Search - Wild Bill Davison :: Commodore Master Takes

Never Another Like Wild Bill

Harry Chandless | Hasbrouck Heights, NJ USA | 07/30/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"In the history of early jazz, which I like to call 'traditional" and some call "dixieland" or whatever, there is Wild Bill Davison on the trumpet or cornet, in the early 40's, usually with Eddie Condon and the other great jazzmen of the day, and then there are the others. When I was a kid collecting the 78pm records made by Commodore with Wild Bill's groups, I listened to them over and over again. And then over the years, they cracked or went into tapes I made and may be somewhere in my cellar. But here they all are on this CD! With a fierce, driving force on his trumpet, Davison knew how jazz should be played--and it wasn't just a conglomeration of sounds in some ragtime. It was what I called "The Real Jazz", a title I gave my radio show at Columbia College many years ago. Some of the coming "progressive" jazz people and "modern" whatever, kind of resented the name of the show. But all you have to do is listen to this CD and you'll know what I mean. These recording were preserved (thank God) from the early master takes at Commodore Records, which arose from a simple jazz record shop in Manhattan. The jazz greats that got together for these sessions are as close to real classic jam sessions as you will ever hear, and include George Bruinies. trombone, Pee Wee Russell, clarinet, Eddie Condon, guitar, Lou McGarity trombone, Gene Schroeder, piano, George Wettling, drums, Joe Sullivan piano, and Jack Lesberg, bass. What Wild Bill Davison added to jazz was an uncompromising and really strenuous way of dealing with the horn, with an almost athletic effort. No one has been ever able to imitate him. You must listen to the whole CD, but if at first you want to set down a few great numbers, set your player for tracks l(That's A Plenty); 2(Panama), which I voted number one at 12 years of age after listening to all my 78's one day; 8; 9 (twice), the beautifully done "I Don't Stand a Ghost of a Chance"; 10; 15; 16 (don't you wish you could Shimmy Like Your Sister Kate?); 20; and 22 (twice), to Wrap Your Troubles In Dreams. Dreams were created by the jazzmen of this day and their hearts and souls went into these numbers--all working together, not trying to be the "star". There will never be any like them again. But, for the price of a stupid movie, you can have them forever. The liner notes are done excellently to explain all the history."

Wonderful music and memories

Judith McAlear | Fernandina Beach, Fl United States | 08/23/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"What wonderful music!! My father, Eddie Piering, played trombone with Wild Bill during the 40s. (My sister is named after Wild Bill's third wife.) I was so happy to listen to this CD. It is all the music I grew up listening to. Great comfort in hearing what gave my father such great pleasure. True dixieland at its best!! Thank you Amazon.com. - you made it easy to find this music. Highly recommended."