Customer Reviews

The Complete Set 1922-1925

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If you're a fan of early jazz, these recordings need no introduction - the classic New Orleans Rhythm Kings (NORK)recordings from 1922 and 1923 are among the most famous performances in jazz. And the recordings are still immensely enjoyable - the ensemble swings gently but steadily (unlike the more famous Original Dixieland Jazz Band, who sound overdriven and manic in comparison). Jelly Roll Morton performs on some of the 1923 records - a classic encounter!

These recordings have been reissued many times over the years, and these transfers, which were done by John R. T. Davies, are about as good as we are likely to get. I used to have these early NORK recordings on a Chronological Classics reissue, but Davies version is superior. You'll hear surface noise from the original records throughout the CD, but the instruments sound fresh and clear. The collection includes a valuable second CD as a bonus: some excellent sessions led by the NORK's cornetist, Paul Mares, and a handful of rare 1935 recordings, also by Mares.

I can think of only three jazz groups which are identifiable by their initials. The first is the Original Dixieland Jazz Band, the second the later Quintette of the Hot Club of France, and the third is the subject of this compilation. Strictly speaking, the group recorded between March and July 1923, but this set sensibly includes their formative 1922 sessions as the Friars Society Orchestra, and the 1925 reincarnation of that title.

The NORK was a hugely influential group, for several reasons. First, both cornetist Paul Mares and trombonist George Brunies hailed from New Orleans, where the former had absorbed the music of King Oliver. Thus the band was modelled on those classic black bands which had also made the journey north to the Windy City. The new band's venue rapidly became a hang-out for the up-and-coming jazz enthusiasts, including a young Bix (playing hookey from Lake Academy) and Hoagy Carmichael. One of the attractions was clarinettist Leon Roppolo's playing, which had an ethereal quality which was quite unique, and can be best appreciated on the January 1925 session, the last one he undertook. The ultimate accolade was bestowed upon the group by Jelly Roll Morton, who sat in on the two July 1923 sessions.

This is classic jazz of seminal importance, and this set cannot be praised too highly, both in the completeness of its presentation and the quality of the remastering.

Somewhat overlooked by history, NORK was a very influential band that sprang from the New Orleans riverboat dance scene. In this compilation, with the best transfers we can hope for, are songs as we would have heard them on the riverboats, at Milneburg, and in Chicago. The band plays with great heart, and that shines through the 90 years of acoustic veil and scratches. Incidentally, I bought this as a download, since the digitized quality is not going to degrade these old recordings any further. This is great music to work to, whether for scholarship or housework.

I am not an expert but I have my likes, this is a very very hard core and just for jazz lovers record. Old recording, but high quality a must have for people who likes music like early Five Hots ...you know