Search - Muggsy Spanier :: Great Original Performances (1931-1939)

Desert Island Disc

12/07/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"By the time this famous 1939 session was recorded, the swing era was in full bloom, and classic New Orleans style jazz was beginning to sound like a throwback. Over the course of four sessions, Spanier and his band recorded 16 numbers in the traditional New Orleans style. These performances are now regarded as classics (collectively, they're known as "the Great Sixteen"!). Spanier was an excellent cornetist; he was a dedicated disciple of Louis Armstrong, but his style is mellower and less flashy than Armstrong's. The band includes trombonist George Brunies (who played with the New Orleans Rhythm Kings on their famous 1922/23 sessions). Despite the strong soloing by Spanier and the rest of the band, its the ensemble work that really stands out. The music making is joyous and buoyant throughout. Like many others listeners that have chanced upon these great records, I can't imaging doing without them. Over the years, I appreciate them more and more. The audio restoration by Robert Parker on this reissue is excellent. The sound is fresh and bright, with a minimum of surface noise from the original recordings. The CD includes four very enjoyable 1931 recordings which feature Spanier and some notable sidemen."