Jimmie Lunceford
The Jimmie Lunceford Orchestra has always been a bit difficult to evaluate. Contemporary observers rated Lunceford's big band at the top with Duke Ellington and Count Basie but, when judging the music solely on their records (and not taking into account their visual show, appearance, and showmanship), Lunceford's ensemble has to be placed on the second tier. His orchestra lacked any really classic soloists (altoist Willie Smith and trombonist Trummy Young came the closest), and a large portion of the band's repertoire either featured the dated vocals of Dan Grissom, or were pleasant novelties. And yet, the well-rehearsed ensembles were very impressive, some of the arrangements (particularly those of Sy Oliver) were quite original, and the use of glee-club vocalists and short, concise solos were pleasing and often memorable. Plus Lunceford's was the first orchestra to feature high-note trumpeters (starting with Tommy Stevenson in 1934) and had a strong influence on the early Stan Kenton Orchestra.
Although he was trained on several instruments and was featured on flute on "Liza" in the 1940s, Jimmie Lunceford was much more significant as a bandleader than as a musician. While teaching music at Manassa High School in Memphis in 1927, Lunceford organized a student band called the Chickasaw Syncopators, recording two songs that year and a pair in 1930. After leaving Memphis, the band (known by then as the Jimmie Lunceford Orchestra) played in Cleveland and Buffalo and cut two songs in 1933 that were not issued until decades later. 1934 was the breakthrough year. The orchestra made a strong impression playing at New York's Cotton Club, waxed a few notable songs for Victor, and then started recording regularly for Decca. Their tight ensembles and colorful shows made them a major attraction throughout the remainder of the swing era. Among their many hits were "Rhythm Is Our Business," "Four or Five Times," "Swanee River," "Charmaine," "My Blue Heaven," "Organ Grinder's Swing," "Ain't She Sweet," "For Dancers Only," "'Tain't What You Do, It's the Way That Cha Do It," "Uptown Blues," and "Lunceford Special." The stars of the band included arranger Sy Oliver (on trumpet and vocals), Willie Smith, Trummy Young (who had a hit with "Margie"), and tenor saxophonist Joe Thomas.
In 1939, it was a major blow when Tommy Dorsey lured Sy Oliver away (although trumpeters Gerald Wilson and Snooky Young were important new additions). Unfortunately, Lunceford underpaid most of his sidemen, not thinking to reward them for their loyalty in the lean years. In 1942 Willie Smith was one of several key players who left for better-paying jobs elsewhere, and the orchestra gradually declined. Jimmie Lunceford was still a popular bandleader in 1947 when he suddenly collapsed; rumors have persisted that he was poisoned by a racist restaurant owner who was very reluctant about feeding his band. After Lunceford's death, pianist/arranger Ed Wilcox and Joe Thomas tried to keep the orchestra together, but in 1949 the band permanently broke up.
© Scott Yanow /TiVo
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Saga Jazz: The Perfect Big Band
Jazz traditionnel & New Orleans - Paru chez Saga le 27 janv. 2003
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BD Music & Cabu Present Jimmie Lunceford
Be Bop - Paru chez BDMUSIC le 10 oct. 2006
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Lunceford Special (Album Version)
Jazz - Paru chez Columbia - Legacy le 8 juin 2001
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Complete Jazz Series 1930 - 1934
Jazz - Paru chez Complete Jazz Series le 27 avr. 2009
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Anthology: The Deluxe Collection (Remastered)
Jazz - Paru chez Master Tape Records le 9 oct. 2020
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That Devilin' Tune: A Jazz History (1895-1950)
Classique - Paru chez West Hill Radio Archives le 4 oct. 2011
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Favorites (Mono Version)
Jazz - Paru chez BNF Collection le 1 janv. 1955
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Jukebox Hits 1935-1947
Jazz - Paru chez Acrobat Music le 29 mars 2005
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The Quintessence / Jimmie Lunceford
Jazz traditionnel & New Orleans - Paru chez Fremeaux Heritage le 30 juil. 2002
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Presenting Jimmie Lunceford
Jazz - Paru chez Universal Digital Enterprises le 24 déc. 1955
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Big Bands of the Swing Era
Jazz - Paru chez Tradition Records le 11 janv. 1957
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Jimmie Lunceford 1934-35
Jazz - Paru chez Documents le 1 sept. 2009
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Jimmie Lunceford 1935-37
Jazz - Paru chez Documents le 1 sept. 2009
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Complete Jazz Series 1937 - 1939
Jazz - Paru chez Complete Jazz Series le 27 avr. 2009
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Complete Jazz Series 1940 - 1941
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Complete Jazz Series 1935 - 1937
Jazz - Paru chez Complete Jazz Series le 27 avr. 2009
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1936-43 Live Broadcasts
Jazz - Paru chez Jazz Hour le 1 déc. 2006
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Complete Jazz Series 1941 - 1945
Jazz - Paru chez Complete Jazz Series le 27 avr. 2009
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