JIMMIE NOONE – 1923-1928 | The Classics Chronological Series – 604 (1991) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

The material on Jimmie Noone's 1923-1928 is great; however, fans of New Orleans jazz should keep both eyes open in order not to get caught up in a web of duplication. In the end it would be insulting to downgrade the music itself simply because reissue companies more than half a century later insisted on stepping on each other's toes. The identical year that this release came out on the Classics imprint, the French EPM Musique line saw fit to put out many of the same tracks under the name of trumpeter Freddie Keppard. Both Keppard and Noone played in various bands led by Doc Cook, and it is these sessions by such groups as the Doc Cook Dreamland Orchestra that make up the bulk of both the Noone and Keppard collections. As if this wasn't confusing enough, the French company put out the material again in 1998 with a slightly different cover. Meanwhile the great Cook has yet to have his recipes brought to the table under his own name, but that's the music business for you. Noone created the balance of the material on the Classics set with his own Apex Orchestra, all told bringing the total number of different titles up to 23. It is a bit less material than on the French sides, which substitute the Noone bandleading efforts for tracks by the Erskine Tate Vendome Orchestra. Noone collectors will be thus forced into nabbing the Classics CD whether they have one or both of the other sets anyway, but hopefully should not be dissapointed by the lively, well-played music. In all cases it is a chance to experience a side of New Orleans jazz that has gotten much less play than the better-known small-combo styles. Eugene Chadbourne
Tracklist + Credits :

JIMMIE NOONE – 1928-1929 | The Classics Chronological Series – 611 (1991) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

Among Classics many Jimmie Noone discs, this collection of sides from 1928-1929 stands as the best. How could it not, what with it's wealth of top-notch material Noone and pianist Earl Hines cut while flourishing in the Chicago club scene. And while the overall quality of the ensemble playing is a bit subpar at times -- certainly, there's not much here to compare to Hines' contemporary triumphs with Louis Armstrong -- the sheer joy and deftness heard in Noone's solos and Hines' backing make for an enjoyable listen throughout. Along with picaresque Noone vocals like "Four of Five Times" and "Ready For the River," the 23-track mix includes such classics as "Apex Blues," "A Monday Date," and "Sweet Lorraine." This works very nicely as a generous and concise roundup of some of Noone's best work. Stephen Cook
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JIMMIE NOONE – 1929-1930 | The Classics Chronological Series – 632 (1992) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

One of the more overlooked virtuosos of the early jazz period, clarinetist Jimmie Noone followed the hallowed path from New Orleans to Chicago and established himself alongside King Oliver, Louis Armstrong, and Earl Hines. He first cut his teeth with Oliver in the late teens, then recorded some of his most mature work with Hines in 1928. This Classics disc picks up the story from 1929-1930, with 24 tracks featuring Noone accompanied by clarinetist Joe Poston, banjo man Junie Cobb, and cornet player George Mitchell. And although his sidemen are good, Noone's fleet touch, randy phrasing, and sweet tone are what capture the attention. The mix varies from gully low vocals by May Alix ("My Daddy Rocks Me") to fine instrumentals of the obscure ("El Rado Scuffle") and hit ("Apex Blues") variety. This is a solid disc, but newcomers may want to first check out the more essential 1928-1929 Classics release. Stephen Cook  
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JIMMIE NOONE – 1930-1934 | The Classics Chronological Series – 641 (1992) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

The fourth of five CDs that reissue all of clarinetist Jimmie Noone's recordings as a leader (but not all of his alternate takes) covers a four-year period with 13 numbers from 1930, six from 1931, four from 1933 and the final two dating from 1934. The performances generally find Noone backed by multireedist Eddie Pollack (who stuck mostly to the melody) and challenged by Zinky Cohn whose style sounds remarkably close to Earl Hines. There are a lot of vocals on these sides which are surprisingly rewarding including Georgia White's debut ("When You're Smiling"), Elmo Tanner (best-known for his later work with Ted Weems), Pollack (who is joined by Noone on "You Rascal You"), May Alix, Art Jarrett and two early numbers from Mildred Bailey. Earl Hines makes a surprise guest appearance on one of the 1931 sessions. Recommended to early jazz collectors. Scott Yanow  
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JIMMIE NOONE – 1934-1940 | The Classics Chronological Series – 651 (1992) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

On the fifth of Jimmie Noone's five CDs on the Classics label, the New Orleans clarinetist is heard on his final 24 selections as a leader (with the exception of a slightly later live session). The first six numbers close the book on his Apex Club Orchestra, featuring Eddie Pollack (in Joe Poston's old place) playing the melody on alto and sometimes baritone behind Noone's solos; trumpeter Jimmy Cobb and pianist Zinky Cohn get some solo space. Noone is also heard in 1936 with a freewheeling New Orleans group featuring trumpeter Guy Kelly and trombonist Preston Jackson, holding his own the following year with the dynamic young trumpeter Charlie Shavers and altoist Pete Brown, and doing his best in 1940 to overcome the weak cornet playing of Natty Dominique. The final four numbers (also from 1940) are dominated by Ed Thompson's dated vocals. No matter what the setting, Noone (who passed away in 1944) is heard in prime form. Scott Yanow  
Tracklist + Credits :

