Jack Teagarden--big band years

[ghost of miles]

The other day I was listening to a Kitty Kallen collection that I recently picked up. The first 8 or 9 cuts feature her with Jack Teagarden's 1939 big band, with some wonderful trumpet work by Charlie Spivak. I have to admit that this is the first time I've heard Teagarden's big band, which evidently continued on in some form or fashion for the next several years. I'm guessing the Classics are probably my best route for exploring this particular unit... Any fans of big-band Texas Tea out there?

[jazzbo]

Tea's big band sides are pretty darned good for the most part. There are several cds on the Vernon label of live broadcasts of the band, and then there are the Classics. There are some duds in the sides, but if you enjoy those on the Kallen disc, I think you'll enjoy exploring them. I like the Vernon (live versions) better.

[ghost of miles]

Tea's big band sides are pretty darned good for the most part. There are several cds on the Vernon label of live broadcasts of the band, and then there are the Classics. There are some duds in the sides, but if you enjoy those on the Kallen disc, I think you'll enjoy exploring them. I like the Vernon (live versions) better.

I'll seek out those Vernon CDs, Lon, given that you're one of the leading Teagarden authorities around these parts. I understand from my reading that financial problems forced Teagarden to alter the band's makeup somewhat after its first year of existence... It will be interesting to investigate this phase of his career.

[montg]

I have a CD that I really like, "Big T Jump", that covers transcriptions made between 1944-45 by the big band. The label is Jass. Excellent remastering from Jack Towers.

[jazzbo]

I'd forgotten about that one Mont! Good call. There is also a two cd set on Jazz Classics that reissues the other two cds of Teagarden transcriptions on the Jass/Stash label.