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Paul Whiteman's versatile orchestra was well suited to carry out his symphonic approach to jazz, and while he didn't exactly manage to tame the beast and turn it into uptown classical, his 1920s and 1930s recordings did show that jazz was capable of carrying a then previously unheard level of sophistication. This interesting set collects pieces done between 1923 and 1936, including the sturdy title tune, "Whiteman Stomp," a swirling arrangement of "St. Louis Blues," and the frenzied "Sensation Stomp." The second version of "Muddy Water" (there are two here) features a vocal refrain from a young Bing Crosby. Whiteman's often overly ornate arrangements sounded worried and passé when the swing era hit, but he set the stage for future composers like Duke Ellington to successfully dress up jazz in serious art clothes. A nice set, varied and well paced. ~ Steve Leggett
