Missing Chapters, Vol. 9: King Porter Stomp

Personnel: Ray McKinley (vocals, drums); Gene Steck, Murray Kane, Steve Steck, James Allison, Johnny Desmond, Artie Malvin, Crew Chiefs, The Glee Club, Tony Martin (vocals); Carmen Mastren (guitar); Nathan Kaproff, Dave Dennis, Richard Motylinski, Earl Cornwell, Phil Marino, CPL. Gene Bergen, David Sackson, Ernest Kardos, Joseph Kowalewski, Carl Swanson, Harry Katzman (violin); Dave Schwartz, CPL. Morris Bialkin, Henry Bryan, Manny Wishnow, Stanley Harris (viola); Peanuts Hucko (clarinet, alto saxophone); Hank Freeman (reeds); Freddy Guera (alto saxophone); Jack Ferrier, Vince Carbone (tenor saxophone); Mannie Thaler (baritone saxophone); Whitey Thomas, Jack Steele, Zeke Zarchy, Bernie Privin, Bobby Nichols (trumpet); Nat Peck, Larry Hall , Johnny Halliburton, Jimmy Priddy (trombone); Jack Russin, Mel Powell (piano); Frank Ippolito (drums).
Audio Remasterer: Dave Bennett .
Liner Note Author: Clarrie Henley.
Recording information: Bedford, Bedfordshire, England (07/17/1943-03/12/1945); New York, NY (07/17/1943-03/12/1945); Paris, France (07/17/1943-03/12/1945).
The ninth Avid Glenn Miller Army Air Force Band release, unlike the other ones, jumps around quite a bit, with the 27 selections being drawn from 14 different performances spanning nearly two years. Some are by the big band or the string orchestra, while others are from smaller groups led by drummer Ray McKinley. There are some vocals along the way by Johnny Desmond, the Crew Chiefs, and (on "Dearly Beloved") Tony Martin, but the emphasis is largely on jazz. Among the more rewarding selections are "Caribbean Clipper," "Jeep Jockey Jump," "Tail End Charlie," "After You've Gone," "Lady Be Good," and "King Porter Stomp." Clarinetist Peanuts Hucko, pianist Mel Powell, and trumpeter Bernie Privin are the main solo stars of this enjoyable release. ~ Scott Yanow