The End of an Era

This LP includes an alternate take from 1936, some of Henderson's lesser recordings from 1937, five titles from a session led by Fletcher's brother Horace Henderson in 1940 (featuring a pre-Ellington Ray Nance) and the only recording date from Fletcher Henderson's early-'40s orchestra. Unlike his previous band, there were no major soloists (although trumpeter Peanuts Holland and trombonist Benny Morton were excellent) and, worse yet, the ensemble did not have much of a personality. Its life was short but its four recordings are a strong historical curiosity.