This is a clever collection of 25 tracks that either feature the word Harlem in the title (19 of them) or reference it in the lyrics. The CD includes five tracks by Duke Ellington, kicking off with “Harlemania” and ending with “Harlem Airshaft.” The remainder features other notable big bands led by Don Redman, Jimmie Lunceford, Chick Webb, and a raft of classic vocalists including Ethel Waters, Mildred Bailey, Adelaide Hall, Lena Horne, Anita O’Day, Louis Armstrong, and Cab Calloway, among many others. Well-known numbers about the famed black district in New York City abound on this delightfully thoughtful concept compilation, which comes highly recommended. – Michael G. Nastos
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