Search - Kid Ory :: 1922-1945

A Great Instrumentalist Gets His Due

Peter Acebal | Christiansburg, VA United States | 01/01/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Kid Ory was the first great trombone in Jazz,playing in New Orleans bands until the Storyville exodus ca.1917 when he moved to the West Coast to front the hot & brilliant little band that makes up the first 7 sides on this great CD in 1922;apart from being the first records by an African American jazz band,these records are superior to the Original Dixieland Jazz Band's (who played much too fast and shrill),-just listen here to "Ory's Creole Trombone" and savor the beauty of the New Orleans school of collective polyphony.You appreciate what a tremendous Team Player Ory was - he never overplays or outshines,he has his ear on the whole tune at all times.
The remainder of the CD showcases Ory's brilliant combo from the mid-1940s and any track here can serve as classroom listening for a Music Appreciation class in JAZZ,- like a piece of Chinese porcelain,this Art is delicately constructed yet powerful in its effect, a track such as the stately rendering of "High Society" aptly illustrates the art of New Orleans jazz for all ears.If you want to hear good,solid Jazz by a gifted team player then buy this CD now!"