This double-disc set is an excellent overview of violinist
Joe Venuti's early career. Done in JSP's excellent style, the sound has been cleaned up and the 42 tracks chosen best reflect
Venuti's influence and the development of his style during the 1920s and '30s; the material is presented in chronological order. There are a whopping 42 tracks included, many of which were written by pioneering guitarist
Eddie Lang who, of course, also appears on these sessions. While it's true many collectors will have these cuts, there are those who are coming to the gypsy swing sound for the first time because of the work of
Django Reinhardt and
Stéphane Grappelli. A compilation such as this is of supreme value to them, as well as to more experienced listeners who are searching for definitive performances. ~ Thom Jurek, All Music Guide