Bobby Hackett and His Orchestra - The Hackett Horn

2014 Japanese CD reissue.

This set of 16 songs has been reissued intact several times. It includes 12 of the first 16 songs cut at dates led by cornetist Bobby Hackett, featuring a pair of hot combos and a larger big band (why are the other four rewarding sides always left out?) along with two Bix-associated songs recorded under the sponsorship of bandleader Horace Heidt and a pair of jams from a set led by critic Leonard Feather. Throughout, Hackett (then barely in his mid-20s) shows why his original reputation as "the new Bix" never quite fit. Even this early in his career his pretty tone was distinctive. Among the other stars of these swing/trad performances are trombonists George Brunies and Brad Gowans, and clarinetists Pee Wee Russell and Joe Marsala.

Scott Yanow ~ AllMusicGuide