Search - Jelly Roll Morton :: Mr Jelly Lord

Old, New, No Rolls, Something to Learn

08/01/2001

(3 out of 5 stars)

"I have only heard Jelly Roll Morton in passing, so I bought this to see what I could learn and hear. The actual inlay to the album gives you a lot of info, but beware, it is written by a critic. Also, the photo on the back is not the most flattering of a fellow, who when younger looked like he was barely old enough to get into a club these days. He is an amazing writer, you could tell something was up when players like Kid Ory and Johnny St. Cyr sounded so amazing and full of life, completely different from when they're with the Louis Armstrong's Hot Fives. The tuba players on this ablum are absolutely amazing and quick. As random and improvised as jazz can sound, except for the individual styles of the players, when you listen long enough you see where he orchestrates. Of course he's willing to try and play a lot of things, which makes it a lot more interesting than the same big band group playing the same variations in different order. For anyone who wants a first album to get introduced to him I think this one is great, but as far as a collection of what he did best or just an overview, know that he did sing, and he does not on this album and that he made several piano rolls, not of which appear either. So, if you are looking for the last two things, you may wish to give this album a miss."