Classic V-Disc Small Group Jazz Sessions
Every one of us can name a song, an artist, a live event, where the music we were hearing touched us emotionally in ways that had never occurred before, might never be duplicated, and could scarcely be described.
For many of the men and women in uniform who served in World War II, that music came from V-Discs. At a time when commercial recording was halted because of a union-mandated recording ban, and service men and women were separated worlds away from anything familiar or comforting, V-Discs brought a touch of home. A reminder of happier times. And a belief that ahead of them was a normal life beyond the isolation, deprivation, and chaos that is war.
Nothing brings us more pleasure at Mosaic than pointing the spotlight at an under-appreciated or forgotten artist, era, genre, or collection, and we are delighted that light has landed on V-Disc, not only for the role they played in bolstering morale, but for the sheer breadth, joy, and quality of the music.
A unique time in history, and in music
“Classic V-Disc Small Group Jazz Sessions” is a goldmine of traditional, swing and bop performances, recorded specifically for the V-Disc program, in a variety of solo piano and small group band settings from 1943-1949 on 11 CDs.
The tracks reveal what musicians were up to when the public-at-large was cut off from new recorded music, as well as giving musicians a chance to work with each other in groupings that would otherwise have been impossible because of their exclusive label contracts. And since V-Disc were released on 12” discs, recording times extend beyond the limits of typical recording sessions. Musicians could stretch out as never before.
Bold, Lively Renditions
Most of the tunes were chosen to promote an upbeat, positive reaction, and many succeeded beyond expectations.
The December 6, 1944 session is a gem among the V-Disc sessions, and includes one surprise appearance. Louis Armstrong was performing elsewhere in New York and decided — after midnight — to drop in on the V-Disc session underway at NBC. The date, which also features Jack Teagarden, Hot Lips Page, Ernie Caceres, Bobby Hackett, and others, is a model of unbridled creativity, sympathetic soloing, and the joy music can bring.
Notable songs from the date include “Jack Armstrong Blues” featuring Louis and the “Sheik of Araby” with blistering solos by Page, tenor man Nick Caiazza, Caceres, Teagarden, Lou McGarity and Johnny Guarnieri, with flawless support from Al Hall on bass.
Other standouts include:
• A soaring set from Sidney Bechet and Vic Dickenson.
• Thrills from Wild Bill Davison.
• Joe Bushkin in tastefully familiar territory with Bobby Hackett.
• A stand-out session from Hackett on his own.
•An outstanding modern session from bassist and arranger Bob Haggart.
• Fats Waller recording a lively set.
• Boogie master Meade Lux Lewis.
• Art Tatum creating multi-dimensional tapestries.
The list goes on: Connie Boswell’s warm vocals layered over Allen Hanlon’s guitar playing would have sent any GI off to sweet slumber, no matter how uncomfortable the bunk. Muggsy Spanier, Eddie Condon, Bud Freeman, Bunk Johnson and an all-star Bob Crosby Bobcat date (with Martha Tilton) are all well represented, as are blues drenched Jo Stafford vocals in front of Billy Butterfield and McGarity.
And we haven’t even mentioned Nat King Cole, John Kirby, Roy Eldridge, Teddy Wilson, Woody Herman, Gene Krupa, Red Norvo, Mildred Bailey, Clark Terry, Buddy Rich, Ella Fitzgerald, Hazel Scott, and Lennie Tristano.
A Collection Like No Other
The set contains a massive 220 cuts, 9 of which have never been released in any form, from original V-Discs, tape recordings, and air checks. Even tracks that did find their way onto commercial recordings are only on LPs and CDs that are hard-to-come-by. Needless to say, every track has been given the Mosaic treatment, with better sound quality than any previous release.
Our deluxe box set includes a substantial booklet with historical details and track breakdowns, vintage photographs, and a complete (and corrected!) discography from all the included sessions. Liner notes and session notes are by Michael Steinman who has been researching and writing about jazz ever since he fell in love with Louis Armstrong’s music as a child.
Whether you are rediscovering music your parents or grandparents were delighted to receive while they were serving their country, or just filling in your understanding of the music from the war era and its immediate aftermath, we recommend you order your copy right away. Given the scarcity of this music, we don’t expect the sets to sit for long.
