It's The Way That You Swing It - The Hits Of Jimmie Lunceford [ORIGINAL RECORDINGS REMASTERED] 2CD SET;

The Lunceford band was highly innovative both musically and visually and that may explain why it did not receive the recognition that it's performances deserved. It could stand comparison with any band of the period and at one time or another, it beat all the other well-known bands in the 'Battle Of The Bands' that took place regularly at dance halls around America. Looking back, it is difficult to understand why it did not reach the level of esteem with the general public that was enjoyed by bands that were not in the same class musically. The ability of the band did not pass without note by other bandleaders and Glenn Miller is reported as saying that Jimmie Lunceford had 'the best of all bands'. He went on to say 'Duke is great, Basie is remarkable, but Lunceford tops them both.