Blue Rhythm Fantasy

Without a doubt Gene Krupa was one of the foremost drummers of the "Swing Era". Most of the recordings on this CD feature The Gene Krupa Orchestra and Trio with some of the tracks featuring trumpeter Roy Eldridge and vocals by Anita O'Day, Irene Day and the vocalist from Glenn Miller's war time band, Johnny Desmond. We have also included his most famous recording with his old boss Benny Goodman, Sing Sing, Sing which is thought to be one of the first recordings to feature a full on drumming session. Krupa elevated the art of drumming from that of a bands rhythm backing to that of up front soloist. Gene is also known for his appearance in a number of Hollywood movies, biopics such as "The Benny Goodman Story" and "The Glenn Miller Story". In 1959 Hollywood released "The Gene Krupa Story" featuring actor Sal Mineo in the lead role.