1936 - 1956 - Bob Crosby

 

I'm Praying' Humble

Bob Crosby And His Orchestra

1936-1956

Coral Records CRL 57089

1957

From the back cover: It was not until Bob Crosby's orchestra came along that Dixieland began to be thought of as something that could be effectively transmuted into big band format. George Robert Crosby, born in Spokane, Washington in August, 1913 (nine years after brother Bing), began his career as a vocalist with Anson Weeks' orchestra, then joined the Dorsey Brothers' band for a while. It was after Bob had taken over the remnants of the old Ben Pollack orchestra to form a swing band of his own, specializing in orchestrated Dixieland, that this band of music took a hold on the public. The band cut its first sides under Bob's direction in 1936. By 1956, though the original band had broken up fourteen years earlier, Bob was still closely identified with the style of music that had done so much to establish his reputation. Most of the original sidemen identified with the band's early years were still available, free-lancing successfully around Hollywood, doing radio and TV work with Bob and others.

From Billboard - March 2, 1956: Much of the band's original vitality and drive, in spite of the years, is  in evidence, and tho some of the band's most historic numbers are missing, the listening is worthwhile. The years span shows up especially in terms of recording quality, with the most recent (1956) waxing of "Jazz Band Ball" much superior in fidelity. But the fans won't buy this because of hi-fi. This is a package of history and evolution of a style and of a personality. As such, it can be considered a very worthwhile hunk of wax and one that will get air play and counter attention.

Come Back Sweet Papa

The Old Spinning Wheel

I'm Prayin' Humble

Smokey Mary

Ja-Da

Sugar Foot Stomp

That Eccentric Bag (Featuring sax solo by Eddie Miller, and Clarinet solo by Matty Matlock)

Original Dixieland One-Step

Tin Roof Blues

Rose Room

Echo In The Cavern

At The Jazz Band Ball