Sidney Bechet & His New Orleans Feetwarmers - Chronological Masters

I know what you're thinking...  "great, another Bechet collection...next!!"

Frankly I don't blame you.  I mean, how many collections have been issued with Bechet's name attached?!?!  If I had to guess, I would say hundreds. 

The reality of most, is that the fidelity sucks and the tracks which have been promised as classic, are infact not fit for release.  This is why you are left feeling nothing when you spin it - no joy, no involvement and certainly no love.  It takes a serious minded company to find the choicest tracks and then remaster them for modern listening. 

What I have for you here is exactly that.  The Italian label Saar Milano issued these volumes in 1973.  They knew, as you will soon know, that the Feetwarmers represented some of the best output Bechet had ever done...period.  I am pretty sure I will never top the Rhythm Kings sides in terms of importance, but when it comes to fidelity and musical enjoyment - these sides are it!!   There was infact a Vol.3 also issued but I was unable to snag it.  The good thing is that these two albums were purchased still sealed from the original buyer!!

The New Orleans Feetwarmers was Bechet's attempt in 1932 to start up a "hot jazz" group, using the small New Orleans format.  Many people think this was poor instincts on his part, but I like to think he was ahead of his time.  The 1932 group was quickly stonewalled by public tastes which had moved to big band.  Of course, by 1940 the revivalist movement had begun and the Feetwarmers were reformed once again.

The group had many members and size variations, but this is what lends to the excellence of this collection.  Firstly, unlike the Rhythm Kings, we are treated to vocals in roughly 1/3rd of all the tracks.  Greats like Herb Jeffries and even Bechet himself add that personal statement of lyrics.  Stylistically, the band dabble in rearranged big band, ballads, standards and originals.  The pallet is ultra varied and keeps things really interesting.  Even the standards are fresh and full of life.

The Feetwarmers were instrumental in popularizing the small group format, and essentially were keepers of the flame.  It was groups like this which caught the interests of men like Alfred Lion and Orin Keepnews - men who were to be inspired enough to put their money where their mouths were - and became tastemakers for modern jazz fans everywhere. 

There's no doubt that Bechet's playing on these tracks is amongst his greatest.  Inspired, his bandmates all turn in incredible performances as well.  I'm absolutely convinced that you'll be floored by what you hear on these two LPs.  This is some of the most important jazz ever laid down, and you'll understand why after listening.  Tracks are typically short, so despite having 30 tracks overall, it's a relatively quick listen.

Ripped from minty vinyl at 24/44.1 wav and dithered to 16/44.1 FLAC... Enjoy!!!

Saar Milano

sm 3571 / 3572

1973