VARIOUS ARTISTS

"The War" A Ken Burns Film - The Soundtrack

2007-11-30

This compendium to the 2007 Ken Burn's 2007 PBS documentary of World War II drifts between the somber orchestrations of Aaron Copland and the Columbia Symphony Orchestra to the ripping 1942 fireball "Wang Wang Blues" by the King of Swing himself, Benny Goodman. Count Basie & His Orchestra make you want to go-daddy-go in "Basie Boogy" while the Nat "King" Cole Trio's asks 'bout that jive in "If You Can't Smile and Say Yes." Unique score for the film features new works by an ensemble cast working on features composed and arranged by Wynton Marsalis and Norah Jones contributes a heart felt track on the appropriately titled "American Anthem." Even if you didn't participate in Burns' 15 hour homage to the greatest generation of the United States, this montage will fit nicely in any reputable jazz collection. - Daniel J. Graeber

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