Customer Reviews

Great Original Performances

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By the time this famous 1939 session was recorded, the swing era was in full bloom, and classic New Orleans style jazz was beginning to sound like a throwback. Over the course of four sessions, Spanier and his band recorded 16 numbers in the traditional New Orleans style. These performances are now regarded as classics (collectively, they're known as "the Great Sixteen"!). Spanier was an excellent cornetist; he was a dedicated disciple of Louis Armstrong, but his style is mellower and less flashy than Armstrong's. The band includes trombonist George Brunies (who played with the New Orleans Rhythm Kings on their famous 1922/23 sessions). Despite the strong soloing by Spanier and the rest of the band, its the ensemble work that really stands out. The music making is joyous and buoyant throughout. Like many others listeners that have chanced upon these great records, I can't imaging doing without them. Over the years, I appreciate them more and more.

The audio restoration by Robert Parker on this reissue is excellent. The sound is fresh and bright, with a minimum of surface noise from the original recordings. The CD includes four very enjoyable 1931 recordings which feature Spanier and some notable sidemen.

In 1939 Spanier recorded four sessions for Victor with his Ragtime Band, four numbers at each session, which have forever since been referred to (with good reason) by the generic title "The Great Sixteen". They were models of small-group jazz, featuring Muggsy's strong cornet lead, the fluid clarinet of Rod Cless, former New Orleans Rhythm Kings member George Brunies on trombone and vocals, and, after the initial session, George Bushkin on piano, replacing George Zack. The original 78s were issued not just in America, but in the UK, Europe, and Australia, and were influential in the revival of New Orleans jazz in the 1940s. I don't think they've ever been out of the catalogue, and this compilation (originally by Robert Parker with liner notes by John Chilton) carries a bonus in the shape of four 1931 recordings from Muggsy's stint with Ted Lewis, which featured Fats Waller playing and singing.

If you are a traditional Jazz fiend you will LOVE this CD to bits its great all the musicians play superbly evoking thoughts of smoke filled basements time long gone,a truly great CD excellent!!

How can I review a product which has not arrived, although I ordered it in November?