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Critic's Review
Ken Dryden, All Music Guide
The first of two volumes by trumpeter Jabbo Smith in 1929 and 1930 features the trumpeter leading his own groups as well as appearing as a sideman. The sound is amazing on this vintage material, with Smith's powerful trumpet in the forefront, along with tight ensembles made up of various supporting musicians, including Omer Simeon, Charlie Irvis, Benny Waters (near the beginning of his very long career), and Edgar Sampson, to name a few. While Smith never came close to achieving the success of Louis Armstrong and his erratic behavior contributed to the decline of his career, this music is an excellent collection of classic jazz. Even though Smith disavowed being a part of sessions led by either Alex Hill or Lloyd Smith, several of these selections are included since they were previously thought to feature him and previously reissued with his actual work. Chris Albertson's informative liner notes are an added bonus.
