Jimmie Lunceford: For Dancers Only
Musicians:
Jimmie Lunceford (alto sax), Sy Oliver (trumpet), Eddie Durham (trombone), Willie Smith (clarinet, alto sax), Dan Grissom (clarinet, alto sax),
Eddie Tompkins, Paul Webster (trumpets), Elmer Crumbley, Russell Bowles (trombones), Earl Carruthers (clarinet, alto & baritone saxes), Eddie Brown (alto & tenor saxes), Edwin Wilcox (piano), Al Norris (guitar), Moses Allen (bass), Jimmy Crawford (drums)
.Composed by Sy Oliver, Don Raye & Vic Schoen. Arranged by Sy Oliver
.Recorded: New York, June 15, 1937
Rating: 95/100 (learn more)
Sometimes history reflects its target like binoculars turned back to front. Objects, instead of appearing closer, seem more distant. The Swing Era illustrates this phenomenon. Whereas the biggest stars— Goodman, Shaw, Ellington, Basie, Glenn Miller—remain in telescopic close-up, lesser figures such as Jimmie Lunceford have receded to infinity. This is most regrettable because said lesser figures were not all that lesser. As shown by "For Dancers Only," the musical difference between Goodman's and Lunceford's band, each at its best, requires a micrometer to measure. Sy Oliver's bouncy chart and Eddie Tompkins's flamboyant trumpet should turn anyone's binoculars right-way-round.
Reviewer: Alan Kurtz
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