Big Band Dixieland

The Dorsey Brothers, Duke Ellington, Glenn Miller, Lionel Hampton, Artie Shaw, Benny Goodman, even Vaughn Monroe in his earlier days - their audiences were left in no doubt as to their skills. On the other hand, a band leader whilst playing his instrument can't really be in strict control of the band members, an argument perhaps for a leader without such skills? Whatever, one band which shared the spoils of success was led by a some-time singer whose greatest claim to fame, at least superficially, was that he was the brother of top male vocalist of the era - without Bing would there have been Bob? Presented here is a slice of Bob Crosby and his Orchestra, also the unit within, The Bob Cats, all from the peak period of the band's success between 1936 and 1940. Superb arrangements and musicianship, tunes to enjoy through the bleakness of the Great Depression, the credit goes not just to the boys in the band but to the guy that kept them happy, and together, Bob Crosby.