The complete output of two important groups are on this CD. Cornetist
Johnny DeDroit & His New Orleans Jazz Orchestra
are heard on nine numbers recorded in New Orleans during 1924-1925, including
"Panama,"
"The Swing"
(which is really
"Washington and Lee Swing,"
"Number Two Blues,"
and
"When My Sugar Walks Down the Street."
The only "name" player in the septet is pianist
Frank Froeba
(who is on the final three songs), but the band had an appealing ensemble sound and
DeDroit
contributed a solid lead. While the
sides had been available on a few occasions in the past, the 14 numbers by
the Arcadian Serenaders
(including some selections originally released as
the Original Crescent City Jazzers
) were much more scarce. The first two tunes are by a New Orleans septet on March 17, 1924, including cornetist
Stirling Bose
, trombonist
Avery Loposer
, and
Cliff Holman
on clarinet and alto. While those are fine, the band is in better form for four numbers made in St. Louis on November 29 with
Wingy Manone
replacing
Bose
; among the more memorable selections are
"Who Can Your Regular Be Blues"
"Fidgety Feet."
Best of all is the final set (from October 26, 1925) with
returning. The eight numbers include
"Back Home in Illinois,"
"You Gotta Know How,"
"Yes Sir Boss,"
"Just a Little Bit Bad,"
"Angry."
While reminiscent in style to
the New Orleans Rhythm Kings
,
also proved to be mighty in their own right. Highly recommended to 1920s collectors. ~ Scott Yanow