Barney Bigard: Jubille Shows No. 56 + 61

Recorded in November 1943, these two half-hour radio programs were part of a series made in the 1940's specifically for the US Armed Forces. This series of recordings represent a cross-section of the best of black entertainment of the 40's. Featured on this CD are the swing orchestras of Noble Sissle and Cee Pee Johnson, the clarinet combo of Barney Bigard, and the singing of Sister Rosetta Tharpe, The Delta Rhythm Boys and Johnny Mercer. Sister Rosetta Tharpe - one of the leading gospel performers of the time - presents a wonderful blues set where she both sings and plays guitar. The Delta Rhythm Boys were one of the top jazz vocal groups of the 40's. This CD contains some truly obscure performances.