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1945-46 on CD

Without a doubt, Artie Shaw's band in 1944 and 1945 was the best he ever fronted - the music Artie and his men made towards the end of the war was artistically superior. The restless leader altered the concept of his band once again as documented on this CD. It opens with the remaining tracks he made for RCA Victor. "No One But You" swings at a lovely pace and is reminiscent of "I Cover The Waterfront." This track offers one of the relatively rare solo spots for Dodo Marmarosa and another great part for Roy Eldridge. Within days Artie Shaw and his band recorded several other fine tracks. The last four items on this collection were again by the Gramercy Five. Barney Kessell plays particularly well on this session with his solo on "Hop Skip & Jump" standing out.