This is an evocative sound portrait of Harlem, an exuberant sequence of some of the most enjoyable vintage jazz imaginable.

Since the late 20s the Harlem district of New York City has been synonymous with the liveliest black music of the vintage jazz age. No one place in any city

has been so immortalised in music. All the most creative musicians played in its many theatres and clubs. Retrospective has carefully selected 25 of the

finest of the innumerable numbers written to illustrate some aspect of this characterful area. Prominent among the galaxy of jazz stars represented is Duke Ellington (Echoes Of Harlem ...), whose statue marks the boundary of Harlem and Central Park, and other top black bandleaders Chick Webb (Go Harlem...), Fletcher Henderson (Underneath The Harlem Moon) and Jimmie

Lunceford (Harlem Shout). But the range is extraordinarily wide with plenty of other delights from the likes of Fats Waller, Glenn Miller, Woody Herman,

and even Fred Astaire tap-dancing! The hedonistic spirit is epitomised by the two genial duets from Jack Teagarden and Joe Mercer (Christmas Night In Harlem...). Let us (aurally) drop you off there.