Bunk Johnson Complete "Jazz Information" Recordings CD

Bunk Johnson was discovered living near New Orleans in 1940, without a trumpet and needing new teeth. By 1942 he had both and, through constant practicing, had regained his old form. Not counting a few talking and solo records, he first recorded on June 11, 1942. The music on this CD comes from his next session. Johnson utilized a band of local New Orleans players, of whom clarinetist George Lewis was destined for fame. There are spots where the ensembles slip slightly out of tune, but in general this is a well-played date, particularly "Big Chief Battle Axe," "Franklin Street Blues," and "Sobbin' Blues." Due to the inclusion of three alternate takes, this is the complete session, one of many easily recommended Bunk Johnson CDs reissued by the American Music label. ~ Scott Yanow

These "Jazz Information" sides were recorded in Oct. 1942 (released in 1943) by Gene Williams, who captured some of the best music "Bunk" Johnson ever created. The stunning repertoire presented here for the very first time on CD includes rags, popular so