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Classic Dixieland pieces performed in the band style that marks the best of the originals. Unlike some modern Dixieland that has been smoothed out for easy listening, these songs have the authentic old Dixie edge to them. From the growling on Tiger Rag through the piano improvs to the soaring clarinet, this sounds like the Dixieland bands of old recordings. Except, this is one technically clean CD. Fine, fine sound balance gives you the feel of being in the band. This CD gives one the essential old Dixieland sound, banjo included, that was the hallmark of the music which rode north from Storyville on the sternwheelers.

Preservation Hall is the epicenter of Jazz on this planet and The Preservation Hall Jazz Band represents in fine fashion. Having each band member featured on a particular song adds to the uniqueness of this CD and is a great asset, not something that "almost eliminates" the excellence of the compositions.

I'm a native New Orleanian who's been to Preservation Hall many times and I own this CD. The shallow review of one reviewer should in no way dissuade you from buying this CD as a central part of any Jazz collection. This tracks chosen for this recording are a fantastic cross-section of Jazz and of the band itself and is well worth the investment.

Other places may try to claim jazz as their own, but no one can hold a candle to the jazz from New Orleans. The Big Easy is where it was invented and it doesn't sound any better than when it's played by the Preservation Hall Jazz Band.

This disc is a collection of their best songs spanning the time from 1976 to 1988. Everything is here. From the LSU(and my high school) favorite, "Tiger Rag," to the easily recognized "When The Saints Go Marching In," you'll find it on this disc. I love the band's take on "Georgia On My Mind" and "Just A Closer Walk With Thee." They are both proof that everything sounds a little better with jazz.

Folks will also recognize "Joe Avery." They may not know that "Joe Avery" is the title, but when they here the trumpet, they'll recognize this one as a huge Mardi Gras favorite.

Every single song on this album is well worth the price. Buy this disc if you want to know what the real deal sounds like.

Let's face it - even if you're going to New Orleans to party at Mardi Gras or because you're an Anne Rice fan, Jazz is part of the reason you're vacationing at the Big Easy. This gem includes much of the music you'll hear either attending Preservation Hall one evening or walking the streets anytime from noon till a few hours before dawn - with "Just a Closer Walk with Thee" being a possible exception unless you're in town during a funeral procession. Then again "When the Saints go Marchin' In" quickly reminds you that mourners can be comforted that it's them going through the difficult time, while their loved one has joined the big, neverending party Up There - an essential part of New Orleans philosophy.

So open up the pralines you also brought back, and munch on them while you show everyone your vacation pictures and listen to this more durable souvenir!

I saw the band perform several times in the 1980's. Truly a wonderfull experience. The review of the person complaining the singing wasn't that good is completely off the mark: what did he expect, the plastic voice of someone who had a full sound stage to hide the fact he couldn't sing at all?

I purchased this set because I love New Orleans jazz and I had been to the Preservation Hall several times over the years. I already have several of the Preservation Hall Jazz Band's LPs. Because of Hurricane Katrina, I didn't know if the Band would be producing any more music. So I bought "The Best of Preservation Hall Jazz Band" CDs. I wasn't disappointed, and I'm very happy to see that the French Quarter was spared major damage. It is the birth place of a truly American art form: Dixieland Jazz.

Preversation Hall Jazz Band is what the name implies, preserving the way Jazz was played and passing it on in that form. This isn't popular with some Jazz people but their is something to say for classic playing. For me this is an aspect of Jazz that I like played "this way" and they do a great job of it.

This CD gives you an excellent selection of songs at a very good price. Each number is very well done and easy on the ears and great fun. Sit back, relax and enjoy the Preservation Hall Jazz Band at the top of their form. The classic "Just A Closer Walk With Thee" is worth the price of the CD as a stand alone. Add in "When The Saints Go Marching In", "Tiger Rag" and a couple of others for an outstanding value.

The CD is great. Bought it for my car, as I drive long stints, 8 hours at a time. The artists on this tape are the original, older, black men that played when I heard them at Preservation Hall, in New Orleans years ago. More the old "Blues" music than the newer "Jazz" type the group is playing now.

Preservation Hall Jazz Band. . . . I saw them play about twenty years ago while I was in New Orleans, and enjoyed their work immensely. This CD is composed of a number of the better known works on their song list. As such, it is a useful introduction to the group's body of work.

Let's consider several of the cuts on this CD.

"Tiger Rag." The band's instrumental playing is quite good, featuring a nice ragtime sound, with a lot of spirit in the sound. Indeed, this is taken at a rollicking pace. Love those lyrics:

"Hold that tiger,
Hold that tiger,
Hold that tiger,
Don't let him get away."

"Mood Indigo." This Duke Ellington classic is played in a moody, contemplative manner. An affecting version that tugs at one's sentimental side.

"His eye is on the sparrow." This is an older religious song. Key lines:

"His eye is on the sparrow,
But I know he watches me."

There is spare orchestration. The vocals aren't elegant, but they effectively fit the lyrics and have some soul to them.

"St. Louis Blues." The classic W. C. Handy blues song is well played here, with great energy. This is an animated version, with the band working well together and decent vocals.

"When the Saints go marching in." Another classic played with feeling and energy. This represents a terrific way of ending this CD. The band, again, plays well. The vocals are rough and raw--and work very nicely that way. A most satisfying version.

In the end, a solid piece of work. If one wishes to have a sense of the work played by this band, then here's a good introduction.

THIS WAS PURCHASED AS A GIFT. MY HUSBAND LOVES NEW ORLEANS JAZZ. LISTENS TO IT ALL OF THE TIME IN THE CAR.