Lost Recordings (RCA)

By mid-1944, Major Glenn Miller and his band, dubbed the American Band of the Allied Expeditionary Force, were stationed in England, maintaining a rigorous schedule of broadcasts and concerts to boost military morale. These two CDs of lost recordings come from six radio shows taped in October and November of that year for the American Broadcasting System in Europe. The shows were directed at German troops, and they're fascinating just as documents, whether Miller is struggling in halting German, describing the band as "a true picture of the great melting pot of America," or introducing a singer with "Sgt. Johnny Desmond, report to Ilse" (the show's announcer) for a rendition of "My Heart Tells Me" sung in German. But it's the quality of the music and the exceptional presence achieved in London's Abbey Road Studios that maintain interest. Miller's hits may have never sounded better, and arranger Jerry Grey is strikingly adroit at blending the big swing band with a full complement of string players on such tunes as "Begin the Beguine." --Stuart Broomer