Jiveformation Please: 1938-1941 Review

07/13/2005 6:45 AM, AMG


The Jazztory label's two-volume history covering the more obscure side of Cab Calloway's Orchestra during the 1930s and early '40s concludes with Jiveformation Please, a 22-track collection spanning 1938 to 1941. Collectors will rejoice in the plethora of obscure instrumental tracks ("Rustle of Swing," "Floogie Walk," "Trylon Swing," "Pluckin' the Bass") which show off the tight swinging band led by Doc Cheatham, Cozy Cole, and Chu Berry. Only about half of the tracks ("Utt-Da-Zay," "Hep-Hep! The Jumpin' Jive," "Are You All Reet?," the title track) are actually vocal features for Calloway himself, however, and few of his best-known hits are present. Though it may not suit fans of his novelty hits, Jiveformation Please is a true swing fan's dream come true. ~ John Bush, All Music Guide