ASV/Living Era almost always does it right, sonically, musically, chronologically. This double-disc set by Jack Teagarden, putting together two absolutely packed discs of material ranging from 1928-1954, is a serious case in point. Here Teagarden is showcased leading his own mighty bands and playing in the company of the Louis Armstrong All-Stars, Glenn Miller, Benny Goodman, Tommy Dorsey, Red Nichols, Artie Shaw, Pee Wee Russell, Eddie Lang, Bunny Berigan, Joe Venuti, Frankie Trumbauer, Gene Krupa, Coleman Hawkins, Ben ...
Read More
ASV/Living Era almost always does it right, sonically, musically, chronologically. This double-disc set by Jack Teagarden, putting together two absolutely packed discs of material ranging from 1928-1954, is a serious case in point. Here Teagarden is showcased leading his own mighty bands and playing in the company of the Louis Armstrong All-Stars, Glenn Miller, Benny Goodman, Tommy Dorsey, Red Nichols, Artie Shaw, Pee Wee Russell, Eddie Lang, Bunny Berigan, Joe Venuti, Frankie Trumbauer, Gene Krupa, Coleman Hawkins, Ben Webster, and many, many more. The sound quality on these 46 cuts is exceptional considering the many sources they were compiled from, and the tune selection is out of this world, including one particularly poignant read of "St. James Infirmary" featuring the Armstrong band with T on vocals -- and a trombone solo. Simply put, it's killer, with Teagarden at his very best. There are many fine moments, but this is jazz blues at its purest and most haunted. This collection will serve as an exciting end piece for collectors, but more importantly as a fitting and gem-filled introduction for the curious. Teagarden was perhaps the greatest white blues singer in history, and this collection goes a long, long way to making that case. ~ Thom Jurek, Rovi
Read Less
