Jump Georgie Jump

This CD features the talented but underrated saxophonist Georgie Auld (heard on tenor, alto and soprano) during three different periods. When Artie Shaw temporarily fled from success to Mexico in late 1939, Auld took over his big band and tried his best to keep it together. In Jan. and Feb. 1940, the remnants of the Shaw Orchestra recorded ten titles (formerly quite obscure), and eight of those decent but not overly memorable dance band performances are included on this reissue. In addition, Auld is heard in 1944 at an extensive radio transcription session with his new big band (which features some rare solos from the ill-fated trumpeter Sonny Berman) and at a live date with his orchestra in 1945. The music from the later occasions is transitional, falling between swing and bop, and of consistently high quality. Well worth picking up.