Earl Spencer - Almost Forgotten Pioneer of Big Band Jazz

Modeled after the progressive sounds of Stan Kenton, Johnny Richards and Boyd Raeburn, Earl Spencer formed his big band in 1946 after being discharged from the U.S. Navy. Based in Los Angeles, Spencer's 1946 band included former Glenn Miller sideman Wilber Schwartz on clarinet and alto sax; and trumpeter Ray Linn from Tommy Dorsey's band. When Stan Kenton's orchestra disbanded in early 1949, Harry Betts, Art Pepper, Buddy Childers and Laurindo Almeida were hired by Spencer to complete his all-star band. However, the Big Band era was drawing to a close and Spencer's fine band was short lived, ultimately disbanding in 1952. Recordings of this band were few, and the compilation presented here was culled from the only recording sessions of the band in 1946 and 1949. Bob Haywood was vocalist for the 1946 band and female vocalist Toni Aubin joined in 1949. Aubin is featured on the lovely "Sunday Afternoon." All selections newly remastered.