Various Artists - Dixieland Main Stem New Orleans

Wait!!!  Don't scroll yet!!!

I know it says "Dixieland" and you are probably uninterested, but there's more than meets the eye here.  This is a recording of a live show at the Savoy Cafe in Boston, 1949.  The music is essentially mainstream, but more of a hot jazz/Chicago style, and the tunes are far from typical Dixie fare.  The Dixieland in the title would have been more for marketing than representation.

That said, this album is a really fun romp which maintains a jam feel throughout.  Side 2 plays like a medley, right up to Limehouse Blues which is infact a superb drum solo by Crawford.  Crawford's solo is a real banger too, something to behold.  Everybody gets a ton of shine, including Braff who is described as "new to the jazz scene" in the notes.  

The crooked cover is due to the application of the stickered sleeve, which was done at the factory.  Like most live recordings from this era (originally on 78), the sound quality is far from perfect.  However I think it's more than listenable.  I won't share anything which doesn't meet a certain standard.  The music is super fantastic and enjoyable as such.  This was ripped at 24/48 wav and transferred to 24/48 FLAC for your convenience.  I have it tagged under Edmond Hall.  As you probably assumed, it's in glorious mono... enjoy!!!

Regent MG 6076

"Savoy Cafe", Boston, MA, 1949

Ruby Braff (trumpet) Vic Dickenson (trombone) Ed Hall (clarinet) Kenny Kersey (piano) John Field (bass) Jimmy Crawford (drums)

Careless love
Please don't talk about me when I'm gone.
Bugle call rag.
Black and blue.
When a woman loves a man.
You made me love you.
My ideal.
Limehouse blues.

Sidney Bechet - Jazz Classics Vol. 1 & 2

The discography of Sidney Bechet is enormous.  Proper albums issued by labels are in the minority as there are hundreds of compilations which bring confusion and chaos to any chronological sense.  Many, if not most, add no value to his discography and are infact barely listenable.

So where does a person start if they want to listen to this prolific artist??  Well, they start here at the Crypt.  We have given you a few excellent posts which combined, give a wonderful summary to Bechet's storied music.  Basically, we have listened to tens of crappy albums so you don't have to.

Adding to essential Sidney Bechet listening, we are presenting you with two excellent volumes of Blue Note sides recorded in the late 30's through to the early 50's.  Jazz Classics were originally issued as two volumes both on 10 inch vinyl.  They were reissued in the mid 60's and given the full Blue Note treatment, including hip and modern covers designed by Miles Reid.  Thanks to the 12 inch format, we get some additional tracks which weren't on the original sides.  Between both volumes, the music was recorded in eight different sessions with a wide range of musicians.

The music is top shelf trad as only the great Sidney Bechet can deliver.  We are listening to his "comeback" years as he was supposed to be retired.  Trad jazz enjoyed a wave of interest during the 40's and 50's, so of course Bechet was considered a living legend and was drawn back into the business.  It was during this time that he recorded the infamous cut of "Summertime" for Alfred Lion, and jazz was never the same again.

So this music is important on all fronts - historically, technically... but most important it's just great toe tapping jazz by one of the genre's greatest.  If you aren't a fan of Bechet, or are looking for a starting point to enjoying his music, you have found it.  This pair of LPs were issued in 1968 and are super minty.  Any analog noise that you may hear is in the recording itself.  Wonderful fidelity as to be expected from anything with the Blue Note stamp.  It should be noted that both of these albums share the same back cover, therefore I used the same image for both.  In the album notes you will find the complete session info.  The albums have been remastered from mono to stereo.  These were ripped at 24/44.1 wav and dithered to 16/44.1 FLAC.  I hope this adds some warmth to your winter weekend... enjoy!!!

BLP 1201

A1 Muskrat Ramble
A2 Blue Horizon
A3 Weary Blues
A4 Summertime
A5 Blame It On The Blues
B1 Milenberg Joys
B2 Days Beyond Recall
B3 Salty Dog
B4 Dear Old Southland
B5 Weary Way Blues

Bass – John Williams* (tracks: A4), George "Pops" Foster* (tracks: A1, A2, A3, A5, B1, B2, B3, B4, B5)
Clarinet – Albert Nicholas (tracks: A5, B5)
Clarinet, Soprano Saxophone – Sidney Bechet
Drums – Danny Alvin (tracks: A5, B5), Manzie Johnson (tracks: A1, A2, B1, B2, B4), Sidney Catlett(tracks: A4)
Drums, Vocals – Fred Moore* (tracks: A3, B3)
Guitar – Teddy Bunn (tracks: A4, B4)
Piano – Art Hodes (tracks: A1, A2, A3, A5, B3, B5), Cliff Jackson (tracks: B1, B2), Meade "Lux" Lewis(tracks: A4)
Trombone – George Lugg (tracks: A3, B3), Sandy Williams (tracks: B1, B2), Vic Dickenson (tracks: A1, A2)
Trumpet – Bunk Johnson (tracks: B1, B2), Max Kaminsky (tracks: A3, B3), Sidney De Paris (tracks: A1, A2)

