Although one might think of King Oliver, Louis Armstrong's Hot Five and Sevens, and the Eddie Condon gang as best exemplifying Chicago jazz of the 1920s, much more took place in that city during that time period. This very enjoyable and gap-filling CD has hot jazz performances by the Benson Orchestra of Chicago, Lloyd Turner's Villa Venice Orchestra, Al Katz' Kittens (their lone recording "Ace in the Hole"), Al Handler's Alamo Cafe Orchestra, Sol Wanger's Orchestra, Ray Miller, the Louisiana Rhythm Kings (which is really ...
Read More
Although one might think of King Oliver, Louis Armstrong's Hot Five and Sevens, and the Eddie Condon gang as best exemplifying Chicago jazz of the 1920s, much more took place in that city during that time period. This very enjoyable and gap-filling CD has hot jazz performances by the Benson Orchestra of Chicago, Lloyd Turner's Villa Venice Orchestra, Al Katz' Kittens (their lone recording "Ace in the Hole"), Al Handler's Alamo Cafe Orchestra, Sol Wanger's Orchestra, Ray Miller, the Louisiana Rhythm Kings (which is really the Coon-Sanders Orchestra under a pseudonym and without the vocals of Carleton Coon and Joe Sanders), Danny Altier's Orchestra (featuring a pair of solos from cornetist Muggsy Spanier), and all six recordings by Thelma Terry's Playboys; sidemen include pianist Jess Stacy and drummer Gene Krupa. All 26 of the performances can easily be enjoyed by vintage jazz collectors, and the Thelma Terry dates are particularly rewarding. Whatever happened to Terry, a great female bassist? ~ Scott Yanow, Rovi
Read Less
