This week's In the Mood really swings!

Show Notes for 2/6-10

You can always count on In the Mood to bring out the Swing! This week's show has a lot to offer listeners and players alike...with special features on two of the most accomplished musicians of the Big Band Era, trumpet master Harry James and clarinet icon Benny Goodman.

We start Hour 1 with about 20 solid minutes of hits from the Harry James Orchestra. Harry's trumpet technique was legendary, and he showed great talent as a composer and arranger as well. We play a good mix of hard-driving swing numbers and beautiful ballads delivered as only Harry could. He had tremendous power and range, and could punch and rip on the hot numbers like no one else. And on the ballads, Harry could coat his horn with honey and play long, smooth, expressive lines with great feeling. We will hear him at his best at both ends of the spectrum on this week's show. 

Hour 2 begins with a loving listen to some favorite sides by the Benny Goodman Sextet. All these numbers should be familiar, leading off with Rose Room, one of the most-studied examples of improvisational jazz. Charlie Christian's electric guitar solo alone is worth the price of admission. We'll hear some amazing hot numbers that demand great dexterity and timing, as well as some softer tunes that let the guys stretch a little and express themselves. And Benny always populated the Sextet with players who were up to the task. Guaranteed to be a satisfying listen.

The balance of this week's show is a leisurely stroll through the World's Greatest Record Library with appearances by Lionel Hampton, Artie Shaw, Ella Fitzgerald, and a stunninly clean original OKeh 78 side from Louis Armstrong and his Orchestra. We'll hear from sax great Coleman Hawkins, Jimmy Dorsey, and even a Wayback Machine appearance from Rudy Vallee. 

We are locked and loaded for a great show this week! Hope you enjoy what you hear. As always, feel free to comment here or on our Facebook Page.