One of the lesser-known Eddie Condon groups is the one he led in 1958 that featured cornetist Rex Stewart. Of their three albums, this rare World Pacific LP is the most rewarding, featuring the group on eight mostly heated stomps including seven tunes recorded decades earlier by the original Dixieland Jazz Band. With the exception of some animal imitations on "Livery Stable Blues," there is no attempt to recreate the past and the songs are used as a good excuse for some colorful jamming. In addition to Stewart, trombonist Cutty Cutshall, Bud Freeman on tenor, clarinetist Herb Hall, pianist Gene Schroeder, bassist Leonard Gaskin, drummer George Wettling and the guitarist/leader are heard from but the fiery cornetist generally takes solo honors.
Mungo Jerry's stay on Polydor Records, from 1975 through 1980, wasn't marked by a lot of chart hits, but they did make some great records, as this CD reminds listeners. Ray Dorset led an ever-changing lineup that included Tim Green and Dick Middleton on guitars, Chris Warnes, Larry Anderson, Eddie Quinn, and Doug Ferguson on bass, and Colin Earl at the piano. Whoever was on any specific record, the songwriting was solid and the execution was superb, whether on laid-back rocking numbers like "Hey Nadine"; roots rock-style pieces like "Never Mind I've Still Got My Rock & Roll"; or screaming, high-wattage blow-outs like "Impala Saga." This 21-song CD distills down the best of the group's work across three LPs, nine singles, and four EPs – the best moments still recalled their early sound, either stylistically or lyrically, or, as in the case of "Don't Let Go," both – it sounds like a very self-conscious reprise of "In the Summer Time."
Afrodesia is the lone album by the Afro-Soultet, which may or may not have been officially released by Banyon sometime between 1968 and 1971 (no one still breathing can remember the exact date). What we do know is that Johnny Kitchen (aka Jack Millman) licensed the record to Banyon's Betty Chiappetta (Vee-Jay Records), and the record received a test pressing. The Afro-Soultet originally hailed from Texas and recorded several albums under the name Afro-Blues Quintet +1, who had previously recorded three albums and seven 45s.
Dust to Digital always does an impressive job of providing compelling thematic material in artfully designed packaging. This has been true since their debut offering, Goodbye, Babylon, that showcased Southern sacred song and oratory. Baby, How Can It Be? Songs of Love Lust and Contempt from the 1920s and 1930s (the label's 16th release), follows suit. Assembled from the 78 collection of John Heneghan, this three-disc, 66-track set looks at its title subjects from all sides. It travels disc by disc from the first flush and ardor of romance, through the heat and passion of eros, to the tales of terror, depression, and violence that occur when the flower of belladonna replaces the rose's bloom.