Glenn Miller The Popular Recordings, 1938-1942
Trombonist/bandleader Glenn Miller was already a veteran big band player and orchestrator when in 1938 he assembled what would become one of the most popular groups in jazz history. Miller developed a lush sound via reed section arrangements pitting a clarinet against four saxophones, a sound that clicked for a series of massive hits, including "In the Mood," "Little Brown Jug," "Sunrise Serenade," and "Chattanooga Choo-Choo," all of which are included here, along with such staples as "Don't Sit Under the Apple Tree," "You Stepped Out of My Dreams," "Star Dust" and "Pennsylvania 6-5000." Closer to pop than swing, this is the music that served as the soundtrack to World War II and has since become synonymous with nostalgia for that era.--John Swenson