Swingin' Sounds

One of the great jazz clarinetists of all time, Artie Shaw was one of the most popular big band leaders of the Swing Era, almost despite himself. It seemed as if whenever he became hugely successful, he would break up his band and often retire for months. In 1939 when he had the most popular big band in the world (even topping Benny Goodman), the pressure became too much for him and he fled to Mexico, only to return with a new band six months later.

During the period covered by this very comprehensive ten-CD set, 1936-45, Shaw led five different orchestras. While the first one, a smaller group that combined together a dixieland-inspired frontline with a string quartet, was a commercial flop (despite recording very rewarding music), the 1938-39 band was a major hit. The two ensembles that followed during 1940-42 both had large string sections and their own sound. After Shaw served in the Navy during World War II, his last major orchestra in 1945 recaptured much of his earlier success.

This ten-CD box has virtually all of Shaw's commercial recordings of the nine year period (including "Begin the Beguine" and "Frenesi"), featuring such notables as singers Helen Forrest and Tony Pastor, pianist Johnny Guarnieri (who played celeste with Shaw's Gramercy Five), trumpeters Billy Butterfield, Hot Lips Page and Roy Eldridge, drummer Buddy Rich and Georgie Auld on tenor. Shaw plays brilliantly throughout, especially on "Concerto for Clarinet."

After listening to this well-conceived release, it will be obvious to listeners why Artie Shaw is still a household name.

—Scott Yanow