1926-1928

King Oliver

Product Details

• Audio CD (November 19, 1996)
• Original Release Date: September 17, 1926
• Label: Classics
• ASIN: B000001NLA
• Also Available in: Audio CD
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #873,420 in Music (See Bestsellers in Music)

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com
The Dixie Syncopators led by King Oliver in this period at Chicago's Plantation Café were a very different kind of band than Oliver's earlier Creole Jazz Band, which had featured Louis Armstrong and Johnny Dodds. On the first nine tracks, recorded in Chicago, the new orchestra was a larger group than its legendary predecessor, accomodating the New Orleans improvisers into more developed arrangements, with two cornets and a three-member reed section. There are also fine small-group New York recordings from 1928, with Clarence Williams on piano and vocals, that include a stately "Tin Roof Blues." Two vitality-filled versions of "Got Everything (Don't Want Anything but You)," one with vocals and one without, are performed by a larger New York group. Throughout the band's evolution and permutating personnel on this CD, there are outstanding solo moments by Barney Bigard on tenor, Luis Russell on piano, and Dodds and Omer Simeon on clarinet, but it's Oliver's cornet that stands out, whether muted and vocal or a noble and stoic open-horned presence. --Stuart Broomer

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Genius Of King Oliver Rediscovered, December 27, 2001

By	Peter Acebal (Christiansburg, VA United States) - See all my reviews

Like his New Orleans cohort Jelly Roll Morton,King Oliver was responsible for the syncopated polyphony that a decade later became stock-in-trade as the Big Band "Swing" era (being milked for all it was worth by predominantly White bandleaders);the Dixie Syncopators featured on this disc captures Oliver's vision of a large New Orleans rooted Ensemble perfectly,-the band literally smokes on "Willie The Weeper" and "Aunt Hagar's Blues".These records sold moderately ok when they were released but Oliver was heading for his downfall come 1931 with a host of financial and career woes as well as severe dental problems that increasingly affected his playing.I'm honestly not a big fan of his 1929-1930 Orchestra (they were too 'Pop' ) but this CD still captures Oliver in his very prime - I would recommend people also listen to (and buy) the preceding "King Oliver And His Jazz Band 1923-1926" (also available from our friends at Amazon) on the same Chronological Classics label to get the whole picture of just how Oliver came to this big band.I am a very biased King Oliver nut - I live by his Creole Jazz Band but this set is essential listening to anyone who loves just plain Great jazz!

5.0 out of 5 stars Great Pre Armstrong Jazz, February 27, 2002

By	nadav haber (jerusalem Israel) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

King Oliver's 1923 recordings with Louis Armstrong and the Creole Jazz band are an explosion of greatness. This CD shows Oliver a few years later.
Oliver is a master of collective improvisation, New Orleans style. He is a sincere musician who thinks of the group sound before his own. These recordings show him in a good period, with master musicians and good material. The style is no longer collective, as the emphasis is on individual solos. Still Oliver's group orientation is strongly evident.
The sound of these tracks throws me back to other times, like good music can.
Oliver's solo trumpet playing represents the older style. He cannot burst into flaring solos like his protege Armstrong, and his swing is less obvious. At the time of these recordings there were already trumpeters who were copying Louis' style (Red Allen) and moving jazz forward.
These recordings are indispensable as they represent an era that was not recorded enough. Oliver's ability to get the best out of his sidemen is evident and shows the big heart this tragic person had.
I recommend the CD to anyone who loves 1920's jazz.