Fletcher Henderson's five Decca sessions are reissued in full on this fine CD. The 1931 and 1934 big bands are showcased. While the former group (heard on eight numbers) features such soloists as trumpeters
Bobby Stark and
Rex Stewart, trombonist
Benny Morton, and
Coleman Hawkins on tenor, the later group showcases trumpeter
Red Allen, trombonist
Claude Jones, clarinetist
Buster Bailey, and tenor
Ben Webster; altoist
Benny Carter has a guest appearance on "Liza." Highlights of these early swing performances include "Sugar Foot Stomp," "Singin' the Blues" (which has
Rex Stewart paying tribute to
Bix Beiderbecke), the atmospheric "Radio Rhythm," "Big John's Special," "Down South Camp Meetin'," and "Rug Cutter's Swing." Excellent music that proves that swing did not begin with
Benny Goodman in 1935.