BLP 1202

A1 St. Louis Blues
A2 Up In Sidney's Flat
A3 Lord, Let Me In The Lifeboat
A4 Pounding Heart Blues
A5 Changes Made
B1 High Society
B2 Jackass Blues
B3 Jazz Me Blues
B4 Blues For Tommy Ladnier
B5 Old Stack O'Lee Blues

Bass – John Williams* (tracks: A4, B4), George "Pops" Foster* (tracks: A1, A2, A3, A5 to B3, B5)
Clarinet – Albert Nicholas (tracks: B5)
Clarinet, Soprano Saxophone – Sidney Bechet
Drums – Danny Alvin (tracks: B5), Manzie Johnson (tracks: A1 to A3, A5, B3), Sidney Catlett (tracks: A4, B4)
Drums, Vocals – Fred Moore* (tracks: B1, B2)
Guitar – Teddy Bunn (tracks: A4, B4)
Piano – Art Hodes (tracks: A1, B1 to B3, B5), Cliff Jackson (tracks: A2, A3), Don Kirkpatrick (2)(tracks: A5), Meade "Lux" Lewis (tracks: A4, B4)
Trombone – George Lugg (tracks: B1, B2), J.C. Higginbotham (tracks: A4, B4), Jimmy Archey (tracks: A5), Sandy Williams (tracks: A2, A3), Vic Dickenson (tracks: A1, B3)
Trumpet – Bunk Johnson (tracks: A2, A3), Frankie Newton* (tracks: A4, B4), Max Kaminsky (tracks: B1, B2), Sidney De Paris (tracks: A1, A5, B3)

Complete Edmond Hall - James P. Johnson - Sidney De Paris - Vic Dickenson Blue Note Sessions

To say that this limited-edition six-LP Mosaic box is overflowing with classics is an understatement. Included are a variety of small-group sessions (with overlapping personnel) from the early days of Blue Note. The Edmond Hall Celeste Quartet has five songs that are the only existing examples of Charlie Christian playing acoustic guitar; clarinetist Hall, Meade Lux Lewis (on celeste), and bassist Israel Crosby complete the unique group. The king of stride piano, James P. Johnson, is heard on eight solos; other combos are led by Johnson, Hall (who heads four groups in all), trumpeter Sidney DeParis, and trombonist Vic Dickenson (heard in a 1952 quartet with organist Bill Doggett). Among the other key soloists are vibraphonist Red Norvo, pianist Teddy Wilson, tenor great Ben Webster, baritonist Harry Carney, clarinetist Omer Simeon, and trombonist Benny Morton. But more important than the all-star personnel is the fact that the musicians are consistently inspired, and that the performances (ranging from Dixieland to advanced swing) are well-planned yet spontaneous.   Yanow. AMG

This rip is from the 4 CD version

Dicky Wells - Trombone Four-In-Hand

This is the second album that Wells recorded for Felsted, and the finer of the two in my opinion.  Lots more of what the people want - soloing and super killin ensemble work.  There are four trombone players on this date, so if you're not down with that nasally a-tonal sound, this album may not be for you.  That said, Skip Hall and the guitarists, Burrell/Barksdale, do a great job to counter the 'bone dominance.

Once again this comes from my Felsted boxset and is in FLAC.  If you are just joining us please check out the previous posts here.  Enjoy!!






Felsted FAJ7009
1959

Vic Dickenson, George Matthews, Benny Morton, Dicky Wells (trombone) Skip Hall (piano, organ) Kenny Burrell (guitar) Everett Barksdale (bass) Herbie Lovelle (drums)

NYC, April 21, 1959

Blue Moon
Air Lift
It's All Over Now
Wine-O Junction

Barksdale plays (guitar). Major Holley (bass) replaces Burrell

NYC, probably April 22, 1959

Heavy Duty
Short,Tall, Fat, Small
Girl Hunt

Buster Bailey - All About Memphis

Buster Bailey was one of the top clarinetists to emerge during the 1920s but he led relatively few sessions throughout his long career. This LP features Bailey with a quartet (along with pianist Red Richards, bassist Gene Ramey and drummer Jimmie Crawford) and, with the horns of trumpeter Herman Autrey, trombonist Vic Dickenson and altoist Hilton Jefferson added, a septet. In addition to W.C. Handy tunes, the other five songs are Bailey originals that mix together swing and the flavor of New Orleans jazz. It's a fine outing for the classic clarinetist. - Scott Yanow / AMG

Felsted Records FAJ 7003
Side A was recorded in New York, February 13th, 1958.

Side B was recorded in New York, February 27th, 1958.

A1 - Bear Wallow
A2 - Hatton Avenue And Gayoso Street
A3 - Sunday Parade
A4 - Beale Street Blues
B1 - Memphis Blues
B2 - Chickasaw Bluff
B3 - Hot Water Bayou

Bass – Gene Ramey;  Clarinet – Buster Bailey;  Drums – Jimmy Crawford;  Piano – Red Richards
Trombone – Vic Dickenson (tracks: B1-B3)
Trumpet – Herman Autrey (tracks: B1-B3)

Alto Saxaphone – Hilton Jefferson (tracks: B1-B3)

Remastered in 24bit stereo - ripped to FLAC... enjoy!!!

