The Popular Swing Masters
Tommy Dorsey (1905-1956). Known for his warm tone on trombone, Dorsey was also instrumental (like his brother) in early Chicago jazz and its transition to the 1930s big band swing. His orchestra was one of the smoothest and most popular, and its stars included trumpeter Bunny Berigan, saxman Bud Freeman, and a teen singer named Frank Sinatra. A copy of 17 Number Ones would be a good experience.
Harry James (1916-1983). James was a top big band trumpeter, although not on a par with Buck Clayton, the star trumpeter in Basie's band. James led a modern swing band in the 1950s, featuring saxophonist Willie "The Lion" Smith. Get Harry James 1937-1939 (Classic Jazz) or, from the 1950s, Harry James: Silver Collection (Verve).
Gene Krupa (1909-1973). A central figure in Chicago's "Austin High Gang," Krupa was the first famous jazz drummer - with Goodman's band, and later fronting a big band of his own. He employed innovative trumpeter Roy Eldridge (who also sang with the band), as well as Anita O'Day, an innovative swing singer. Check out Drum Boogie (Columbia), or, from the late '50s, Drummer Man (Verve), with Eldridge and O'Day.
Artie Shaw (1910). Like Benny Goodman, Artie Shaw was a gifted clarinetist, and his big band was among the best in the late 1930s., although it never achieved the wide popularity of Goodman's. Shaw was a visionary risk-take. He experimented with strings, hired rising players such as drummer Buddy Rich, pianist Johnny Guarneri, trumpeters Oran 'Hot Lips' Page and Roy Eldridge, and in the 1940s, was among the few bandleaders to take a legitimate crack at playing bebop with a big band. A good listening start would be Indispensable Artie Shaw (RCA) and Irresistible Swing (Drive Archives).
Keeping the Flame Alive
During World War II, popular music began to change, and big band swing's popularity began to wane. Many musicians were drafted into the military, taken from their music, (although some played in military jazz ensembles). Lengthy strikes by the musicians' union put a halt to recording during the war. In some cities, a special tax was imposed on dance halls.
An in Harlem, frenetic new jazz that would be known as bebop was being invented during the mid-'40s by Dizzy Gillespie, Charlie Parker, Thelonious Monk, and others at Minton's Playhouse and Monroe's Uptown House.
The music of Ellington and Goodman's bands was so strong, the
The copyright of the article The Popular Swing Masters in Jazz is owned by Agha Yasir. Permission to republish The Popular Swing Masters in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.
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