Among the pianists of the swing era Jess Stacy stood out as the man who could do it all. An immaculate soloist, he was also a much admired section player with big and small bands and this 25-track collection gives the best possible picture of his work from 1935 to 1945. For several years Stacy was associated with Benny Goodman and there are four titles here to commemorate that period, three with the full band and "Opus ¾" with Goodman's quartet. On the orchestral "Roll 'Em" Stacy produces a rolling boogie style. After leaving Goodman he became a member of the Bob Crosby's band to be featured on such pieces as "Vultee Special", Ec-Stacy and the Bob Cats' version of "Spain". All three are included here. In 1945 he formed his own big band which featured his wife Lee Wiley as vocalist, but the project was short-lived and is remembered now only by the two titles "Daybreak Serenade" and "It's Only A Paper Moon", both here. Throughout his working life Stacy had an affinity with the Eddie Condon school and there are examples of him playing with such men as Pee Wee Russell, Bud Freeman and Condon himself. --Steve Voce
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