Critic's Review
Scott Yanow, All Music Guide
Part of engineer Robert Parker's series of pre-bop reissues (all of which feature recordings that are made to sound surprisingly close to stereo), this CD has some of the highlights of the Bob Crosby Orchestra and Bobcats output of 1937-38. The 18 numbers (a dozen by the Bobcats) definitely emphasize jazz, with many Dixieland standards being prominent. The solo stars include trumpeter Yank Lawson, trombonist Warren Smith, clarinetist Matty Matlock, tenorman Eddie Miller and pianist Bob Zurke. Among the many classic recordings are "South Rampart Street Parade," "March of the Bobcats," "The Big Noise from Winnetka" (the famous duet by bassist/whistler Bob Haggart and drummer Ray Bauduc), and "Honky Tonk Train Blues," but there is not a throwaway in the entire set. Particularly recommended to Dixieland fans.
