Search - Various Artists :: Jazz the World Forgot 2

One of my "Desert Island Discs"

"Gimpy" Peach Johnson | 01/10/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Along with its companion, Jazz The World Forgot (Volume 1), this is a disc that belongs in any collection of jazz recordings. Rich Nevins and the folks at Yazoo have compiled a strong sampler of hot "territory" jazz of the 1920s. Like Volume 1, this disc mixes well-known bands fronted by King Oliver, Sam Morgan, Bennie Moten, and Clarence Williams with many lesser-known but equally deserving groups. In all cases, the music is absolutely top-notch and it all holds up remarkably well--even 80+ years later. The CD includes acoustic as well as early electric recordings, and from beginning to end, the sound quality is SUPERB. Transfer engineer Rich Nevins deserves a place right up there alongside John R. T. Davies as "best engineer ever." The clarity, brilliance, and warmth of the recordings is astounding--and without the slightest trace of over processing. It's as if you're listening to mint-condition copies of the original 78s on ideal equipment. Even if you should have some of these selections on other CDs or LPs, buy this disc--sonically, it tops 'em all. An added bonus to the disc is the handsomely-illustrated 20-page booklet by Sherwin Dunner with musical analysis and historical background for each track. I originally purchased this CD nearly ten years ago and I never tire of it. A decade and nearly 1,000 CDs later, it remains one of my very favorites. Musically and technically, it just doesn't get any better than this. My highest recommendation!"