The sixth in Avid's extensive Glenn Miller Army Air Force Band series has music that generally predates the performances on the other five releases. Most of the selections were played before the Miller Orchestra left the U.S. and are taken from domestic radio shows. The ensemble's personnel is essentially the same as it would be in England with the big band having a swinging rhythm section that includes pianist Mel Powell and drummer Ray McKinley, a full string section and some fine jazz soloists in addition to singer Johnny Desmond. The nearly-complete "I Sustain the Wings" broadcast of February 19, 1944 opens the CD and it is followed by a variety of other selections taken from broadcasts of the period. Highlights include "Sun Valley Jump," Mel Powell's feature on "Pearls on Velvet," a classic arrangement of "Holiday for Strings," "It Must Be Jelly," "In an 18th Century Drawing Room" and "Snafu Jump." Glenn Miller fans will want all of the CDs in this important series. ~ Scott Yanow
