Swing Music

I first heard of Don Redman when I saw a Betty Boop cartoon which featured his band and his vocals, and he has been a favorite of mine ever since. No expert on Jazz, I immediately picked up the "Duke Ellington" sound of his music, so it was no surprise to find out later that he was Ellington's aranger.

I like Redman's stuff better, maybe because I always thought that Ellington's was a little too smooth and polished.

The best songs on this disc are "Chant of the Weed", "I Heard", "How'm I Doin'?", all of which were featured in that Betty Boop cartoon (which was titled "I Heard" and was and is a classic of animation). Redman had a great voice for this type of music. I wouldn't say he was a great singer, or any kind of singer at all; he mostly spoke the lyrics in a kind of a sly, humorous tone that fit perfectly with the sound of the band and the mood of the words.

The weaker selections (there are a few, which is why I only give 4 stars) featured different vocalists who seemed to be imitating Bing Crosby (and sounding more like Russ Columbo). They aren't bad, but not as good as the instrumentals or the Redman vocals.

Again, I'm, no jazz expert, but this CD is probably the most listened to jazz record I have. I believe it was one of a series, and I have the follow up record, which is just as good. I don't have the third. Since it is a "complete" set of the artist's work, it's understandable that a few weaker sides are on it. I put about 17-18 songs from this on my ipod, and the selection is probably better than the whole disc. Still, I would consider this a must for any jazz fan, or fan of the music of the 20s and 30s.

Don Redman was one of the great jazz arrangers of all time and this CD has some wonderful songs.

The highlights of this 24 selection disc are "Shakin' The African," "Chant Of The Weed," "I Heard," "You Gave Me Everything But Love," "Doin' What I Please," "Nagasaki," "Doin' The New Low-Down" (both versions) and the medley of "Shuffle Your Feet/Bandanna Babies."

"You Gave Me Everything But Love" is a classic sung by Harlan Lattimore, whose voice is incredible on this number...five stars for this song.

The take of "Doin' The New Low-Down" with Bojangles Robinson is lively and cheerful and, if you close you eyes, you can "see" Mr. Bojangles tapping away. In simple terms...GREAT!

The "Shuffle Your Feet/Bandanna Babies" medley is superior, too, with Harry and Donald Mills supplying wonderful vocals.

There are a few weak spots...but the highlights mentioned are well worth the purchase price...JMB

Of the three CD's in the classics series this 1931-1933 is the main one to get, though they are all enjoyable. Don Redmen who had previously been leading the great and very hot band "McKinney's Cotton Pickers." Though his own band not as popular as "McKinney's Cotton Pickers" is innovative and ahaead of it's time, because of Redman's fresh arrangements. A great "Chant Of The Weed" which shows off Redman's arranging skills. Overall this CD is a gem, and jazz collectors who don't have this material are recommended to pick this CD up. Also get on the classics series "Mickinney's Cotton Pickers 1928-1929", which Redman appears on, a very hot group.