These are 12" discs made of a red translucent material (which has now become rather sticky). They are labelled in my father's handwriting. The first disc is the only place that I have found a specific reference to "The Band of 14AOD" with a complete list of personnel. I consider these the definitive recordings as they feature the whole band on all tracks. Some others - which I shall detail later - featured small groups or other musicians.
"You've Got Me Where You Want Me" was a very modern song at the time, a recording by Judy Garland and Bing Crosby was released in July 1944. Lyrics are by Johnny Mercer and music by Harry Warren. If you want to sing along, you can find the lyrics here http://www.harrywarren.org/songs/0641.htm This is the definitive site for all things to do with Harry Warren.
"Softly as in a Morning Sunrise" sounds a lot like the Artie Shaw arrangement.
"A Sultan Goes to Harlem" was written by Carl Barriteau - a clarinettist like Shaw. Given that 14AOD band leader Art Sutton played clarinet and saxophone, it is perhaps not surprising that their repertoire drew on the work of other reed players. In the original version the "call and response" section of the tune has the orchestra echoing Barriteau's solo clarinet lines. But 14AOD had a more limited line-up and their response is made by members of the band scatting.
"Boston Bounce" was written by Denis Berry and recorded by Harry Leader. There is currently a Vocalion CD of Harry Leader available, which has Boston Bounce as the title track. I have this and I was particularly impressed by the backing vocals on "Sailor, Where Art Thou?"
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