1932-1933

Two very obscure series of recordings, both featuring singer Bon Bon (George Tunnell), are reissued in full on this intriguing CD. Bon Bon is best-known for his stint with Jan Savitt's orchestra during the late 1930s/early '40s. On the first 16 selections, he is heard as a pianist-vocalist with the Three Keys, a group also featuring guitarist Slim Furness and bassist Bob Pease; all three musicians sing together. The music is enjoyable jive although not as creative as the Mills Brothers or the Spirits of Rhythm. Among the better selections are "Someone Stole Gabriel's Horn," "Nagasaki," and "Oh By Jingo." Also on this CD are the six surviving selections from two dates by Bon Bon and his buddies during 1941-42. In both caes, the artist is joined by a swing septet. Among the sidemen are trumpeter Je Thomas, clarinetists Buster Smith and Jimmy Lytell, and pianist Billy Kyle, although guitarist Eddie Durham (doubling on trombone) gets solo honors on the first four songs. Bon Bon was an appealing vocalist and this CD should be of strong interest to swing specialists.