This compilation of two separate Jubilee Shows, recorded for the Armed Forces Radio Services, is a mixture of performances by different bands, interspersed with mercifully brief comedy skits and the gregarious but overblown "massive of ceremonies" Ernie "Bubbles" Whitman, as introduced by announcer George Dvorak. Earl Hines leads his big band in guitarist
Rene Hall's romping arrangement of "Stompin' at the Savoy," which showcases an extended solo by little-known vibraphonist Bill Thompson. Hines takes a brief solo in his theme song, "Rosetta," though the focus is on Essex Scott's rather bland vocal. The brother-and-sister vocal quartet the Town Criers, consisting of
Lucy Ann Polk, Alva Polk, Vernon Polk, and Gordon Polk, is backed by Hines' band. Their style is rather dated and these two selections would sound more in line with a sweet band like
Glenn Miller's. But
Peggy Lee is in top form, backed by a quartet led by guitarist
Les Paul, though pianist
Milt Raskin shows a bit of the influence of
Nat King Cole.
Lee sings "I Get the Blues When It Rains" and an original written with
Dave Barbour (her husband at that time), the gently swinging "I Don't Know Enough About You," though
Paul's group is bit too busy behind her on the latter tracks. The
Cole influence on the band is even more obvious in their quick dash through "The World Is Waiting for the Sunrise." The second program also features Earl Hines on several numbers, including the boogie-woogie "Straight Life" and "Just A-Sittin' and A-Rockin'" (which features
Dolores Parker's vocals), while trumpeter Arthur Walker sings and plays in the upper range of his horn in a rather bombastic arrangement of the standard "Why Was I Born." Essex Scott returns for a heavy-handed take of "Symphony." Hines' rendition of "The Honeydripper" is obviously a crowd pleaser. Still, it is a shame there wasn't more of a focus on instrumental numbers by Hines. The remaining tracks include selections by obscure artists like Ricky Jordan and Tommy Todd, though a second rendition of the program's theme song, "One O'Clock Jump," is reprised by
Count Basie, who easily eclipses Hines' versions elsewhere on the CD. This compilation falls short of essential, but the historic nature of this rare music will appeal to swing fans.
