New Orleans Owls Owls' Hoot! CD

The New Orleans Owls were a spirited seven- to nine-piece band whose hot jazz and interesting arrangements made them a legendary group to early jazz collectors. The band's entire output, 18 selections from five sessions, is reissued on this highly enjoyable CD from the English label Frog. The Owls did not have any famous musicians (other than guitarist Nappy Lamare on the final date), but their versions of such songs as "Stomp Off, Let's Go," "Tampeekoe," "White Ghost Shivers," and "Brotherly Love" in particular are memorable. In addition to those classic sides, the New Orleans Rhythm Kings' final recordings (two takes apiece of "She's Cryin' for Me" and "Everybody Loves Somebody Blues") and the recordings of John Hyman's Bayou Stompers (two versions apiece of a pair of songs that, in addition to the standard instrumentation, include the harmonica of Alvin Gautreaux) wrap up this thoroughly enjoyable disc. ~ Scott Yanow

26 tracks recorded in New Orleans & Atlanta from 1925-27, also feat. the New Orleans Rhythm Kings & John Hyman's Bayou Stompers

Liner Note Author: John Wilby.

Recording information: Atlanta, GA (09/24/1925-03/10/1927); New Orleans, LA (09/24/1925-03/10/1927).

Director: Benjie White.

Personnel: Rene Gelpi (guitar, banjo); Bill Eastwood (banjo); Benjie White, Pinky Vidacovich (clarinet, alto saxophone); Lester Smith (tenor saxophone); John Hyman, Bill Padron, Paul Mares (cornet); Frank Netto, Santo Pecora (trombone); Horace Diaz, Sigfre Christansen, Eduardo Ferrer, Glyn Lea "Red" Long (piano); Leon "Leo" Adde, Earl Crumb, Monk Hazel (drums).

Audio Remasterer: John R.T. Davies.