Reviews (1)

A Great Compilation, with a few 'classics' missing
Decca has put together a wide range of early Jazz from a bunch of different artists; some with tracks you would not expect, which I suspect may have been intentional, the dates vary from 1929-1959, but the latter date is a bit misleading (see track list). There is no "modern" jazz here. It is also a self-admitted limited survey, due to the label. Men like Ben Webster and Johnny Hodges are not represented due to the fact that no solos from any Decca, or Decca owned subsidiary, were deemed proper examples of either. But what is included is always classic, even if not the most obvious candidate for the artist. Making up for any shortcomings in that regard is the 79 page booklet included, which is really half the presentation. Well done, informative, and richly packaged, it is a great companion to the disc, and a great gift idea for a jazz aficianado. ... Read more

Reviews (4)

40's Music at it's Best
This music sounds just as good today as it as it did when I first heard it in the 60's. My mother had a collection of old records and this was my favorite. I love Tuxedo Junction , After Hours but my absolute favorite is Tippin In. Anyone looking to explore the music of the 40's should take a listen and I'm sure you'll be happy you did.

The real action
Until this CD, "Erskine Hawkins" had been for me only a name mentioned in passing by jazz historians or printed on any number of stock arrangements of "Tuxedo Junction" (Hawkins composition). This album should set the record straight. It captures the highly crafted yet irresistably dramatic style of Hawkins, a trumpet player who evokes more than anyone the Louis Armstrong of the late 20s. Also, it gives meaning to the name of the composer always mentioned in conjunction with "After Hours." Avery Parrish, whose career was ended by a bar fight when he was in his mid-20s, was indeed a pianist of both feeling and finesse, and it's doubtful any of the subsequent interpretations of his trademark song surpass the original version.

The audio quality of this collection is better than one might expect--more "present," in fact, than many of the Goodman and Miller recordings from the same period. More importantly, the band outswings either of the aforementioned celebrated ensembles. Erskine eschews both the plodding bass drum thump of the Goodman/Krupa recordings and the heavy, dead-weight orchestrations of the Miller band. Believe me, after hearing this original version of "Tuxedo Junction," you won't be able to return to the Glenn Miller dilution.

Only Five Stars
Yes, I DO own this album! Unfortunately, however -- I can only give it five stars -- as that's the highest rating that they ALLOW me to give!

A Classic From Jazz History
This CD should be part of any serious jazz collection unless you already have the vinyl edition. For a nice contrast, also buy the CD by vocalist Asa Harris, niece of Erskine Hawkins. She includes Tuxedo Junction, written by Erskine. ... Read more

Album Description

Import exclusive compilation features comprehensive liner notes, photographs, & discographies. Proper. 2004. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Excellent Later Cobb
Arnett Cobb, tnr; Ray Bryant, pno; Wendell Marshall, bass; Arthur Taylor, drms; Ray Barretto, cnga.
After Cobb got sick in 47, he was seriously hurt in an car crash in 1957. This "Party Time" lp is perhaps less raucous than his pre-recovery stuff, but the lower volume here brings out his subtle tone. And Cobb's tone is just amazing. I've read appraisals of "Party Time" which describe his playing as suffering from his accident, but I don't hear it; his sound is applied to his brilliantly building solos, and the whole is great stuff.
This record was engineered by Van Gelder, so all the technical details are right. This Cobb material compares well to Jimmy Forrest and even the younger Gene Ammons. ... Read more

Album Description

The first big star to emerge from the classic Atlantic label, Ruth Brown's seductive vocal delivery shone incandescently on her smash hits 'Teardrops In My Eyes', 'I'll Wait For You' & 'I Know'. All of her big tunes are on this Proper Introduction, showing why her label gained the nickname 'The House That Ruth Built'. 2004. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Hey, it's the complete Paul Howard's Quality Sereneders!
Spend your money no more on those hard-to-find Paul Howard numbers, just go out an buy this CD. J.R.T. Davies remastering, so it sounds better than the 78's YOU could buy, anyway.

However, if you're scratching your head, wondering just WHO THE HECK Paul Howard is, well then, you'll probably hate it. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Zippy at best, creepy at worst, but a sure picture of an era
See the 1943-47 CD for a lengthy examination of Lucky and Sister Rosetta Tharpe. This CD has the tracks missing from that one, and great tracks they are: Savoy, Apollo Jump, That's All, I Want A Tall Skinny Papa. These songs move--it is impossible to sit still while they're playing. The horns are sharp, the arrangements snap, Panama Francis on drums is wonderful, and Trevor Bacon, while not much of a singer is yet quite endearing. Sister Rosetta is an extraordinary vocalist--and plays a mean guitar.

There are also some lame songs (e.g. Slide, Mr. Trombone with its vaguely sexual overtones) and some WWII screeds that sound dated, but certainly not heard elsewhere. But overall, a snappy, jaunty collection of material that should not be overlooked for those who like the hopping sound of the early 40s. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Hamp in best condition!
These are the great Audiofidelity recordings in the best Stereo-sound. In the liner notes is mentioned, this is the first issue of the two LPs ("Hamps Big Band" and "Lionel Plays ... Drums, Vibes and Piano") on CD, but this is not true, the Big Band LP was completely reissued in Europe by BMG RCA and is still available. Completely means all twelve tracks.So the missing of one track here is not so important. From the other LP the wonderful track "Just One of Those Things" is awfully missing. Nevertheless You should buy it, there are only few studio- recordings of this great artist in Stereo!. ... Read more

Album Description

Featuring 12 digitally remastered unforgettable tracks from the extraordinary R&B singer. Atlantic. 2003. ... Read more