Summarize this content to 2000 words in 6 paragraphs in Arabic Unlock the Editor’s Digest for freeRoula Khalaf, Editor of the FT, selects her favourite stories in this weekly newsletter.The US government’s V-Disc label (“V” for victory), founded to boost the morale of the military, ran from October 1943 to May 1949. The records, available only to the armed forces and free of charge, were shipped directly to the front lines. Artists taking part ranged from famous bandleaders and Broadway stars to jazz combos. Glenn Miller recorded more than 60 tracks, Judy Garland contributed “Over the Rainbow” and Abbott and Costello laid down classic comedy routines. By the time the programme ended, 8mn records had been shipped overseas.The 220 tracks on this 11-disc collection concentrate on the uplifting small group jazz then popular on jukeboxes and in night clubs. The stylistic range is broad — New Orleans veteran Bunk Johnson and cool-school modernist Lennie Tristano represent the extremes — and torch-song singers and blues shouters sit side by side. Louis Armstrong, then in his prime, pitches up unexpectedly for a late-night jam. Art Tatum spins solo piano magic and Ben Webster turns up the throttle on tenor sax. And it’s not just the big names that impress: sidemen get a rare namecheck in band-leading roles and obscure acts that remain virtually unknown today are equally up to snuff. None of this music would be available now were it not for the V-Disc programme.When the scheme started, James Petrillo, president of the American Federation of Musicians, was leading a two-year recording ban on four major labels, but allowed musicians to play for free. These companies waived contractual obligations so that musicians contracted to different labels could record with one another. In this album, an unusually generous six-minute playing time allows bands to relax and stretch out. Good vibes and soloing panache infuse each track.At the time, modern jazz was brewing, swing reigned supreme and traditionalists were recently revived. All could be found in the US’s buzzing night-time economy, and this collection captures that vibrancy. A fascinating release, full of surprises and a pleasure to dip into.★★★★☆‘Classic V-Disc Small Group Jazz Sessions’ is released by Mosaic Records
