Glenn Miller, Dorsey, Kenton & more - 15 x Jazz & Swing UK Pressings (1922–1952) - 78 RPM shellac record - 1922

A carefully curated group of original 78 rpm records spanning the golden age of jazz and swing, from the early 1920s through the post-war years.

The selection features major international names such as Glenn Miller, Tommy Dorsey, Stan Kenton and Benny Carter, alongside influential figures including Frankie Trumbauer, Nat Gonella, Ted Heath and Billy May, as well as strong British jazz and dance-band recordings on labels including HMV, Parlophone, Capitol and Decca.

Together, these records offer a well-balanced mix of iconic titles, stylish big-band swing, hot British jazz and early novelty classics. Condition ranges from strong VG+ to EX overall, with clean labels and well-preserved surfaces typical of careful storage. An attractive group for collectors seeking recognisable artists, quality UK pressings and a coherent historical spread within one sale.

1. Glenn Miller and His Orchestra – Slow Freight / Bugle Call Rag – HMV B.D.5633 – UK – c.1938
Classic early Glenn Miller swing, balancing mood and momentum.
Slow Freight is atmospheric and bluesy, featuring Miller’s emerging signature sound and subtle rhythmic drive, while Bugle Call Rag provides an energetic contrast with punchy brass and irresistible swing propulsion. A desirable pre-war UK issue illustrating Miller’s transition toward the instantly recognisable style that would soon make him a household name.

2. Glenn Miller and His Orchestra – Moonlight Serenade / American Patrol – HMV B.D.5942 – UK – c.1939
Definitive American swing by one of the most recognisable big bands of the era.
Side one presents Moonlight Serenade, Miller’s signature theme, with its famous floating clarinet lead and velvety orchestral blend – one of the most iconic sounds of the swing era. American Patrol contrasts sharply with a fast, driving arrangement full of rhythmic urgency and precision brass, ideal for the dance floor. A classic wartime-era UK pressing capturing both the romantic and exhilarating sides of the Glenn Miller sound.

3. Tommy Dorsey and His Orchestra – Swing High / Opus No. 1 – HMV B.D.5884 – UK – c.1940
Hard-swinging big-band jazz from one of the swing era’s defining orchestras.
Swing High delivers driving rhythm and powerful brass, highlighted by Dorsey’s smooth yet commanding trombone style. Opus No. 1, one of the band’s signature numbers, balances tight ensemble precision with irresistible swing momentum. A classic wartime-era UK pressing showcasing the orchestra at peak popularity and energy.

4. Stan Kenton and His Orchestra – Fascinating Rhythm / Begin the Beguine – Capitol CL.13925 – UK – c.1947
Bold post-war American big-band modernism.
Fascinating Rhythm bursts with angular rhythms, powerful brass and Kenton’s unmistakably muscular sound, pushing swing toward something more progressive. Begin the Beguine offers contrast – dramatic, expansive and richly orchestrated. A superb UK Capitol issue demonstrating Kenton’s role in reshaping big-band jazz for the modern era.

5. Benny Carter and His Orchestra – Takin’ My Time / Cocktails for Two – HMV B.9186 – UK – c.1941
Sophisticated American swing from one of jazz’s greatest all-round musicians.
Takin’ My Time is elegant, relaxed swing with Carter’s trademark smooth voicings and impeccable balance, while Cocktails for Two adds playful charm and urbane polish. Issued in HMV’s Swing Music 1941 series, this pairing captures the height of pre-war big-band refinement – polished yet rhythmically assured, ideal for collectors of classy wartime swing.

6. Frankie Trumbauer’s Orchestra – I’m Coming, Virginia / Way Down Yonder in New Orleans – Parlophone R.2687 – UK – c.1933
Essential cool-style American jazz on a scarce UK issue.
I’m Coming, Virginia is a landmark recording, celebrated for its relaxed, lyrical phrasing and the influential Trumbauer aesthetic closely associated with Bix Beiderbecke’s legacy. Way Down Yonder in New Orleans offers a more traditional melody filtered through elegant, restrained orchestration. A beautifully balanced pairing that exemplifies refined early jazz at its most melodic and sophisticated.

