Search - Original Memphis Five :: Great White Way Blues

Portrait of an underrated band

TheQuietCritic | Maryland | 08/14/2007

(4 out of 5 stars)

"The Original Memphis Five were likely the most prolific band of their time, releasing over 400 singles between 1922 and 1931. They were able to adapt to the stylistic changes that took place around them with superb results, as this compilation shows. The material that occupies most of the CD was recorded in the acoustic recording era, and suffers from the limitaions of that technology, but is still for the most part musically compelling. The OM5 (the name's too long for me to keep typing out ;-) was one of the more tasteful bands of the era as well, rarely resorting to novelties (though the CD does include one attempt, "That Barking Dog"), and maintaining a solid sense of rhythm, thanks to pianist Frank Signorelli and drummer Jack Roth. Phil Napoleon was the band's constant, and he provides a solid, melodic lead on all songs. There is fine interplay throughout, especially between trombonist Miff Mole and Phil Napoleon. The last few songs benefit from the use of electric recording technology, and show that the group was able to keep up with the times, featuring more soloing as opposed to the entirely ensemble-based improvisation characteristic of very early jazz, and interesting arrangements. This is fun music to listen to, and provides a fascinating glimpse into early jazz history."