Tommy Dorsey: Jammin'

Jammin, an undeservedly obscure offering from Dorseys pre-Sy Oliver band, opens compellingly with Dorseys gruff, hot tone essaying the workmanlike melody. He is answered after eight measures by an extremely compact-sounding ensemble highlighted by a clarinet-led sax section, lending the kind of attractive reed countermelodies common to Bob Crosbys and (a few years later) Jack Teagardens orchestras. Wright chants the rather silly lyric with flatfooted charm, aided and abetted by Dave Toughs outstanding drumming. The clincher is the third chorus where Dorseys band within, the Clambake Seven, takes over, building to a marvelous peak sparked by Tough and the arm-swinging bass of Gene Traxler. The full ensemble, back for the final chorus, returns us to that peak again before nearly screeching to a halt, bringing Jammin and the listener to a well-earned rest.