Search - Adrian Rollini :: Adrian Rollini As a Sideman, Volume 1: 1929-1933

Generous amount of rare recordings

JJA Kiefte | Tegelen, Nederland | 02/25/2009

(4 out of 5 stars)

"This cd has in fact two subtitles: 'Rollini as a Sideman' and 'Rollini and his Orchestra'. The first nine titles find Rollini as a sideman with such obscure bands like George Posnack, Tom Clines (a most unusual band consisting of four saxes, one trombone, two violins and four rhythm!), Jack Miller and the early Freddy Martin. There is also one title (the only one from the twenties) with Smith Ballew's The Singing Boys. Although the jazz content of these titles is minimal, the music is nonetheless very pleasant. The remaining 41 titles are by Rollini and his Orchestra and Adrian's Ramblers, studio groups made up of the best musicians available such as the Dorseys, Artie Shaw, Charlie Barnet, Benny Goodman, Carl Kress, Dick McDonough, Joe Venuti, Bunny Berigan, Mannie Klein, Bud Freeman etc. There are no out-and-out jazz performances here, the titles are all popular tunes of the day containing the obligatory vocal chorus (some by fairly drab singers such as Herb Weil and Chick Bullock; fortunately there are also Dick Robertson and sweet voiced Joey Nash and one title by a very pleasing Jane Vance) and a very fair share of very good solos by all involved. To my pleasant surprise there are no overlaps with the first Retrieval Rollini disc. Remastering is lovingly done, the booklet info is very good to and I can recommend this disc without any reservation to anyone interested in good hot music of the period."