Schubert, not too many listeners know about Tony Pastor, one of the more obscure heroes of the Big Band era. Not only was he a terrific saxophonist as you point out, he was a good singer often featured as such in Shaw’s band. Shaw’s was one of the greatest of the big bands. A very demanding leader there were no weak links in Shaw’s bands. As you have pointed out, his saxophone section was always a model of great ensemble playing. Benny Goodman was crowned the king (of swing), but in my book Shaw the better clarinetist.
Btw, I second pryso’s sentiment re O-10. Interesting, I was going to say much the same thing in my previous post. While searching for the YouTube link for the Ray Charles/Betty Carter “Baby, it’s...”, I came across a link for a version of the tune supposedly by Charles and Nina Simone. I had no idea that they had recorded it and intended to post it with O-10 in mind. Alas, it was a mistake by the poster. Not Nina Simone, but Betty Carter instead.
Btw, I second pryso’s sentiment re O-10. Interesting, I was going to say much the same thing in my previous post. While searching for the YouTube link for the Ray Charles/Betty Carter “Baby, it’s...”, I came across a link for a version of the tune supposedly by Charles and Nina Simone. I had no idea that they had recorded it and intended to post it with O-10 in mind. Alas, it was a mistake by the poster. Not Nina Simone, but Betty Carter instead.