Glen Gray - Shall We Swing? (1962/2020)

This album was recorded in the very early 60's with perhaps the finest collection of musicians ever assembled in Hollywood. I've listened to lots and lots of big band albums over the years, but this one is still my favorite. Billy May the arranger of these "classics" knew how to challenge the musicians even though he didn't like to rehearse. This is not an album of recreations of past big band hits. Rather these are May's arrangements of such classics as Dance of the Hours, Minute in G, Poet and Peasant, Hungarian Dance #5 etc. This is truly a unique album that, in the past,has not received much attention. If you want a diversion from Pennsylvania 6-500, Song of India, Two O'clock Jump, give this one a try. You won't be disappointed. These musicians are really powerful.