Search - Andy Kirk :: Lotta Sax Appeal

LOTTA SAX APPEAL

Barry McCanna | Normandy, France | 11/05/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Andy Kirk hailed from Denver, studied music under Paul Whiteman's father, and began playing professionally in 1918. In 1925 he moved to Dallas abnd joined Terrence Holder's Dark Clouds of Joy, assuming leadership in 1929. That same year he moved with the band to Kansas City, and began recording for Brunswick.



This CD is significant because it brings together the fruits of the first nine sessions, which took place over the period of thirteen months, and would be followed by an absence from the studios of over five years. Perhaps the most important member of the band after Kirk himself was pianist and arranger Mary Lou Williams, pianist and arranger, whose first two solo recordings are included also.



Thus we hear the developing style of this band which won a strong reputation for vigorous imaginative playing. Sound quality is excellent."