McKINNEY'S COTTON PICKERS – 1928-1929 | The Chronogical Classics – 609 (1991) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

 This is the first of three Classics CDs featuring all of the master takes by McKinney's Cotton Pickers, one of the finest big bands of the late '20s. The inventive arrangements of leader Don Redman (who also plays alto and clarinet in addition to taking some vocals) are even better than the individual solos. Highlighted by such numbers as "Four or Five Times," "Milenberg Joys," "Cherry," "Don't Be Like That," "There's a Rainbow 'Round My Shoulder," and a surprisingly hard-swinging version of "It's a Precious Little Thing Called Love," the Cotton Pickers feature tight ensembles, spirited vocals, and concise, hot solos. All three of their Classics CD's are well worth picking up. Scott Yanow
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McKINNEY'S COTTON PICKERS – 1929-1930 | The Chronogical Classics – 625 (1992) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

On the second of three Classics CD's that releases the complete output of McKinney's Cotton Pickers (but without the alternate takes), there are many classic performances including "Wherever There's A Will There's A Way," "If I Could Be With You," "Honeysuckle Rose," "Baby Won't You Please Come Home" and "I Want A Little Girl." In addition to the band's regular soloists (trumpeters John Nesbitt, Joe Smith and Langston Curl, trombonist Ed Cuffee and tenorman George Thomas), some tunes also feature guests Coleman Hawkins on tenor, altoist Benny Carter and pianist Fats Waller. Timeless classic jazz. Scott Yanow
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