The Best of Tommy Dorsey and His Clambake Seven 1936-1938

Tommy Dorsey is best known as the leader of one of the most successful big bands of the swing era. Less well known is his work with small ensembles, notably his Clambake Seven. This collection brings together 21 of the recordings he made in the mid-1930s with that group. They tend towards novelty tunes (“At the Codfish Ball,” “He’s a Gypsy from Poughkeepsie,” etc.) but even when the material is relatively slight the playing is truly exceptional. Edythe Wright’s smooth and sweet vocals bringing a welcome added dimension to the swinging proceedings.