JACK TEAGARDEN AND HIS ORCHESTRA – 1941-1943 | The Classics Chronological Series – 874 (1996) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

The fifth Classics CD to reissue all of trombonist/vocalist Jack Teagarden's early recordings as a leader has more than its share of gems. A dozen selections feature his 1941 big band, and unlike earlier sessions, there are no indifferent vocals or unnecessary pop baggage. Teagarden is heard in prime form on "Chicks Is Wonderful" (which strangely enough is an instrumental), "St. James Infirmary," "A Hundred Years from Today," and "Nobody Knows the Trouble I've Seen." There are also two selections that Teagarden performed in the movie Birth of the Blues with Bing Crosby: the classic title cut (sung by Crosby) and "The Waiter and the Porter and the Upstairs Maid" which finds Teagarden, Bing, and Mary Martin all interacting in cheerful form. The last seven numbers on this highly enjoyable CD feature Teagarden jamming with the Capitol International Jazzmen in 1943. He takes three vocals (including "Stars Fell on Alabama") and is well showcased on a previously unissued "Mighty Lak' a Rose." In addition, tenor saxophonist Dave Matthews takes his greatest solo on "In My Solitude"; Billy May takes his hottest trumpet solos throughout the date; pianist Joe Sullivan is a strong asset; and the clarinet spot is taken by either Jimmie Noone or Heinie Beau. "I'm Sorry I Made You Cry" and "'Deed I Do" are both quite hot. Recommended. Scott Yanow  
Tracklist
1    Jack Teagarden And His Orchestra–    Dark Eyes    3:16
2    Jack Teagarden And His Orchestra–    Prelude In C Sharp Minor    3:19
3    Jack Teagarden And His Orchestra–    Chicks Is Wonderful    3:18
4    Jack Teagarden And His Orchestra–    Blues To The Lonely    2:58
5    Bing Crosby, Mary Martin With Jack Teagarden And His Orchestra–    The Waiter And The Porter And The Upstairs Maid    3:08
6    Bing Crosby With Jack Teagarden And His Orchestra–    The Birth Of The Blues    3:12
7    Jack Teagarden And His Orchestra–    Blue River    3:07
8    Jack Teagarden And His Orchestra–    St. James Infirmary    3:13
9    Jack Teagarden And His Orchestra–    What Did I Do To Be So Black And Blue    3:04
10    Jack Teagarden And His Orchestra–    A Hundred Years From Today    2:58
11    Jack Teagarden And His Orchestra–    A Rhythm Hymn    2:58
12    Jack Teagarden And His Orchestra–    Prelude To The Blues    3:13
13    Jack Teagarden And His Orchestra–    The Blues Have Got Me    3:07
14    Jack Teagarden And His Orchestra–    Nobody Knows The Trouble I've Seen    3:04
15    The Capitol International Jazzmen–    Clambake In B Flat    2:46
16    The Capitol International Jazzmen–    Casanova's Lament    2:54
17    The Capitol International Jazzmen–    In My Solitude    2:57
18    The Capitol International Jazzmen–    I'm Sorry I Made You Cry    2:52
19    Jack Teagarden's Chicagoans–    Mighty Lak' A Rose    2:47
20    Jack Teagarden's Chicagoans–    Stars Fell On Alabama    2:57
21    Jack Teagarden's Chicagoans–    'Deed I Do    2:36
Credits :    
Alto Saxophone – Joe Ferdinando (tracks: 1 to 14), Tony Antonelli (tracks: 1 to 14)
Bass – Art Shapiro (tracks: 15 to 21)
Bass [String Bass] – Arnold Fishkind (tracks: 1 to 10), Myron Shapler (tracks: 11 to 14)
Clarinet – Heinie Beau (tracks: 19 to 21), Jimmie Noone (tracks: 15 to 18)
Clarinet, Alto Saxophone – Danny Polo (tracks: 1 to 14)
Drums – Paul Collins (tracks: 1 to 14), Zutty Singleton (tracks: 15 to 21)
Guitar – Dave Barbour (tracks: 15 to 21), Perry Botkin (tracks: 5 to 10)
Piano – Ernie Hughes (tracks: 1 to 14), Joe Sullivan (tracks: 15 to 21)
Tenor Saxophone – Art Beck (tracks: 1 to 14), Art Moore (tracks: 1 to 14), Dave Matthews (tracks: 15 to 21)
Trombone – Fred Keller (tracks: 11 to 14), Jack Teagarden, Joe Ferrall (tracks: 1 to 14), Jose Gutierrez (tracks: 1 to 14), Seymour Goldfinger (tracks: 1 to 10)
Trumpet – Art Gold (tracks: 11 to 14), Billy May (tracks: 15 to 21), John Fallstitch (tracks: 1 to 10), Pokey Carriere (tracks: 1 to 14), Sid Feller (tracks: 1 to 4), Truman Quigley (tracks: 5 to 14)
Vocals – Bing Crosby (tracks: 5, 6), Jack Teagarden (tracks: 4, 5, 7 to 10, 13, 14, 16, 18, 20), Mary Martin (tracks: 5)