WINGY MANONE – 1940-1944 | The Classics Chronological Series – 1091 (1999) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

The seventh in Classics' Wingy Manone series (reissuing all of the trumpeter-vocalist's recordings as a leader into the mid-'40s) has 21 numbers from his lesser-known 1940-1944 period. The good-humored Manone is heard leading Dixielandish groups that include at various times clarinetists Joe Marsala and Matty Matlock, trombonists George Brunies and Abe Lincoln, pianists Mel Powell and Joe Sullivan, and drummer Zutty Singleton plus many lesser-known names. The best cuts are "Ain't It a Shame About Mame," "Ochi Chornya," "Mama's Gone Good-Bye," a remake of "Isle of Capri," "The Tailgate Ramble" (which has Manone sharing the vocals with its lyricist Johnny Mercer), "Sister Kate," and the only instrumental, "Memphis Blues." The six-part 16-minute "Jam and Jive" (which is rarely reissued) is a disappointment, mostly featuring Manone jiving in unimaginative fashion with the vaudevillian Eddie Marr. But, otherwise, the music is reasonably enjoyable if not essential. Scott Yanow  
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