The Luis Russell Collection (1926-1934)

The Luis Russel Collection 1926-1934 (Storyville 1992)
MP3 320 kbps

Tracklist:
29th and Dearborn
Sweet Mumtaz
Plantation Joys
Please Don't Turn Me Down
Dolly Mine
Broadway Rhythm
The Way He Loves Is Just Too Bad
I Got Rhythm
Saratoga Drag
Ease on Down
Honey, That Reminds Me
You Rascal You
Goin' to Town
Say the Word
Freakish Blues
Darktown Strutters' Ball
My Blue Heaven
Ghost of the Freaks
Hokus Pokus
Primitive
Ol' Man River

Review:
Bandleader Luis Russell's most successful recordings were during 1929-30 when his brilliant orchestra featured such soloists as trumpeter Red Allen, trombonist J.C. Higginbotham, clarinetist Albert Nicholas and altoist Charlie Holmes along with what was arguably (thanks to bassist Pops Foster and drummer Paul Barbarin) the top rhythm section of the period. This CD from Collector's Classics, (which is made available through Storyville) only has one session from the prime period (two songs plus a previously unissued version of "The Way He Loves Is Just Too Bad") but has all of Russell's earlier and slightly later recordings. Best are the initial two sessions, six titles plus an alternate take that feature hot jazz in 1926 from such fine players as George Mitchell or Bob Shoffner on cornet, Kid Ory or Preston Jackson on trombone, Nicholas or Darnell Howard on clarinet, pianist Russell and Johnny St. Cyr on banjo. However the most impressive soloist is clarinetist Barney Bigard, who sticks exclusively to tenor and stakes out his claim as the number two tenor player (behind Coleman Hawkins) of the period. In addition three rare sessions from 1930-31 hint at the band's former greatness (trumpeter Red Allen stars but there are also some indifferent vocals) and this CD closes with the six titles from Russell's 1934 date (highlighted by Rex Stewart's dynamic cornet on "Ol' Man River"). Collectors will want this one. ~ Scott Yanow, All Music Guide