HOT LIPS PAGE AND HIS BAND – 1938-1940 | The Chronogical Classics – 561 (1991) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

A veteran of territory bands from the Southwest and Midwest, Hot Lips Page struck out on his own in the latter half of the '30s to lead a big band. His experience with Bennie Moten and Count Basie's groups may not have translated into similarly stellar material and arrangements, but the rough-hewn yet fluid swing those outfits adhered to certainly found its way into his repertoire. This Classics disc finds Page during those early days from 1938-1940, and includes cuts both by his group and smaller combos featuring Kansas alto legend Buster Smith, pianist Pete Johnson, and tenor saxophonist Don Byas. There's plenty of Page's masterful blues and jazz singing ("Old Man Ben"), along with a fine array of his heated trumpet solos. A fine selection from one of the unwitting godfathers of jump blues and early R&B. Stephen Cook
Tracklist + Credits :

JABBO SMITH'S RHYTHM ACES – 1929-1938 (2006) The Classics Chronological Series – 669 | FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

Although only 20 years old, trumpeter Jabbo Smith cut virtually all of his finest recordings in 1929, when he was touted as a competitor to Louis Armstrong. Smith's 19 sides with his Rhythm Aces (all of which are on this essential CD) are some of the most exciting recordings of the era. Often teamed in a quintet with Omer Simeon (on clarinet and alto), pianist Cassino Simpson, banjoist Ikey Robinson, and the tuba of Hayes Alvis (subs appear on a few numbers), Jabbo's reckless and explorative trumpet flights are often thrilling. Highlights include "Jazz Battle," "Till Times Get Better," "Ace of Rhythm," and "Band Box Stomp," but all of the performances (including Smith's trombone solo on "Lina Blues" and his occasional and effective vocals) are well worth hearing. The CD concludes with Jabbo Smith's four-song 1938 session, which is disappointingly tame. Strange as it seems, Smith was past his prime by 1930 when he was only 21. Except for some early sideman appearances and forgettable efforts in later years (plus one previously unissued Rhythm Ace side from 1929 that was unearthed in the mid-'90s by the Retrieval label), this CD essentially contains Jabbo Smith's entire legacy, although he would live until 1991. Scott Yanow   
Tracklist :
1 Jazz Battle 2:40
Jabbo Smith  
2 Little Willie Blues 3:24
Jabbo Smith
3 Sleepy Time Blues 3:27
Jabbo Smith
 4 Take Your Time 2:48
Jabbo Smith
 5 Sweet and Low Blues 3:21
Jabbo Smith
 6 Take Me to the River 2:51
Jabbo Smith
 7 Ace of Rhythm 2:55
Jabbo Smith
 8 Let's Get Together 3:30
Jabbo Smith
 9 Sau Sha Stomp 3:06
Jabbo Smith
 10 Michigander Blues 3:22
Jabbo Smith
 11 Decatur Street Tutti 2:48
Jabbo Smith
 12 Till Times Get Better 3:09
Jabbo Smith
 13 Lina Blues 3:32
Jabbo Smith
 14 Weird and Blue 3:03
Jabbo Smith
15 Croonin' the Blues 3:13
Jabbo Smith
 16 I Got the Stinger 3:20
Jabbo Smith
 17 Boston Skuffle 2:52
Jabbo Smith
 18 Tanguay Blues 2:48
Jabbo Smith
 19 Band Box Stomp 3:02
Jabbo Smith
 20 Moanful Blues 3:00
Jabbo Smith
 21 Rhythm in Spain 2:44
Jabbo Smith
 22 Absolutely 3:00
Jabbo Smith / M. Williams 
 23 More Rain, More Rest 2:46
Jabbo Smith / M. Williams
 24 How Can Cupid Be So Stupid? 3:10
Jabbo Smith