Jelly Roll Morton, piano, vocal, with varied personnel including :
George Mitchell, cornet; Ward Pinkett, Sidney De Paris,trumpet; Kid
Ory, Charlie Irvis, Claude Jones, trombone; Omer Simeon, Albert Nicholas,
clarinet; Sidney Bechet, soprano saxophone; Johnny St. Cyr, banjo,
guitar; Andrew Hilaire, Baby Dodds, Tommy Benford, Zutty Singleton,
drums.
Recorded Chicago and New York 1926 - 1939
All tracks by Jelly Roll Morton's Red Hot Peppers except 11,12&14
by Jelly Roll Morton and His Orchestra and 15 by Jelly Roll Morton's
New Orleans Jazzmen.
1. Black Bottom Stomp
2. Steamboat Stomp
3. Cannon Ball Blues
4. Doctor Jazz
5. Jungle Blues
6. Original Jelly-Roll Blues
7. Someday, Sweetheart
8. The Pearls
9. Shreveport
10. Mournful Serenade
11. Red Hot Pepper
12. New Orleans Bump
13. Blue Blood Blues
14. Gamblin' Jack
15. Winin' Boy Blues
Jelly Roll Morton, the self -styled inventor of Jazz, had a career
as a recording artist which ran from 1923-1940. The selections on
this disc are from the years 1926-1930, arguably Morton's most productive
period, certainly his most innovative and influential time, with one
track from 1939 to complete matters. For all of his boastful nature,
an aspect of his personality which caused antagonism from such diverse
personalities as Louis Armstrong and Duke Ellington, Morton was able
to back many of his claims through his musical talent and versatility.
Ever the showman he could nevertheless deliver the goods on many different
levels.
One of the most important aspects of Morton's recordings is his use
of a controlled ensemble. In many cases the band is no larger than
the three front line and rhythm of the classic New Orleans group,
but other than in the improvised solos, very little is left to chance.
Indeed one can hear the origins of subsequent big bands in these sides,
particularly on some of the later ones which feature slightly larger
forces. This sense of discipline is one of the defining characteristics
of Morton's style.
Jelly was not afraid to experiment as can be heard with the imaginative,
and for that time, highly unusual use of the bass clarinet and violin
on "Someday Sweetheart." His humorous vocals can be heard
on such favourites as "Doctor Jazz" and "Winin' Boy
Blues". His rhythm sections, even those which use the tuba instead
of the string bass, are always swinging and often possessed of a light
drive and feel not commonly found on records from this era. Morton
always seemed to manage to book some of the best players for his sessions.
There are some tracks such as "Shreveport" and "Mournful
Serenade", which use quite small groups, possibly a forunner
of later "chamber" style groups . These not only show off
Morton's piano playing but serve as a showcase for the undoubted abilities
of Omer Simeon on clarinet. Mention must also be made of the excellent
drumming of Tommy Benford, and on the latter track, the wonderful
trombone of Geechie Fields. The final tune on this disc is an all
star occasion with Sidney De Paris on trumpet, Sidney Bechet on soprano
saxophone and the much underrated Albert Nicholas on clarinet.
To sum up, this is possibly as good a compilation of the recordings
of Jelly Roll Morton as is currently available and should appeal not
only to the Morton fans but also to anyone with an interest in early
Jazz or to anyone who is curious as to the evolution and development
of the music. I thought this disc was great fun !
Dick Stafford
CD Reviews
Bluebird's
Best CD 09026 63899 2
