Mills Blue Rhythm Band
This fine big band was originally formed by drummer Willie Lynch as the Blue Rhythm Band in 1930 and as the Coconut Grove Orchestra, provided backup to Louis Armstrong on some records. In 1931, Irving Mills became their manager and the group was renamed the Mills Blue Rhythm Band. Lynch's departure later that year resulted in Baron Lee fronting the band until Lucky Millinder took over in 1934. The big band recorded frequently during 1931-1937 (all of the recordings have been reissued on five Classics CDs) and, although the orchestra never really caught on or developed its own personality, its recordings did document many fine performances. Among the sidemen were pianist Edgar Hayes, altoist Charlie Holmes, Joe Garland on tenor, drummer O'Neil Spencer, and by 1934, trumpeter Red Allen, trombonist J.C. Higginbotham, and clarinetist Benny Bailey. Later editions included altoist Tab Smith, pianist Billy Kyle, and trumpeters Charlie Shavers and Harry "Sweets" Edison. When the group broke up in 1938, Lucky Millinder formed his own big band.
© Scott Yanow /TiVo
Discography
19 album(s) • Sorted by Bestseller
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Mills Blue Rhythm Band: 1933-1936
Jazz - Released by Retrieval on Jun 4, 2007
16-Bit CD Quality 44.1 kHz - Stereo -
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Harlem After Midnight (Original Recordings 1933 - 1934)
Jazz - Released by HotJazz on Sep 30, 2017
16-Bit CD Quality 44.1 kHz - Stereo -
White Lightning (Original Recordings 1932 - 1935)
Jazz - Released by HotJazz on Sep 30, 2017
16-Bit CD Quality 44.1 kHz - Stereo -
The Keen Collection of Big Band, Vol. 3
Les Brown, Mills Blue Rhythm Band, Don Redman, His Orchestra
Jazz - Released by Platinum Collection on Mar 6, 2012
16-Bit CD Quality 44.1 kHz - Stereo -
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Big Bands Of Jazz, Mills Blue Rhythm Band 1931-1936
Jazz - Released by SendDigital on Nov 1, 2016
16-Bit CD Quality 44.1 kHz - Stereo -
The Very Best of the Mills Blue Rhythm Band
Jazz - Released by Platinum Collection on Jun 14, 2011
16-Bit CD Quality 44.1 kHz - Stereo -
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Harlem Heat (Original Recordings 1934 - 1935)
Mills Blue Rhythm Band, Chuck Richards
Jazz - Released by HotJazz on Oct 7, 2017
16-Bit CD Quality 44.1 kHz - Stereo -
Until The Real Thing Comes Along (Original Recordings 1936)
Jazz - Released by HotJazz on Sep 30, 2017
16-Bit CD Quality 44.1 kHz - Stereo -
Cabin In The Cotton (Original Recordings 1931 - 1932)
Mills Blue Rhythm Band, Baron Lee & Mills Blue Rhythm Band
Jazz - Released by HotJazz on Sep 30, 2017
16-Bit CD Quality 44.1 kHz - Stereo -
Congo Caravan (Original Recordings 1935 - 1936)
Jazz - Released by HotJazz on Sep 30, 2017
16-Bit CD Quality 44.1 kHz - Stereo -
Cabin In The Cotton (Original Recordings - 1931 - 1932)
Jazz - Released by HotJazz on Jul 31, 2017
16-Bit CD Quality 44.1 kHz - Stereo -
Harlem Heat
Jazz - Released by Dance Plant Records Inc on Jun 28, 2012
16-Bit CD Quality 44.1 kHz - Stereo -
The Keen Collection of Big Band, Vol. 2
Les Brown, Mills Blue Rhythm Band, Don Redman & His Orchestra
Jazz - Released by Platinum Collection on Feb 28, 2012
16-Bit CD Quality 44.1 kHz - Stereo -
Presenting The Mills Blue Rhythm Band
Jazz - Released by Universal Digital Enterprises on Nov 17, 1931
16-Bit CD Quality 44.1 kHz - Stereo -
Jazz Archives Presents: "Keep the Rhythm Going" (1935-1936)
Jazz - Released by Jazz Archives on Feb 27, 2017
16-Bit CD Quality 44.1 kHz - Stereo -
Mr. Ghost Goes To Town (Original Recordings 1936 - 1937)
Mills Blue Rhythm Band, Lucky Millinder
Jazz - Released by HotJazz on Sep 30, 2017
16-Bit CD Quality 44.1 kHz - Stereo