Ziggy Elman

What is it about the disembodied heads of musicians on LP covers that makes me want to feature them here? First we had Ralph Marterie. And now we present Ziggy Elman's giant noggin along with a drawing of a trumpet player who looks more like Harry James than Elman.

This is the latest post in my series featuring post-war dance bands. it includes sides that Ziggy cut for M-G-M from 1947-50, after he had made his name as a Goodman and Dorsey sideman. One source claims the 1947 items were recorded with members of the Dorsey orchestra; the later items with Elman's own band.

It doesn't make much difference - there is very little solo room on these recordings for anyone except the leader. The items are all very well played, and feature musicians who also show up on many records made on the west coast at that time and in later years. The arrangers include Larry Clinton (My Reverie), Sid Cooper and possibly Heinie Beau.

Note to the finicky: You will hear some residual background rustle and peak distortion on these recordings.