Charlie Barnet 1967

One of the most talked about figures in jazz in the late 1930s and early 1940s, Charlie Barnet was an uncompromising innovator who led "the blackest white band of them all." His was the only white band to break attendance records at Harlem's Apollo Theater, and was one of the first white big-band leaders to feature African American stars - Lena Horne, for one, got her first big break with Charlie's orchestra. After a 32 year recording career, Barnet made one final recording before he retired. Simply titled "1967," the album features arrangements for the orchestra from Billy Byers and Bill Holman, solos by Barnet (on alto and soprano), Wille Smith (alto sax), pianist Jack Wilson and trumpeter Conte Candoli. Ruth Price makes a guest appearance and turns in a nice vocal on "Something to Live For." The album was also the last that veteran altoist Wille Smith ever made. Vintage recording, newly remastered.