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 tradicional & Nueva Orleans - Editado por SAGA el 27/01/2003
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BD Music & Cabu Present Jimmie Lunceford
Be Bop - Editado por BDMUSIC el 10/10/2006
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Lunceford Special (Album Version)
Jazz - Editado por Columbia - Legacy el 8/06/2001
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Complete Jazz Series 1930 - 1934
Jazz - Editado por Complete Jazz Series el 27/04/2009
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Anthology: The Deluxe Collection (Remastered)
Jazz - Editado por Master Tape Records el 9/10/2020
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That Devilin' Tune: A Jazz History (1895-1950)
Clásica - Editado por West Hill Radio Archives el 4/10/2011
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The Decca Singles Vol. 1: 1934-1935
Jazz - Editado por Verve Reissues el 10/11/2017
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Presenting Jimmie Lunceford
Jazz - Editado por Universal Digital Enterprises el 24/12/1955
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The Decca Singles Vol. 4: 1941-1945
Jazz - Editado por Verve Reissues el 10/11/2017
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The Decca Singles Vol. 3: 1937-1941
Jazz - Editado por Verve Reissues el 10/11/2017
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The Decca Singles Vol. 2: 1935-1937
Jazz - Editado por Verve Reissues el 10/11/2017
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Jimmie Lunceford 1934-35
Jazz - Editado por Documents el 1/09/2009
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Jimmie Lunceford 1935-37
Jazz - Editado por Documents el 1/09/2009
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Complete Jazz Series 1937 - 1939
Jazz - Editado por Complete Jazz Series el 27/04/2009
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Complete Jazz Series 1940 - 1941
Jazz - Editado por Complete Jazz Series el 27/04/2009
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Complete Jazz Series 1935 - 1937
Jazz - Editado por Complete Jazz Series el 27/04/2009
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1936-43 Live Broadcasts
Jazz - Editado por Jazz Hour el 1/12/2006
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Complete Jazz Series 1941 - 1945
Jazz - Editado por Complete Jazz Series el 27/04/2009
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The Best Of Jimmie Lunceford Orchestra
Jazz - Editado por Saar srl el 27/07/1994
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