Search - Various Artists :: Black & White Piano 2 (1929-42)

Hear Frank Melrose!

B. D. Tutt | London, UK. | 11/04/2000

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Another in the massive Document series, this complation features two solos by Alex Hill, a duet by the unknown "Smith and Irvine", and eight solos recorded by Cassino Simpson in the Illinois State Mental Hospital at Elgin.The reason for buying this disc, however, are the eleven solos and two band recordings by Kansas City Frank Melrose. Strongly influenced by Jelly Roll Morton (to the extent that some record collectors in the late thirties thought that his recordings might be pseudonymous performances by Morton himself), enthusiasts can gain hours of pleasure from identifying the sources of the Morton quotes scattered liberally throughout the solos. Solos like "Pass the Jug" and "Jelly Roll Stomp" are an interesting hybrid of percussive barrelhouse playing and elements of Morton's distinctive style.Melrose recorded a few more band sides (with Johnny Dodds and others), and two solo alternative takes which are available elsewhere on Document. The recordings on this disc provide the basis of Melrose's recorded output, and should be heard by all those interested in 1920s - 1930s barrelhouse piano styles."