7. Ted Heath and His Music – Blacksmith Blues / Grand Central Station – Decca F.9911 – UK – c.1952
High-energy British big-band swing with top-tier vocals.
Blacksmith Blues swings hard with infectious drive and a standout vocal from Lita Roza, while Grand Central Station adds bright momentum and crisp ensemble work. Heath’s orchestra delivers power, precision and excitement, making this a fine example of Britain’s leading post-war dance band at full strength.

8. Nat Gonella & His Georgians – Troublesome Trumpet / Oh! Monah! – Parlophone R.1982 – UK – c.1934
Hot British jazz led by one of the UK’s most charismatic trumpeters.
Troublesome Trumpet lives up to its name with lively brass work and infectious energy, while Oh! Monah! combines humour, swing and Gonella’s unmistakable personality. With vocal refrains by Gonella himself, this record perfectly captures the spirit of British hot jazz in the early 1930s – playful, confident, and rhythmically assured.

9. Nat Gonella & His Georgians – Fox Trot Medley (Parts 1 & 2) – Parlophone F.148 – UK – c.1933
Hot British jazz medley with transatlantic flair.
Spanning both sides, this ambitious medley moves from slow, blues-inflected passages into fast, driving fox-trot rhythm, showcasing Gonella’s energetic trumpet style and confident vocal refrains. Strong American influence filtered through a distinctly British dance-band sound makes this a particularly appealing example of early-1930s UK jazz ingenuity.

10. Billy May and His Orchestra – All of Me / Love Is Just Around the Corner – Capitol CL.13785 – UK – c.1947
High-energy post-war American big-band swing with a modern edge.
Billy May’s brash, punchy arranging style is on full display, combining crisp brass attacks with playful rhythmic accents. All of Me swings hard with confident swagger, while Love Is Just Around the Corner adds bright vocals and a lighter, radio-friendly feel. A fine example of how big bands adapted after the war – louder, sharper, and more extrovert than their pre-war predecessors.

11. Kay Kyser & His Orchestra – On the Isle of May / Indian Summer – Parlophone F.1750 – UK – c.1938
Smooth, popular American swing with strong broadcast appeal.
On the Isle of May is bright and tuneful, driven by polished ensemble work and accessible melodies, while Indian Summer provides a warm, atmospheric ballad rich in sentiment and colour. Kyser’s orchestra bridges the gap between jazz and mainstream entertainment, making this an attractive example of late-1930s American dance music aimed squarely at radio audiences and ballroom listeners.

12. Joe Daniels and His Hotshots – Yes, We Have No Bananas / One for the Boys – Parlophone F.2300 – UK – c.1931
Classic British hot dance-band novelty with real jazz drive.
Yes, We Have No Bananas delivers comic timing and crowd-pleasing charm, backed by a lively jazz arrangement that keeps it far from novelty-only territory. One for the Boys ups the tempo with energetic playing and a more straight-ahead dance-band feel. A wonderful snapshot of early-1930s British jazz, where humour and musicianship comfortably coexisted.

13. Sid Phillips and His Band – Did You Ever See a Dream Walking? / Walkin’ to Missouri – HMV B.D.6136 – UK – c.1941
British dance-band swing with strong vocals and polished arrangements.
Did You Ever See a Dream Walking? is a romantic fox-trot with an engaging vocal from Denny Dennis, while Walkin’ to Missouri adds brighter tempo and rhythmic lift. Sid Phillips’ band blends American swing influence with refined British dance-band sensibility, making this an appealing and accessible wartime pairing.

14. Nat Shilkret and His Orchestra – Flapperette / The Doll Dance – HMV B.2505 – UK – c.1926
Sparkling jazz-age novelty dance music from one of America’s most influential studio conductors.
Flapperette captures the carefree spirit of the Roaring Twenties with bright orchestration and infectious rhythm, while The Doll Dance adds playful charm and light classical novelty appeal. Shilkret’s polished direction and crisp ensemble playing make this an ideal example of mid-1920s popular orchestral dance music, full of elegance and period atmosphere.

15. Zez Confrey and His Orchestra – Kitten on the Keys / Wana – HMV B.1385 – UK – c.1922
Virtuoso novelty piano at the height of the roaring twenties.
Kitten on the Keys is a dazzling display of lightning-fast piano runs and playful humour, one of the most famous novelty records of its era. Wana continues the fun with infectious rhythm and clever orchestral backing. A landmark novelty disc that perfectly captures early jazz-age exuberance and Confrey’s astonishing technical brilliance.