doubtedly one of the most important drummers in history, along with Buddy Rich, Cozy Cole, and Chick Webb, Gene Krupa revolutionised the role of the drum set during the swing era. This volume of the complete recordings of Gene Krupa and his orchestra opens with a fine session from June, 1941.
Roy Eldridge solos briefly on "Afraid to Say Hello" and "Kick It", but he really gets to show what he's capable of on "After You've Gone", an ultra-fast rendition that concentrates more on his technical skills than on his musicianship. Benny Carter's chart of "Rockin' Chair" from Krupa's next session ranks among his finest recordings of this period, and Anita O'Day's beautiful and soulful versions of "Stop! The Red Light's On" and "The Walls Keep Talking" are truly priceless. Krupa himself stretches out on "Watch the Birdie".|
Rovi