Boyd Raeburn And His Orchestra 1944 CD

On the first of two Circle CDs taken from Lang-Worth Radio Transcriptions that feature Boyd Raeburn's Orchestra, Raeburn's transitional band is well showcased. Succeeding his undocumented sweet orchestra of the late '30s and preceding his radical 1945 group, this big band essentially played advanced swing with most arrangements contributed by Eddie Finckel or George Williams. There are some dated vocals by Don Darcy and a couple from Marjorie Wood (including "Who Started Love" which has the only George Handy arrangement on the set) and solos from altoist Johnny Bothwell, trumpeter Benny Harris and trombonist Earl Swope. Among the more memorable numbers are "Hep Boyds," "Boyd Meets the Duke" and an early version of "A Night in Tunisia." ~ Scott Yanow

w. Johnny Bothwell, Tommy Pederson, Eddie Finckel, vocals by Marjorie Wood & Don Darcy, 19 tracks

Recording information: Liederkranz Hall, New York, NY (06/13/1944-01/17/1945).

Arrangers: Dizzy Gillespie; Eddie Finckel; George Handy; George Williams ; Juan Tizol; Ralph Flanagan.

Personnel: Boyd Raeburn (soprano saxophone, tenor saxophone, bass saxophone); John Arcesi, Martina Hoffman, Marjorie Woods (vocals); John Payuo, Steve Jordan , Dennis Sandole (guitar); A. W. McKusick, Hal McKusick, Johnny Bothwell (alto saxophone); Joe Megro, Al Cohn, Angelo Tompros (tenor saxophone); Serge Chaloff (baritone saxophone); Walter Robertson (trumpet, trombone); J. B. Gillespie, Louis Cles, Tommy Allison, Ewell Payne, Pinky Savitt, Benny Harris , Stan Fishelson (trumpet); Earl Swope, O. C. Wilson, J. K. Corman, Pullman Pederson, Bob Swift, Tommy Pederson , Trummy Young (trombone); George Hendleman, George Handy, Ike Carpenter (piano); Don Lamond, Shelly Manne (drums).

Liner Note Author: George H. Buck, Jr.