Acrobat has become the home for second rank white American dance bands of 1930s and 1940s. Now comes this double-CD of Larry Clinton, a former trumpeter, trombonist and clarinettist who became a skilled Dorsey, Casa Loma and Bunny Berigan arranger before starting his own orchestra in 1937. As it turns out, his band was successful enough to record regularly for the Victor, Bluebird and Decca labels and to have some 38 hits, many featuring the accomplished vocalist Bea Wain. All are here.

Jazz writer George Simon said, ‘Clinton's conservative business-like approach paid off well’ and he certainly seems to have prospered. The opening ‘Big Dipper’ is a fine swing number, with decent riff-type themes, well played and a clear favourite with the dancers, a short Babe Russin tenor solo included. ‘True Confession’ introduces Ms Wain, a vocalist who has something of Mildred Bailey's stately quality. Given that Clinton is ranked some way behind the Dorseys or Glenn Miller, this hefty collection suggests that his bands were of genuine quality, the arrangements sufficiently distinctive, although often on the ‘sweet’ side, to suggest that Clinton should be moved up in the pecking order. His bands swing, the musicianship is excellent, and Paul Watts' lengthy booklet essay tells Clinton's story well.