A fascinating collection of undiscovered 1938/40 airchecks by the Luis Russell Orchestra featuring Louis Armstrong and, to a lesser extent, Henry 'Red' Allen.
Both trumpet players are in fine form with Armstrong arguably at his peak soaring above the sometimes dated arrangements. It doesn't matter, when he cuts loose time stands still, maybe even moves forward. It may not be Dizzy or Roy but he is certainly laying the groundwork for them.
The supporting cast too have their moments in the form of J.C. Higginbotham (trombone), Charlie Holmes (alto sax) and Albert Nicholas (clarinet).
Another surprise, at least for me were the four piano solos by Luis Russell. He was obviously much more than a baton wielding leader displaying a sense of swing that nestled comfortably between the stride pianists such as Waller and James P. and the sophistication of Teddy Wilson.
The bulk of the recordings were live from the Grand Terrace Ballroom in Chicago and, having gathered dust for several decades, it needed a lot of TLC to bring them up to a semi-acceptable standard for today's market.
Not all of the tracks are complete and the fi is definitely lo but the music makes up for it as do the introductory exchanges between Armstrong and announcer.
This is jazz history that, fortunately, has been preserved, warts* and all. Lance
*The vocals by Sonny Woods!
Jammin'; After You've Gone; Them There Eyes; Blue Rhythm Fantasy; I've Got a Heart Full of Rhythm; Riffs - parts 1 & 2 (Dunkin' a Donut); Mister Ghost Goes to Town - parts 1 & 2; Ol' Man River; Heebie Jeebies; At the Swing Cats Ball; Algiers Stomp; Hot Bricks; Melancholy Lullaby & Lilacs in the Rain; Leanin' on the Old Top Rail & Gotta Get Home; Rippling Waters; Fussin'; Echo of Spring; Moonlight Cocktail.
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