This album has the complete output of clarinetist
Edmond Hall's
band during a 1944 radio transcription session that resulted in nine songs, (the master takes), plus six alternate takes, three incomplete versions and three false starts. The swing-oriented group (which also includes trumpeter
Irving Randolph
, trombonist
Henderson Chambers
, pianist
Ellis Larkins
, bassist
Johnny Williams
and drummer
Art Trappier
) only recorded one commercial session, so this set is historically important, but the multiple versions make it difficult to listen to the date straight through. Best are the accepted takes of
"Opus 15,"
"The Sheik of Araby" and the title cut. ~ Scott Yanow