Customer Reviews

1926-28

5 star:		(2)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Like his New Orleans cohort Jelly Roll Morton,King Oliver was responsible for the syncopated polyphony that a decade later became stock-in-trade as the Big Band "Swing" era (being milked for all it was worth by predominantly White bandleaders);the Dixie Syncopators featured on this disc captures Oliver's vision of a large New Orleans rooted Ensemble perfectly,-the band literally smokes on "Willie The Weeper" and "Aunt Hagar's Blues".These records sold moderately ok when they were released but Oliver was heading for his downfall come 1931 with a host of financial and career woes as well as severe dental problems that increasingly affected his playing.I'm honestly not a big fan of his 1929-1930 Orchestra (they were too 'Pop' ) but this CD still captures Oliver in his very prime - I would recommend people also listen to (and buy) the preceding "King Oliver And His Jazz Band 1923-1926" (also available from our friends at Amazon) on the same Chronological Classics label to get the whole picture of just how Oliver came to this big band.I am a very biased King Oliver nut - I live by his Creole Jazz Band but this set is essential listening to anyone who loves just plain Great jazz!

King Oliver's 1923 recordings with Louis Armstrong and the Creole Jazz band are an explosion of greatness. This CD shows Oliver a few years later.
Oliver is a master of collective improvisation, New Orleans style. He is a sincere musician who thinks of the group sound before his own. These recordings show him in a good period, with master musicians and good material. The style is no longer collective, as the emphasis is on individual solos. Still Oliver's group orientation is strongly evident.
The sound of these tracks throws me back to other times, like good music can.
Oliver's solo trumpet playing represents the older style. He cannot burst into flaring solos like his protege Armstrong, and his swing is less obvious. At the time of these recordings there were already trumpeters who were copying Louis' style (Red Allen) and moving jazz forward.
These recordings are indispensable as they represent an era that was not recorded enough. Oliver's ability to get the best out of his sidemen is evident and shows the big heart this tragic person had.
I recommend the CD to anyone who loves 1920's jazz.