Henderson's was not the only big band trying on new styles; he just had the best "tailor" of the time in Don Redman. Other bands also squeezed a new sound from the uptight sweet dance band formula. In Chicago, drummer/band leader Ben Pollack hired some of the brightest lights (clarinetist Benny Goodman, trumpeter Jimmy McPartland) from the white Chicago Jazz scene. Working from Detroit, the Jean Goldkette Orchestra toured constantly. Stealing the spotlight from everyone was the media hyped "King of Jazz" himself, Paul Whiteman - regarded by many jazz players as a pop icon more than a serious jazzman. A few details:
Jean Goldkette (1899 - 1962).
Goldkette was a French-born booking agent who fronted a popular dance orchestra that played a few early swing tunes featuring hot solos - especially in its road shows. None of the recordings really capture what the band could do on stage. Goldkette's Orchestra employed many outstanding jazz musicians including cornetist Bix Beiderbecke, violinist Joe Venuti, trombonist Tommy Dorsey, and sax man/clarinetist Jimmy Dorsey. Members of Goldkette's later group, the Orange Blossoms, formed the core of saxophonist Glen Grey's Casa Loma Orchestra.
Ben Pollack (1903 - 1971).
Pollack was the original drummer with the New Orleans Rhythm Kings, which collaborated with New Orleans legend Jelly Roll Morton. Pollack's bands were early ventures into swing that included future stars such as clarinetist and bandleader Benny Goodman, trumpeter Harry James, saxman Bud Freeman, and trombonist/arranger Glen Miller. In 1934, members of Pollack's band joined singer Bob Crosby's (Bing's brother) popular swing ensemble.
Paul Whiteman (1890 - 1967).
Whiteman was undoubtedly the best-known orchestra leader of the 1920s. Playing music midway between ragtime and the height of swing. Whiteman's dance band was one of the most popular, and most emulated, bands of the 1930s. Among Whiteman's star soloists were Bix Beiderbecke, trombonists Jack Teagarden, trumpeter Bunny Berigan, and guitarist Eddie Lang.
The Casa Loma Orchestra (formed 1927).
Led by saxophonist/clarinetist Glen Gray, the orchestra was a cooperative effort formed in 1927, by musicians from Goldkette's orchestra. Under Gray's guidance, and with the arrangements of guitarist Gene Gifford, the Casa Loma Orchestra became one of the first popular white swing bands, and swing they did!
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