Search - Humphrey Lyttelton :: The Other Parlophones 1951-1954

A Real Treasure

John C. Graham | toronto, ontario Canada | 12/23/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"


A wonderful collection of tunes performed brilliantly by a superb group of musicians. Everything is hot and relaxed, like the delicious jazz of old. Hot 5's and 7's, Jelly-Roll Morton, and all the glorious swinging small group sessions from that era are echoed on this spectacular disc.

The Australians, including the recently deceased Ade Monsbourgh and Graeme Bell, lent an air of looseness to the proceedings. They played their jass freely and with an abandon that was indicative of the joy they felt. It was clearly a recipe for success. It was a group of like minded players having a grand old time recording the old tunes as well as some fantastic originals from Lyttelton, Bell, and Monsbourgh.

The numbers were recorded in London by Parlophone in the early fifties. The sound quality is excellent. The performances from the different groups, including the six tunes with the Caribbean players, are nothing short of amazing. It's 76 minutes of musical magic that will brighten the dullest of days. A stellar reissue that is warmly recommended."