10 of 11 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
The transitional music mostly hints at jazz, October 25, 2000
This review is from: Hell Fighters (Audio CD)
Shortly after the IAJRC label came out with a CD reissuing all of the music recorded by James Reese Europe's unusual band during their four 1919 sessions, Memphis Archives put out a CD with the exact same material. The difference between the sets is that while IAJRC put out the material in strict chronological order, Memphis Archives instead chose to simulate a Europe concert. The liner notes of course differ greatly on these two competing sets, and the edge is given to Memphis Archives for Tim Gracyk's very extensive essay. The transitional music mostly hints at jazz but does not contain much improvisation. Europe's brand of dance music occupied its own category, including some Noble Sissle vocals, marching music, rags, waltzes, novelties and future jazz standards, and either of his sets (recorded just a short time before his murder) are recommended. Now if only Europe's eight groundbreaking titles of 1913-1914 would be reissued
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