Stardust

Jack Jenney had a beautiful tone and was one of the most technically skilled trombonists active during the swing era. Unfortunately, he did not have much luck as a bandleader, recording 18 selections with his orchestra during 1938-40 before going bankrupt. All of the numbers are on this CD, plus three alternate takes and three songs made during a small-group date as a sideman with drummer Johnny Williams (a session which also includes trumpeter Charlie Spivak and tenor saxophonist Babe Russin). Jenney is best known for his eight-bar solo on Artie Shaw's famous version of "Stardust," but more notable is his own full-length feature on "Stardust" with his big band (two versions are on this CD), in which his technique is fully displayed. Jenney's orchestra did not have any big names — best known are pianist Arnold Ross and clarinetist Peanuts Hucko, although drummer Gene Krupa sat in during the first session — and its recordings alternated between well-played but anonymous swing and some typical vocal ballad features. But this perfectly realized reissue CD is easily recommended to swing collectors wanting to learn about the now-obscure trombone great.