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This import covers Chu Berry’s initial foray into solo territory. Cut between 1936-1939, the 24 cuts find the tenor saxophone luminary in the stellar company of trumpeters Roy Eldridge and Hot Lips Page, the irrepressible trombonist Keg Johnson, pianist Jess Stacey, and drummer Cozy Cole. Lionel Hampton and Benny Goodman also contribute to the party, but in cameo roles. Of particular note are the sides Berry recorded with Eldridge from 1938: it’s a set that ranges from rambunctious swingers (“Forty Six, West Fifty Two”) to glowing ballads (“Stardust”), all the while showing off Berry’s full tone and agile phrasing on a variety of tempi. The mix continues apace with blues, proto-bop workouts, and some nice vocals featuring Page in a gruff and whiskey-soaked mood. Along with Commodore’s Memorial disc, this collection makes for a welcome addition to the sparse Chu Berry catalog (Stephen Cook/AllMusic).

Track listing:
00:00 1 Gene Krupa’s Swing Band– I Hope Gabriel Likes My Music
03:05 2 Chu Berry & His Orchestra– Now You’re Talking My Language
06:04 3 Chu Berry & His Orchestra– Indiana
08:25 4 Chu Berry & His Orchestra– Too Marvelous For Words
11:52 5 Chu Berry & His Orchestra– Limehouse Blues
14:19 6 Chu Berry & His Orchestra– Chuberry Jam
17:11 7 Chu Berry & His Orchestra– Maelstrom
20:03 8 Chu Berry & His Orchestra– My Secret Love Affair
22:57 9 Chu Berry & His Orchestra– Ebb-Tide
25:47 10 Wingy Manone & His Orchestra– Annie Laurie
28:39 11 Wingy Manone & His Orchestra– Loch Lomond
31:12 12 Wingy Manone & His Orchestra– In The Land Of Yamo Yamo
33:56 13 Chu Berry & His Orchestra– Body And Soul
37:49 14 Chu Berry & His Orchestra– Sittin’ In
40:03 15 Chu Berry & His Orchestra– Stardust 3
44:00 16 Chu Berry & His Orchestra– Forty Six West Fifty Two
46:32 17 Wingy Manone & His Orchestra– Downright Disgusted Blues
49:00 18 Wingy Manone & His Orchestra– Corrine, Corrini
51:14 19 Wingy Manone & His Orchestra– Jumpy Nerves
54:05 20 Wingy Manone & His Orchestra– Casey Jones
56:23 21 Lionel Hampton & His Orchestra– Sweethearts On Parade
59:25 22 Lionel Hampton & His Orchestra– Shufflin’ At Hollywood
1:02:32 23 Lionel Hampton & His Orchestra– Denisson Swing
1:05:50 24 Lionel Hampton & His Orchestra– Wizzin’ The Wizz

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Release Date: October 29, 1996
Duration: 01:06:58
Recording Date: February 29, 1936 – April 5, 1939