John Kirby - 1941-1943 '1994

Tracks list

The third John Kirby CD from the European Classics label has 21 performances
that trace Kirbys unique sextet from the peak of its popularity in 1941 through
the war years. In addition to a dozen songs originally released by Victor, this
set has nine rarer numbers that appeared on V-Discs. With trumpeter Charlie
Shavers, clarinetist Buster Bailey, and altoist Russell Procope (along with
pianist Billy Kyle and drummer ONeil Spencer), Kirby was able to form an unusual
and very distinctive group sound that, although comprised of swing virtuosos,
looked toward the cool jazz of the 1950s. The band was starting to come apart a
bit by the later tracks of this CD, with first Specs Powell and then Bill Beason
replacing the late Spencer, George Johnson ably filling in for Procope, and
Shavers departing before the final number; however, the group sound remained
intact. Among the many highlights of this CD are Coquette, Royal Garden Blues,
Night Whispers, St. Louis Blues, and 9:20 Special.

Tracks:

01. Coquette [3:02]
02. Royal Garden Blues [1:45]
03. Close Shave [2:32]
04. Buglers Dilemma [2:34]
05. Its Only A Paper Moon [3:10]
06. Fifis Rhapsody [3:00]
07. Night Whispers [3:03]
08. Tweed Me [2:49]
09. Move Over [2:47]
10. Wondering Where [2:45]
11. Schuberts Serenade [2:32]
12. Tosellis Serenade [1:47]
13. Keep Smilin [3:09]
14. Comin Back [2:42]
15. No Blues At All [2:03]
16. St. Louis Blues [2:46]
17. Do You Savvy [3:09]
18. Tunisian Trail [3:33]
19. 9:20 Special [2:49]
20. Crossroads [2:18]
21. Cant We Be Friends? [2:41]

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