Personnel: Gene Krupa (drums); Irene Daye (vocals); Bob Snyder (alto & baritone saxophones); Clint Neagley, Musky Ruffo (alto saxophone); Sam Musiker (tenor saxophone, clarinet); Walter Bates, Sam Donahue (tenor saxophone); Norman Murphy, Rudy Novak, Shorty Sherock, Corky Cornelius, Torg Halten, Nate Kazebier (trumpet); Pat Virgadamo, Jay Kelliher, Babe Wagner, Sid Brantley, Al Jordan, Floyd O'Brien (trombone); Bob Kitsis, Tony D'Amore (piano); Ray Biondi (guitar); Biddy Bastien (acoustic bass).

Recorded from 1940 to 1941. Includes liner notes by Richard M. Sudhalter.

Gene Krupa's best-known band was the one he led during 1941-1942 that featured singer Anita O'Day and trumpeter Roy Eldridge. This fine CD has 16 selections from the orchestra that preceded that group, a big band almost on the same level. Although the programming is not in strict chronological order, the swinging music is consistently enjoyable. With Irene Day taking some vocals, and solo space for tenorman Sam Donahue and trumpeters Corky Cornelius and Shorty Sherock, many of the best recordings by this outfit are featured, including the hit "Drum Boogie," "No Name Jive," "Rhumboogie," and "Blue Rhythm Fantasy." Well worth picking up. ~ Scott Yanow

Gene Krupa's most famous band was the one he led during 1941-42 that featured vocalist Anita O'Day and trumpeter Roy Eldridge, and this collection spotlights a band almost on par with the aforementioned ensemble. Krupa's drumming is inspired throughout, and supports the fine charts with intermittent snare drum pops and a light hi-hat swing.

Few drummers could stir a crowd the way the frenetic Gene Krupa could, and these recordings of many old warhorses bring the man and his music to life. Swinging versions of classics such "Drum Boogie," "There'll Be Some Changes Made," "Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy," "St. Louis Blues," "Tuxedo Junction," and "Sweet Georgia Brown" are featured among others, together with the sultry vocals of Irene Daye.