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Jimmie Lunceford and his Orchestra

Jimmie Lunceford

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Jimmie Lunceford led one of the finest jazz orchestras of 1933-47, a swinging outfit that always dressed impeccably, put on a tight and witty show, and had superb musicianship.

Very little film exists of the band, making these three songs from a 1935 short the finest footage that exists of the legendary orchestra.

The Lunceford Orchestra performs a joyful version of “Rhythm Is Our Business.”

Altoist Willie Smith takes the vocal and there are short solos by drummer Jimmy Crawford, tenor-saxophonist Joe Thomas, bassist Mose Allen and high-note trumpeter Paul Webster.

The short concludes with “Nagasaki” on which trombonist Trummy Young has the vocal, two of the saxophonists dance while holding their horns, and Thomas and Webster take colorful solos in front of raging ensembles.

These performances capture the magic of Lunceford’s band.

-Scott Yanow

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