The Proper label continues its stellar jazz box-set series with this mammoth four-disc survey of drummers from early jazz to bebop. Featuring a lavish booklet, detailed sessionographies, and extensive notes, Engine Room: A History of Jazz Drumming From Storyville to 52nd Street is perfect for jazz fans who often look right past blowing frontmen to check out how the player behind the kit is trading those fours. And the examples are endless, what with 96 tracks and the likes of such early percussion greats as Baby Dodds and ...
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The Proper label continues its stellar jazz box-set series with this mammoth four-disc survey of drummers from early jazz to bebop. Featuring a lavish booklet, detailed sessionographies, and extensive notes, Engine Room: A History of Jazz Drumming From Storyville to 52nd Street is perfect for jazz fans who often look right past blowing frontmen to check out how the player behind the kit is trading those fours. And the examples are endless, what with 96 tracks and the likes of such early percussion greats as Baby Dodds and Big Sid Catlett sharing the stage with modern giants Art Blakey and Max Roach. Both the famous (Gene Krupa) and obscure (Sam "Baby" Lovett) are given exposure, as the key outfits of early jazz (King Oliver's Creole Jazz Band), swing (Earl Hines & His Orchestra), and bop (Charlie Parker's All Stars) are heard to fine effect. The only question is: When's the next box due so listeners can hear the rest of this vital musical story? ~ Stephen Cook, Rovi
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