Dicky Wells - Bones For The King

What can I say??!??  This album is a must have for anyone who considers themself a mainstream fan.  A wonderful, swaggering swing topped with relaxed and inspired solos.  Lots of fun vocals.  Jazz at its finest.  As promised, the Felsteds kept-a-rollin.  Taken from the Felsted Mainstream Jazz Series boxset, remastered in 24 bit, ripped to FLAC... enjoy!!!

Felsted FAJ 7006
1958

Buck Clayton (trumpet) Dicky Wells (trombone) Rudy Rutherford (clarinet, baritone saxophone) Buddy Tate (tenor saxophone, baritone saxophone) Skip Hall (piano) Everett Barksdale (guitar) Major Holley (bass) Jo Jones (drums)

• Hello Smack! 
• Come And Get It 
• Stan's Dance

Vic Dickenson, George Matthews, Benny Morton, Dicky Wells (trombone) Skip Hall (piano) Major Holley (bass) Jo Jones (drums)

• Bones For The King 
• Sweet Daddy Spo-de-o 
• You Took My Hear

Budd Johnson - Blues A La Mode

I want to apologize for my absence.  I am sure that for those of you who are familiar with my personal blog, it's easy to think that my priorities lay elsewhere.  I won't lie, it would be easy for me to simply post everything at my own blog - but that will never happen.  The Crypt is where all this blogging stuff started for me, and it's really where my heart is - in spite of having my own spot.

I have the next round of Basie sides prepared so that we can continue down that road, but I wanted to share something that I am excited about.  I finally pulled the trigger on the Felsted box set, a decision I regret not making earlier.

For fans of Budd Johnson, this album is an absolute must have.  Gorgeous playing throughout with equally excellent contributions from all of his sidemen.  I find Johnson's playing to be really laid back and soulful.  He puts alot of focus into each note, rather than searching for witty phrasing or pulling out any tricks.  Tonally his horn is rich and thick - combined with his style, he is certainly the centerpiece on this session.

This was ripped from my Felsted box using EAC, and is in FLAC 16/44.1.  The tracks have been remastered using 24 bit technology, in stereo, and the results are superb.  The archives contain two Felsted sides already;  Buddy Tate and Billy Strayhorn.  I'm not sure if either is still active but if anybody wishes to have a reup just ask in the comments.  I will roll out the remaining Felsted sides and we can have this project running parallel to the Basiefest.  Enjoy!!!

Felsted FAJ 7007
1958

01. Foggy Nights (Johnson) 5:37
02. Leave Room in Your Heart for Me (Johnson-Dobson) 7:16
03. Destination Blues (Johnson) 5:19
04. À La Mode (Johnson) 7:31
05. Used Blues (Johnson) 7:05
06. Blues by Five (Johnson) 6:06

Tracks #1,3,5,7: The Septet
Charlie Savers (ts), Vic Dickenson (tb), Budd Johnson (ts), Al Sears (bs), Bert Keyes (p, org), Joe Benjamin (b), Jo Jones (d).

Recorded in New York City, on February 11, 1958.

Tracks #2,4,6: The Quintet
Charlie Savers (ts), Budd Johnson (ts), Ray Bryant (p), Joe Benjamin (b), Jo Jones (d).

Recorded in New York City, on February 14, 1958.

Vic Dickenson Septet

Well I hope everybody had a great New Years!!  Me?  Well I took my family downtown for the 'kids' New Years celebration, which included fireworks at 9:00pm.  We had a great time and with the kids in bed, my wife and I quietly brought in the New Year with some 20 year Scotch.

This album is something I am wildly excited to share.
Compilations/reissues of this kind are exactly what we need as jazz fans.  Taking really rare and pricy albums from the past, and making the music available for a reasonable price.

The liner notes are extremely well written, and tell the whole story behind this comp, so I won't go into too much detail.  What I will say is that there is no doubt this music represents Dickenson's greatest contribution to jazz.  This double LP set, released in 1972, was taken from 4 - 10" LPs recorded in the early 50's for the Vanguard imprint.  What we now call mainstream or small group swing, really got it's beginnings from the players on these tracks.  There was a time when the big band players were in a kind of limbo, in between bebop and Dixie.  They managed to carve a niche for themselves, and Dickenson's septet help lead the charge.

Musically, most of the tunes are laid back with a jam-like feel.  The soloing is top notch and inspired.  Luckily, the fidelity is incredible from vinyl which I would categorize as only being very good.  I cleaned it up and the results are excellent.  I think you'll find there's wonderful clarity and the soloists are up front with lots of immediacy.  From what I can tell, this collection was released to CD at some point but definitely appears to be OOP.  Perhaps somebody can shed some light on that for us.  Ripped at 24/44.1 wav and dithered to 16/44.1 FLAC...enjoy the first post of 2013!!!

Vanguard VRS 8520/1
1972

Vol. 1

Vol. 2

Record 1 

Tracks 1 - 5

Vol. 3

Vol. 4

Record 2 

Tracks 6 - 12