Best Band of the Big Band Era ?

If anyone else has ever heard one from the '35-46 era that is, I heard them all as a child and ,according to my mom , was hooked on them when I was three.

I hadn't listen to one in years, spun an LP today from the great Charlie Barnet Band laid down in 39-40, which knocked my socks off, sounds like a cross between Benny Goodman and Ellington with a dab of Basie thrown in for spice !