2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
Ambitious overview of early jazz and popular music, June 30, 2008
This is a very ambitious and comprehensive overview of early jazz and popular American music. The enclosed booklets with each of these sets are well-written and a definite bonus. Artists are often identified beyond the credits on the original record labels. For instance, "Gin Mill Blues" appears on the original 78 (OKeh 8747) simply as "The Hokum Boys"; they are identified in the track listing as Ikey Robinson and Jimmy Blythe. "That Devilin' Tune" would rate 5 stars but one must be advised that what is heard isn't always what's listed for each track. For instance in this volume (1), "I Wish I Could Shimmy Like My Sister Kate" by the Cotton Pickers is actually "Gonna Cool My Doggies Now", the other side of the original 78 (Brunswick 2338). In Volume 2, "Cotton Patch Rag" by John Dilleshaw (from OKeh 45328) is actually another unknown selection - it's another great string ragtime performance but what and by whom? It would have been nice if there were some specific discussion of the each volume's specific selections in the enclosed booklet. Finally, no discographical information is given - probably of little importance to anyone but collectors of 78s.
Help other customers find the most helpful reviews
Was this review helpful to you? Yes
No
