Bill Challis' claim to fame was as the most significant jazz arranger for the Jean Goldkette and Paul Whiteman Orchestras in the 1920s. By 1936, he was a freelance writer who often worked in the studios. On this recording and the follow-up set (both of which consist of radio transcriptions), Challis heads a large orchestra featuring such notable names as trumpeter Manny Klein, trombonists Jack Jenney and Will Bradley and clarinetist Artie Shaw, along with strings and a vocal quartet (going under the name of Bea and the ...
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Bill Challis' claim to fame was as the most significant jazz arranger for the Jean Goldkette and Paul Whiteman Orchestras in the 1920s. By 1936, he was a freelance writer who often worked in the studios. On this recording and the follow-up set (both of which consist of radio transcriptions), Challis heads a large orchestra featuring such notable names as trumpeter Manny Klein, trombonists Jack Jenney and Will Bradley and clarinetist Artie Shaw, along with strings and a vocal quartet (going under the name of Bea and the Bachelors) that includes Bea Wain and Al Rinker. The performances (which include possibly the earliest version of "Let Yourself Go") are essentially dance music rather than jazz. There are few solos, and the emphasis is on the ensembles during such songs as "Temptation," "New Orleans" and "Broadway Rhythm," although "Clarinet Marmalade" has its moments. Decent music, but nothing too essential. ~ Scott Yanow, Rovi
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