist Peanuts Hucko; it is a pity that Dorsey did not record in that setting more often. Otherwise, the program features excellent big band swing with solos from both Shavers and trumpeter Ziggy Elman, tenorsaxophonist Corky Corcoran, ...clarinetist Buddy DeFranco and Dorsey himself along with a variety of lesser known players. Most of the material was formerly rare, making this an excellent acquisition for swing fans. - Scott Yanow, All Music Guide Read more Less