Louis Jordan

On seven occasions between 1943 and 1945, Louis Jordan & His Tympany Five were featured on V-Disc releases. Most of the material comes from radio transcriptions of the Armed Forces Radio Show broadcasts, although some result from studio recordings made by Jordan intended for release as a V-Disc. These are especially welcome since they represent the only studio recording Jordan and his group ever made of some of these tunes. During this 1943-1945 period, Jordan was at the top of his form, combining his special blend of musicianship and showmanship as he and the Five romp through a play list of up-tempo numbers for the benefit of the men in the armed services during World War II. Included on the program are Jordan compositions that have become classics, such as "Is You Is or Is You Ain't My Baby?" Longtime Tympany Five trumpet player Eddie Roane gets a lot of exposure. His fabulous lead on "I Like 'Em Fat Like That" and the give and take with Jordan on "I've Found a New Baby" are two of the album's highlights. Wild Bill Davis shows up to play the piano on "Bahama Joe" and "Nobody But Me." This is an album that simply bursts with joy in a harmony of jazz and blues as only Jordan could provide. Kudos to Collectors' Choice for gathering up this material and releasing it on a CD, even though there are barely 30 minutes of music. ~ Dave Nathan, All Music Guide