Search - Jimmy Dorsey :: Contrasts

From original 78's to compact disc

donald | 10/18/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Decca records have not issued any complete Jimmy Dorsey records on compact disc except for this one on the GRP label. This is an excellent reproduction of the dorsey music. I never heard the band sound so well. I have many 78's of dorsey. I have 700 compact disc and this is one of my favorites to play. decca I wish you would release more of jimmy dorsey on the label he originally recorded on. How about the complete b. eberly and helen o'connell records. this band has been greatly neglected. thanks for listening don"

Great overview of a great band

Robert C. Topper | Richardson, Texas | 06/23/1999

(5 out of 5 stars)

"An excellent compilation of Decca sides, beginning in 1936 shortly after Jimmy took over the Dorsey Brothers band after Tommy left, extending up to 1943. Along the way, we listen to the band change from playing mere pop tunes to solid jazz. Included are a couple of outstanding vocals by June Richmond, among the first appearences by a black singer with a white band. The best cuts are the ones done in the early 40's, starting with "Dolemite". While I am truly a Charlie Barnet fan, I think that Dorsey's rendition of "Charleston Alley" far surpasses the more popular version by Barnet. My only complaint is that for the O'Connell/Eberly selection something other than the frequently re-released "Tangerine" could have been chosen. My pick would have been either "Yours" or "Time Was", neither of which is commonly heard."

A sample of Dorsey's genius!

Robert C. Topper | 03/09/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"After ten years, this is Decca Jazz's only CD issue of Jimmy Dorsey up until now. But what is offered here is quite good! Well, it is impossible to fit all of Dorsey's Decca recordings (well over 400!) on one compact disc, so the choices are difficult. It is good that Orrin Keepnews issue some of Jimmy's fine instrumentals. I always thought his version of "Don't Be That Way" was better than Benny Goodman's RCA record. Also, his record of "Turn Right" sounds pretty modern for 1941, sort of hinting at "BOP", which became popular after World War II. Of course, Jimmy Dorsey's horn playing did inspire the BOP musicians, especially Charlie Parker. Decca Jazz needs to be advised that there is much more to be heard from here! Here are just a few Jimmy Dorsey tunes that need to be reissued: "Dorsey Stomp", "Tap Dancer's Nightmare", "Dorsey Dervish", "Funiculi, Funicula", "A Man and His Drums", "Dixieland Detour", "Rigamarole", "Cherokee", "Major and Minor Stomp", "La Rosita", "Fingerbustin'", "Perfidia", "Bar Babble", "What Makes Sammy Run", "Jersey Bounce", "Blue Skies", "The Champ", "J.D.'s Boogie Woogie", "Lover", "Outer Drive", "Perdido", "Jumpin' Jehosaphat", "Star Dust",...etc....etc....etc...."