The Raymond Scott Big Band is the lost chapter between Scott’s early quintet of 1937-39 and his electronic music of the 1960s. The groundbreaking 1942 CBS Band was the first multiracial radio orchestra and included jazz legends such as Ben Webster, Cozy Cole and Charlie Shavers. The device can wobble through Scott’s intricate passages. But unlike the quintet, they also played improvised jazz.

Hemi Demi Semi Quaver: Buried Treasures of the Raymond Scott Big Band brings together 26 exciting recordings, most of which are unreleased radio broadcasts recorded by the bandleader himself. This package includes photographs from Scott’s archives and extensive accompanying text by Scott grantee/guitarist Skip Heller, who produced this for Real Gone Music with Scott’s son Stavorno. book. Available on CD from Real Gone Music or Amazon.

“This deft ensemble can rock as much as Benny Goodman or Artie Shaw, but with more humor. The charming Hemi Demi Semi Quaver collects 26 energetic tracks from this boisterous group. Anything fresh Raymond Scott is all welcome, which warms up your weary circuits better than a cup of espresso.” — Jon M. Young (The Great Takeover)