Jelly Roll Morton - Jelly Roll Morton: 1926-1930

In both sound quality and price, England's JSP Records continues to put the American major labels to shame with their prewar jazz collections. Following superb multidisc releases of seminal recordings by Louis Armstrong and Django Reinhardt, JSP now offers this Jelly Roll Morton compendium, which includes all his Victor recordings from 1926 to 1930. Thanks to the work of remastering guru John R.T. Davies and a sinfully reasonable price, this five-disc collection far surpasses any U.S. release. The music is exuberant and evocative throughout, as Morton's substantial composing and arranging talents come into clear focus. He was able to maintain the joyous ensemble spirit of New Orleans jazz while continuing the music's evolution toward swing's sophistication. Focusing on Morton's Chicago prime, volume 1 is full of highlights, not just of this set, but of early jazz as a whole. Especially noteworthy is the trio date with the Dodds brothers, from June 1927, that yielded "The Pearls," "Wolverine Blues," and "Mr. Jelly Lord."

Volume 2 follows Morton to New York and features a few forceful piano solos, a strong session with trumpeter Red Allen and unsung clarinet player Albert Nicholas, plus a standout trio date with clarinetist Barney Bigard and drummer Zutty Singleton. Volume 3 is not as consistently brilliant, but offers some gems as well, including cuts with Nicholas and trumpeter Ward Pinkett on board from July 1930. The final two discs contain mostly alternative takes, but unfortunately, the masters of Morton's terrific New York session debut are for some reason buried at the end of disc four's alternates. It is, however, a tiny caveat considering the overall worth of this indispensable box. --Marc Greilsamer Amazon.com

outstanding...

A better buy simply does not exist. Well remasted and probably the best time frame of Jelly Roll's career. February 14, 2007

Gems from the 1920s

These sides are treasures from the 1920s. Just as JSP's "Louis Armstrong and the Hot Five and Seven", they have been miticulously restored to their former glory. There is very little distortion. What a marvel of modern technology. Get these gems before they go out of print! December 28, 2006

Excellent And Superior Set: Best By Far!

This is a bargain, both the price and the sound quality of this Jelly Roll Morton set. While I do have a few of Jelly Roll Morton's CDs, this one is just terrific. The remastering of this set is just simply put the best that I have ever heard. As far as I know, the complete recordings, both original and alternate takes are complete. One of the viewers mentioned that he only likes 1920s sound, and this does not measure up. I also am a 1920s person, and I believe it more than measure up. It's great and fun music. If you are a jazz fan, or like the music of early America [especially that sweet jazz sound] then I would highly recommend this CD for your collection. With all of Jelly Roll Morton's sessions from 1926-1930, remastered with an incredible sound, then look no futher than this CD collection.

Moreover, the price is a great bargain. Also, I was not aware of JSP, and the problems that this particular distributor of music was embroiled in. However, the sound is just great. And I do highly recommend it to all viewers. I am not sure if amazon has a listening sample [I am pretty sure they do] but if they do, I would highly recommend you listening to these great sounds. Of course nothing sounds as good as it would on your stero, however, if you have never listened to Jelly Roll Morton, then I would recommend you take a few minutes out of your time and listen to the listening sampling's that amazon offers its viewers. [If it is there]. And if not, listen to some of the other Jelly Roll Morton CD samples that I do know are listed. Jelly Roll Morton's place in the pantheon of jazz is paramount to anyone who wants to build a jazz collection. And I recommend that you start with these magnificent recordings. Highly recommended. December 23, 2006

Best set so far

This box set is from the earlier days of JSP; before they developed a rather dubious reputation for alleged piracy. It's a great set, mastered for them by John R T Davies. The layout is a little confusing, with alternate takes appearing on opposite discs, rather than in chronological order, but that's a minor issue. Otherwise, the sound quality is superb, another smashing Davies production! The impact of Morton's body of work is incalculable --- what a vital set for any jazz collection! September 15, 2005

Technically great but leaves this twenties fan cold

I love twenties and thirties music and have a large collection of it. While I know that Jelly Roll is very important to the history of jazz, there is very little of his music that I enjoy. I recognize the technical virtuosity and the improvisational inventiveness. I prefer my twenties jazz sweetened up with the melody prominent, not simply a starting point for improvisation and jamming. Much of this type of Jazz wears on me the way those twenty minute guitar or bass or drum solos from the late sixties wore on me. Yes, I can hear that you can do incredible things with your instrument. Fine. You have my admiration, but not my love. This album is not going to be played every month (or year) the way my Six Jumping Jacks albums are played. Sure, Morton and his bands are the better musicians but the SJJ's have my love the way that The Kingsmen's version of "Louie, Louie," is my favorite version of that song. I'm glad I have this but it won't get played much. May 30, 2005

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