The Original Memphis Five recorded scores of fine performances in the 1920s, particularly during the 1922-26 period. Most of the 16 selections on this excellent sampler LP feature trumpeter Phil Napoleon, either Charles Panelli or Miff Mole on trombone and clarinetist Jimmy Lytell; some of the titles were actually originally issued as Ladd's Black Aces or the Tennessee Ten. Napoleon's solid, melodic lead, the clean ensembles, the high level of musicianship, and the generally swinging rhythm section put this prolific, if ...
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The Original Memphis Five recorded scores of fine performances in the 1920s, particularly during the 1922-26 period. Most of the 16 selections on this excellent sampler LP feature trumpeter Phil Napoleon, either Charles Panelli or Miff Mole on trombone and clarinetist Jimmy Lytell; some of the titles were actually originally issued as Ladd's Black Aces or the Tennessee Ten. Napoleon's solid, melodic lead, the clean ensembles, the high level of musicianship, and the generally swinging rhythm section put this prolific, if underrated band near the top of recording groups of the era. Its Folkways LP (which has not yet been reissued on CD) is an excellent acquisition, at least until one of the "complete" CD series from Europe begin seriously reissuing in depth the valuable Original Memphis Five recordings. ~ Scott Yanow, Rovi
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