thout a doubt, Gene Krupa was one of the most vital drummers in jazz history. Along with Buddy Rich, Cozy Cole, and Chick Webb, he revolutionised the role of the drum set during the 1930s and '40s. Even though he died in 1973, his playing still has an impact on contemporary drummers.
Krupa's 1941 band was his most famous and successful ensemble. Many fine tracks are heard here including "These Things You Left Me", "Little Man With a Candy Cigar" and "Let's Get Away from it All". However, the definitive, if not classic, tunes from this lineup are "Drum Boogie" and "Let Me Off Uptown", both of which highlight Krupa's immense talent. Anita O'Day and Roy Eldridge are featured sharing vocal duties on the latter, where Eldridge also takes a superb trumpet solo.|
Rovi