After the banner years of 1937-1938, Bunny Berigan's output took a serious downturn. Due to his alcoholism and bad management decisions, he had to break up his band and rejoin Tommy Dorsey's group in order to make a living. Berigan did rebound long enough to form his last band, which only survived until he passed away in 1942 at the age of 33. This Classics disc -- the last of several charting Berigan's career -- takes in the 1940-1942 last stand, along with a few sides from 1938. While there are some quality songs here, ...
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After the banner years of 1937-1938, Bunny Berigan's output took a serious downturn. Due to his alcoholism and bad management decisions, he had to break up his band and rejoin Tommy Dorsey's group in order to make a living. Berigan did rebound long enough to form his last band, which only survived until he passed away in 1942 at the age of 33. This Classics disc -- the last of several charting Berigan's career -- takes in the 1940-1942 last stand, along with a few sides from 1938. While there are some quality songs here, the majority of the disc is disappointing, especially alongside earlier triumphs like "I Can't Get Started" and Berigan's Ellington and Bix Beiderbecke covers. Stalwarts like tenor saxophonist George Auld, drummer Buddy Rich, and trombonist Ray Conniff add some spark, but for the most part the tunes lumber along. Best left for completists. ~ Stephen Cook, Rovi
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