There is a simple logic which dictates that band leaders are by background musicians, people with an in-depth knowledge of music born from experience, and the main instrument they play is self-evident - this certainly runs true for most of the successful big bands which arose in the 1930s & 40s. The Dorsey Brothers, Duke Ellington, Glenn Miller, Lionel Hampton, Artie Shaw, Benny Goodman, even Vaughn Monroe in his earlier days - their audiences were left in no doubt as to their skills. On the other hand, a band leader whilst playing his instrument can't really be in strict control of the band members, an argument perhaps for a leader without such skills? Whatever, one band which shared the spoils of success was led by a some-time singer whose greatest claim to fame, at least superficially, was that he was the brother of top male vocalist of the era - without Bing would there have been Bob? Presented here is a slice of Bob Crosby and his Orchestra, also the unit within, The Bob Cats, all from the peak period of the band’s success between 1936 and 1940. Superb arrangements and musicianship, tunes to enjoy through the bleakness of the Great Depression, the credit goes not just to the boys in the band but to the guy that kept them happy, and together, Bob Crosby.

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1. COME BACK, SWEET PAPA
2. SUGAR FOOT STRUT
3. SAVOY BLUES
4. ROYAL GARDEN BLUES
5. THE OLD SPINNING WHEEL
6. GIN MILL BLUES
7. LITTLE ROCK GETAWAY
8. VIENI, VIENI
9. SOUTH RAMPART STREET PARADE
10. PANAMA
11. WOLVERINE BLUES
12. AT THE JAZZ BAND BALL
13. HONKY TONK TRAIN BLUES
14. LOOPIN' THE LOOP
15. SKATERS WALTZ (IN SPRINGTIME)
16. SMOKEY MARY
17. THE SONG OF THE WANDERER
18. BOOGIE WOOGIE MAXIXE
19. HIGH SOCIETY
20. AIR MAIL STOMP
21. ANGRY
22. OVER THE WAVES
23. JA DA
24. COW COW BLUES