Take a Good Look at Mine
CD Timeless CBC 1-084
This is from one of the last Victor sessions by Jean Goldkette’s orchestra. But it’s not the fabulous, ultimately too expensive, 1927 outfit that we hear. Still, there is much to enjoy. They have a light rhythm section with precise drumming, strong brass, and a well-trimmed saxophone section that shows influence from Don Redman. As he was leader and arranger for McKinneys Cotton Pickers, the other orchestra playing at Graystone Ballroom in Detroit, this was inevitable.
Before the vocal, there is an improvised chorus with very good clarinet playing. I find it interesting, especially since it’s not by one of the usual suspects (J. Dorsey, Goodman, Murray, Pumiglio) but is played by the Chicago musician Volly De Faut (1904–1973), who had earlier recorded sessions with Muggsy Spanier in 1924 and a prestigious one with Jelly Roll Morton. He uses some fast triplets to show his impeccable technique, and I think that the short alto sax solo is also by him since there is a similar chromatic triplet ending.
Another interesting musician in the band was cornet player Sterling Bose.