Search - Buster Bailey :: 1925-40

Buster Bailey 1925-1940

John Berry | Pompano Beach, Florida | 05/23/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This compilation of Bailey's works is truly magnificient and features some exceptionally talented musicians.Besides Bailey's "smooth as silk" clarinet, many selections feature the incredible bass of Mr. John Kirby, who graced the world of jazz until his premature death at age 44."Afternoon in Africa" is as graceful as a swan and features many, many solos, clearly showing the unselfish nature of the leader. Frankie Newton plays a superior trumpet, Don Frye tickles theivories so tenderly and O'Neill Spenser sits behind the drums. It is a wonderful classic in jazz circles and reason alone for this review to be rated 5 stars."Dizzy Debutante" is wonderfully lively and "Planter's Punch" features a top notch lineup including Charlie Shavers, Pete Brown, Billy Kyle, and James McLin...along with Spencer, Kirby and Bailey."Chained to a Dream" is absolutely lovely...soft, but forceful enough to get the point across.Two other snappy items are "Pinetop's Boogie Woogie" and "Eccentric Rag."These two selections feature Bailey's Sextet from 1940 (as opposed to the other selections mentioned, which were recorded earlier as Buster Bailey and His Rhythm Busters) and feature appearances by two greats in the world of jazz-- Zutty Singleton and Benny Carter.If you love great jazz, this is a must!JB"