Jazz / Swing; Classic Jazz; Big Band
Recorded: Jan 15, 1929-Aug 8, 1934
These records, and those that follow throughout 1929 and 1930, represent a kind of "hot dance" band new to New York listeners: ten pieces able to play with the flexibility and verve of five, while generating the firepower of fifteen. Russell's arrangements "almost always contained interesting things to hear". The pianist "knew how to frame the solos in unifying and supportive settings." As Charlie Holmes remembered it, the spirit among Russell's musicians, comparable to that of a championshop sports team, sprang directly from their shared New Orleans background.
Personnel:
Henry 'Red' Allen, J.C. Higginbotham, Albert Nicholas, Charlie Holmes, George 'Pops' Foster, Teddy Hill, Elmer Snowden, Greely Walton, Paul Barbarin, more
Disc 1: 76:33 mins.
Disc 2: 75:05 miins. |
