Description
Three great jazz orchestras dominated the black big band scene of the 30s: those of Duke Ellington, Count Basie and Jimmie Lunceford (1902-1947). Described as "one of the seven wonders of the Swing Era", the latter was superior to either in terms of sheer virtuosity. Lunceford's outfit achieved a standard of orchestral precision unrivalled at the time and probably never bettered in jazz history. Rhythm Is Our Business presents 53 superb examples, from his first successful record, coupling Jazznocracy and White Heat in 1934, through all the glory years to his final top 10 hit, The Honeydripper, in 1945, not long before his early death. All the outstanding jazz masterpieces are included, many featuring the supreme alto sax artistry of Willie Smith (Uptown Blues . . .) or, later, the stirring trombone of Trummy Young (Margie . . .). A feature of Lunceford's triumph was the bold and imaginative arranging genius of Sy Oliver, responsible for 26 tracks (My Blue Heaven, Organ Grinder's Swing, 'Tain't What You Do . . .), able fully to exploit the enormous talent on hand. This was a great dance band (For Dancers Only), perhaps the greatest for showmanship... the ultimate big jazz band.
