Jimmie Lunceford: For Dancers Only

Sometimes history reflects its target like binoculars turned back to front. Objects, instead of appearing closer, seem more distant. The Swing Era illustrates this phenomenon. Whereas the biggest stars Goodman, Shaw, Ellington, Basie, Glenn Millerremain in telescopic close-up, lesser figures such as Jimmie Lunceford have receded to infinity. This is most regrettable because said lesser figures were not all that lesser. As shown by "For Dancers Only," the musical difference between Goodman's and Lunceford's band, each at its best, requires a micrometer to measure. Sy Oliver's bouncy chart and Eddie Tompkins's flamboyant trumpet should turn anyone's binoculars right-way-round.