Charlie Barnet and his Orchestra (Giants of Jazz)

This compilation of music by Charlie Barnet & His Orchestra comes from 1940s transcriptions, though no specific dates or personnel lists are given on the record jacket. Barnet is in great form on both soprano and tenor saxes, though none of the other soloists are identified in John C. Brown's liner notes, which discuss his career as a whole rather than any of the specific songs present. Few of the songs are remembered today, with the exception of a swinging interpretation of the Russian folk song "Volga Boatman." The instrumental tracks, especially the blues "Blue Juice," stand up better than the vocal features by Mary Ann McCall, Lena Horne, or Bob Carroll. The tracks on this Jazz Bird LP have appeared on a number of different labels compiled with various other Barnet recordings, so it is hard to call this 1981 reissue an essential part of his discography.