The Later Swing Era, 1942-1955

In a sequel to Dave Oliphant's The Early Swing Era: 1930 to 1941, McClellan (professional education, Berklee College of Music, Boston) profiles big bands, vocalists, and small groups playing swing music during World War II and—unlike most commentators— on through the next decade. He begins with the masters, of course: Ella Fitzgerald, Woody Herman, Billy Strayhorn, and Teddy Wilson. Essays also look Stan Kenton, Billie Holiday, Peggy Lee, the Modern Jazz Quartet, Art Tatum and other well known figures. Lesser lights are covered in alphabetically arranged short entries. He includes a selected discography and a photographic essay. Annotation ©2004 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR