Mitch Ayres is most notably remembered as Perry Como's musical director. His band was not as popular as the Glenn Miller or Benny Goodman orchestras. But during the 1940s, Ayres and his band played a beautiful blend of sweet and hot swing, often featuring top vocalists such as Dick Dyer, Johnny Bard, Ruth McCullough, Roberta Hollywood and Tommy Taylor.

Mitchell Ayres and Fashions in Music (Collectors Choice) is currently the only CD available featuring Ayres and his band. Culled from two Victory Parade Of Spotlight Bands Radio Broadcasts from 1943 and 1944, this collection features an all too short selection 10 songs that have you yearning for more—although what is here is killer!

The program opens with four songs from a Coca-Cola^(TM) sponsored November 24, 1943 broadcast. Ayres' 11-piece big band begin with a precisely played "King Porter Stomp". After ripping through "Porter" Dick Dyer joins the band and croons through "Paper Doll". Flight number 3 features Johnny Bard singing the pop hit "Get On Board, Little Children" which is followed up by Dyer's wife, Ruth McCullough cooing "Shoo-Shoo Baby".

The second half of the CD takes us back to Asbury Park, New Jersey on June 24, 1944. "Everybody Loves My Baby" is the speedboat start to this program, which was recorded live at the Navel Reserve Mid-Shipmans' School. Tommy Taylor shares his smooth pipes, singing "A Fellow On A Furlough" and "I'll Remember April", while Roberta Hollywood sparkles through the upbeat "Pretty Kitty Blue Eyes".

The Spotlight series of broadcast recordings are wonderful glimpses back into the golden days when radio was truly entertaining. This series is also a great opportunity for us to rediscover nearly a forgotten big band and singers who cut their teeth criss-crossing the nation during WWII. If you enjoy today's modern big bands such as George Gee, Bill Elliott or Mora's Modern Rhythmists then you will truly find this a great addition to your listening collection.