Upcoming Essential Series!
June is an exciting time. Spring is in full bloom, the air has turned to a steady warmth. Summer looms amidst its subtle foreshadowing. Alongside this beautiful time of year, we’ll have some new remasters to bring you! Jimmy Dorsey and Horace Heidt, two of Big Bands most influential names.
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The year is 1950 for Mr. Dorsey. New cats have started changing the shape of what jazz sounds and feels like, and Big Bands are having a hard time to keep up. Dancehalls and the flair of trumpets-swinging is a soon-to-be distant memory; thanks to those that held out like Jimmy Dorsey, we have this art to cherish and to this day we’re keeping his dream alive. The enjoyment and recognition of swing music. With this venture into Dixieland Jazz, Dorsey goes from slow jammin’ to sock-hoppin’, with an all-around great performance from everyone in the “Dorseyland Band”— Dorsey had a way with leaving behind a moniker. This band was no exception.
Featuring the likes of Mr. Dorsey himself, Charlie Teagarden on Vocals, and Clarence “Shorty” Sherock on Trumpet to name a select few of the group all showcase a stellar performance. Teagarden who worked with Jimmy Dorsey in various bands throughout the years as a trumpet player stepped away from the bandstand and up to the microphone on a couple of tunes. Accompanying the ever talented Pat O’Connor on Charlie, My Boy later to reprise his role on vocals on his own for Levee Blues. Each tune leaves room for Pat and Charlie to lead the band, and leave room to have fun as well. The playful back and forth between the two on Charlie, My Boy adds to the high-energy displayed by the Dorseyland Band. Meanwhile, Levee Blues, a telling of life and love in New Orleans is the perfect background for Charlie Teagarden’s smooth vocal range and the way he sings “My heart is heavy, I’ve got the Levee Blues” lets you believe it, too. The band takes a step back from the usual pace of Dixieland, and brings in that New Orleans lowdown swing— and with a bounce from the drums the band reminds you why this is the Dorseyland Band and not any other swing group. A magnificent showcase.
“Shorty” shows his own on that trumpet. Laying down a blistering solo throughout Rosetta. Bouncing around on the horn in a wild fashion; a dynamo of a swinging night.
This collection is set to release on June 12th, 2026, preceded by none other than Horace Heidt on June 5th!
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Famous throughout many homes by way of Television and Radio, Horace Heidt was one of the leading names in entertainment throughout the 30s and 40s. No stranger to Big Band Swing, he helped bring the genre to the forefront. At this time he performed with Alvino Rey on the Slide Guitar and The King Sisters. Alvino and the Kings were influential and at times experimental for their times, and Horace Heidt was no different. Bringing his excellent array of performance chops to Swing, he adds a flare of showmanship to almost everything he does. This is especially true in the tune The History of Music. Leave it to the man who not only has a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, but the Palm Spring Walk of Stars, to be a musical historian of sorts to boot. Who knew!
While Mr. Heidt has a stellar vocal range of his own, on this song its much less about showcasing how well he can hold a tune and much more about showcasing his love for music of all genres. Showcasing a bit of classical, a bit of Jazz, and giving homage to some of his counterparts like Harry James.
It’s not all fun and games, of course. As showcased with the song I Wonder Who’s Kissing Her Now. A faithful rendition of this Jazz Classic. Heidt’s fantastic baritone voice sits on top of the band is soothing alongside the sad story behind the song. An estranged love interest longing for the one he loved, knowing she’s moved on. Sometimes the letting go is the part that’s the hardest, and the way Mr. Heidt sings leaves you wondering just the same. Recorded between 1943 and 1945, this collection of performances will be available in the essential series on June 5th, 2026. All of this great music wouldn’t be here without the hard work and dedication of Wally Heider and Thomas Gramuglia.
We at Hindsight Records would like to the take the moment the thank both Wally Heider and Thomas Gramuglia who dedicated themselves to keeping this music alive and well for years to come.
