A selection of '40s recordings catching Pops in a variety of settings. The opening four tracks come from Armstrong's final session with his big band for Victor, followed by a 1946 Esquire magazine all-star poll winner's date. Seven of the following tracks emanate from radio broadcasts with the closer "Three Little Bears" coming from an Eddie Condon television broadcast. A nice set of oddball Satchmo in the '40s, blowing and singing his heart out no matter what the surroundings. ~ Cub Koda

The ninth Avid Glenn Miller Army Air Force Band release, unlike the other ones, jumps around quite a bit, with the 27 selections being drawn from 14 different performances spanning nearly two years. Some are by the big band or the string orchestra, while others are from smaller groups led by drummer Ray McKinley. There are some vocals along the way by Johnny Desmond, the Crew Chiefs, and (on "Dearly Beloved") Tony Martin, but the emphasis is largely on jazz. Among the more rewarding selections are "Caribbean Clipper," "Jeep Jockey Jump," "Tail End Charlie," "After You've Gone," "Lady Be Good," and "King Porter Stomp." Clarinetist Peanuts Hucko, pianist Mel Powell, and trumpeter Bernie Privin are the main solo stars of this enjoyable release. ~ Scott Yanow