Jimmy Dorsey › At the 400 Restaurant (1946) (Live)

Jimmy Dorsey: Jimmy Dorsey (clarinet, alto saxophone); Cliff Jackson , Ray Linn.

Released in 2005, this invigorating Jimmy Dorsey compilation contains 19 selections recorded live at the 400 Restaurant in New York City between July 1944 and January 1946. More so than his brother, Jimmy Dorsey appears to have been relatively open minded about new directions in modern music. His willingness to incorporate elements of bop and what were then progressive big-band textures into the charts resulted in several thrilling performances that showcase the full and fiery sound of this excellent band. Fresh ideas came from Babe Russin (co-composer of "All The Things You Ain't"), Dizzy Gillespie (co-composer and arranger of "Grand Central Getaway"), and Dorsey's fellow Pennsylvanian Sonny Burke (co-composer of "Outer Drive," "Town Hall Tonight," and the exciting "Sunset Strip," expanded here into a nearly five-minute jam). Other delights include several extended ballads, Sy Oliver's "Opus No. 1," Count Basie and Jimmy Mundy's "Super Chief," Jelly Roll Morton's "King Porter Stomp," and a very pleasant rendition of Dorsey's theme song, "Contrasts." ~ arwulf arwulf

Genre:

• Big Band & Swing

Music Categories:

• Jazz Instrument: Big Band