PROPER (4 CD Box £16.50/£14.04)
PROPERBOX71; Fats Waller Handful Of Keys - Fats Waller was a larger-than-life character, both in his music and in his life. His genius at the piano was matched equally by his penchant for high living but also by his produgious work rate. First among Fats' many achievements was the perfection of the piano style known as Stride - a demanding, high energy technique. In addition to this he introduced the organ as a jazz instrument and racked up several popular hits with his laconic and hilarious vocal style, becoming one of the best loved entertainers of the 1930s.This Proper Box set presents all facets of the man and his music, from the classical influences of his London Suite, through jazz piano workouts (solo and with bands large & small) to his songs, many of which have remained jazz standards today. Above all, the warm heart and humour of the man shines through the music.

PROPERBOX72; Various Kings Of Komedy - During the depression and war years, radio comedy provided the comfort that kept Americans and British alike together. It helped people forget their troubles and laugh at themselves. This 4CD set takes you on a journey through the world of these radio shows, featuring classic and hilarious material from Eddie Cantor, W C Fields, Abbott & Costello, Jimmy Durante, Danny Kaye, The Marx Brothers and the late great Bob Hope and is presented in full Proper style with a 56 page booklet that traces the stories of these great comedians from their beginnings on radio, through their work in films and  finally TV.Some choice quotes… "He hasn't an enemy in the world, but all his friends hate him" "Behind every successful man is a woman. Behind her is his wife" "I've had a perfectly wonderful evening, but this wasn't it" "Dying is to be avoided - It can ruin your whole career"

PROPERBOX73; Mel Torme Jazz And Velvet - Mel Torme, known as "The Velvet Fog" was a true original and the model of everything a jazz singer should be. With superb diction, impeccable taste in material, a highly developed sense of rhythm and beautiful high baritone voice he became a radio and recording star in his own right but his talents also stretched to arranging, writing music as well as books and TV & Radio. However, it's as a singer that he's most fondly remembered and it's the early part of his singing career that this 4CD set concentrates on, including his renditions of standards and popular songs, still held up as the definitive versions by many a jazz authority.

PROPERBOX75; Various Swinging Hollywood Hillbilly Cowboys. This 4 CD set tells the story of music and people who moved from one corner of the US to another - namely the southerners who relocated to the West Coast in the 30s and 40s, bringing country music along with them. On the way they created not only new music but films glorifying the cowboy lifestyle and a new record company (Capitol) sprang up to put out all the songs. Artists such as Tennessee Ernie Ford and Cliffie Stone epitomised the trend and the tracks collected together on this set, along with the authoritative liner notes tell the story of the great move west and of a time before country automatically meant Nashville.

PROPERBOX74; Ella Fitzgerald Romance And Rhythm. The first half of Ella Fitzgerald's stellar career is represented on this 4CD set, from her beginnings as singer with Chick Webb's Orchestra, via her own big band leading days and duets with the likes of Louis Armstrong & Louis Jordan to her emergence as the queen of scat in the 1940s and her first set of Gershwin songs, made with pianist Ellis Larkins. As the First Lady Of Song, Ella's career is also a history of the development of jazz singing - she practically defined the idiom from the 40s to the 50s - this is an essential jazz document. Reviews expected across the national & music press. Adverts in Jazzwise & Jazz Journal

PROPER PAIRS (£9.75/£8.29)

PVCD 138; Zoot Sims Swing King - While he may not have been an innovator per se, Zoot Sims was one of the hardest swinging yet most lyrical players on tenor sax. As a member of Woody Herman's legendary "Four Brothers" band, Sims was in company with other players who followed in the wake of (and took their inspiration from) Lester Young, and his playing as his career went on followed this path more and more. This 2CD set presents some of the finest moments from the start of his career, drawing on recordings made with the Herman band, Stan Kenton and with small ensembles. Throughout one is struck by the taste and poise of his playing, but above all by its swing.

PVCD 139; Buck Clayton Swingin' With Buck - An excellent bandleader and accompanist for many vocalists, including Billie Holiday, Buck Clayton was a valued trumpet soloist with Count Basie Orchestra during the '30s and '40s, and later was a celebrated studio and jam session player, writer, and arranger. His tart, striking tone and melodic dexterity were his trademark, and Clayton provided several charts for Basie's orchestra and many other groups. This 2CD set presents the best of his work with Basie and the first of his famous Jam Session recordings from the '50s and is presented with a fully illustrated booklet and discography.

RIVERMONT (£12.50/£10.64)
BSW 1140; Edwin J McEnelly's Orchestra. 1925 - 1929. Complete Recordings. Excellent mastering. Hot Dance           

STORYVILLE (2CD ££19.00/£16.17, single CD £13.50/£11.49)
1018390; (single CD). Duke Ellington The Jaywalker This disc is a must for all Ellington fans; all the tunes are previously unreleased. The 23 tracks were recorded in L.A. and N.Y.C. in 66/67 and come from 'The Stockpile'. Studio recordings that Ellington paid for out of his own money but never released.